Dropbox: version control for creative assets
One of the big holes in my workflow is version control for creative assets. Specifically, .psd, .eps and various other image source files. There are many version control systems for code specifically that exist with lots of GUI client options but there is only one viable commercial solution for creative assets which is Adobe Version Cue. I personally have my own problems with Version Cue I think the app is bloated and for designers who are using tools outside of the Adobe Creative Suite this application is just not an option. Enter Dropox. Although currently in invite only beta, I’m already seeing the massive potential this service has for designers. Dropbox is not a version control service specifically but to me personally this is perhaps it’s strongest feature. Dropbox comes with Windows and Mac installation packages which give you the ability to create a Dropbox sync folder on your desktop, you can choose to work directly out of this folder or copy assets over to this folder and Dropbox instantly begins to sync the folder to your online account, keeping records of every change to the file. If you find that some changes to a file need to be reverted to a previous version you can log on to your Dropbox account, view the change history and download a previous copy of the file, for a designer this is huge, instead of creating multiple versions of a file you can simply draw from a series of changes if you need to. Dropbox is giving 5GB of storage to it’s beta testers right now, but I would gladly pay to have more storage and use this service as an actual repository for my project work. If you’re a designer, keep your eye on Dropbox for when they launch I think you’ll really like what this service can do for your project workflow.
Hi Nick. I stumbled upon your blog while doing my own research about Dropbox. Like you, I’m also excited about the versioning capabilities, but I’m personally just as interested in the automatic synchronization capabilities across multiple computers and platforms. Of course security is a prime concern of mine, and haven’t dug into their assurances much yet.
I’m just waiting for them to send me an invite. (You don’t happen to have one you’d be willing to share, do you?)
By the way, nice logos… I like the Interactive Market ones the best.
Brian March 27, 2008 11:57 am
Brian, it is too early to put all your faith in Dropbox as major piece of your process but it is promising. I sent you an invite.
nick March 27, 2008 12:04 pm
Nick,
It sounds like a fascinating service, particularly if it matches the “just works” standard that people are looking for. As Brian said above, security will be the big question, but it sounds like a fine option. If you have invites to spare, I’d love to give it a try.
nick March 27, 2008 1:15 pm
Hey Nick,
I’ve been searching for a solid file sync tool for awhile. I currently use FolderShare from Microsoft, but it lacks the revision history which it sounds like DropBox has. You might want to check out SugarSync which was in private beta until recently. Both Foldershare and SugarSync have Windows AND Mac clients.
If you have a DropBox invitation to spare, I’d love the opportunity to check it out.
-Molly
molly March 27, 2008 2:09 pm
Hey Nick,
I hadn’t seen this before, looks like it could be a great solution for people like me who need something a little simpler than regular version control systems. I just asked to be part of the beta on their site but if you have an extra invite I’d really like to try it out.
Grant March 27, 2008 2:20 pm