What Is Maestral? An Open-Source Dropbox Client for macOS and Linux

Updated

Maestral is an open-source Dropbox client for macOS and Linux. It offers both a lightweight GUI and a command-line interface, supports multiple Dropbox accounts, and lets you exclude files and folders from syncing. Because it is not an official Dropbox app, it does not count toward the three-device limit on Basic Dropbox accounts. One important caveat: as of June 2026, Maestral is no longer actively maintained — the current version will keep working until its certificates expire.

What Maestral Does

Maestral connects to your Dropbox account and syncs files locally, but it takes a different approach from the official client:

  • Lightweight GUI — a native Cocoa interface on macOS and a Qt-based interface on Linux.
  • Powerful command-line interface — manage sync, versions, and sharing without opening a window.
  • Multiple Dropbox accounts — the CLI lets you configure an unlimited number of accounts by passing a new config name when linking.
  • Selective sync — exclude individual files and folders through fine-grained controls in both the GUI and CLI.
  • Unlimited devices — since it is not an official Dropbox App, it does not count toward the three-device limit for Basic accounts.

Command-Line Capabilities

The CLI is where Maestral differs most from typical sync clients. From the terminal you can:

  • View and restore previous file versions.
  • Create and revoke shared links.
  • See a live view of all sync activity.

For example, checking status looks like this:

$ maestral status
Account: [email protected] (Business)
Usage: 48.3% of 1498.4 TB used
Status: Up to date
Sync errors: 0

Linking an account walks through authentication and folder selection:

$ maestral start
Starting Maestral...
[OK] - Linking new account for 'maestral' config
- Retrieving auth code from Dropbox
? How would you like to you link your account? Open Dropbox website
? Enter the auth code: 6_AEcL89rUXN6Yfre4Cfdzo
✓ Linked to [email protected]
? Please choose a local Dropbox folder: ~/Dropbox (Work)
? Would you like sync all folders? Yes
✓ Setup completed. Starting sync.

Excluding Files with .mignore

Maestral supports gitignore-style patterns through an .mignore file placed in the Dropbox root. Patterns in this file match any number of items, letting you keep local files out of sync without moving them.

Who Maestral Is For

Maestral suits macOS and Linux users who want a lighter alternative to the official Dropbox client, especially those who:

  • Prefer terminal-based control over sync and sharing.
  • Need to sync more than three devices on a Basic Dropbox account.
  • Want fine-grained control over which files sync.

The Maintenance Caveat

The most important thing to know before adopting Maestral: it is no longer actively maintained as of June 2026. The current version will continue to work until certificates expire, but there will be no further updates, bug fixes, or compatibility work. If you need a long-term, actively supported client, factor that into your decision.