Supported Cloud Providers
Captain's Deck supports native connections to popular cloud storage services:
- Google Drive
- Microsoft OneDrive
- Dropbox
- Rackspace Cloud Files - Object storage
For S3-compatible storage (Amazon S3, Backblaze B2, DigitalOcean Spaces), see the S3 Guide.
Two Ways to Connect
Each cloud dialog offers two options:
- Local folder (recommended) — uses the folder that the provider’s own Mac app (Google Drive for desktop, OneDrive or Dropbox) keeps on your Mac. Nothing to sign in to in Captain’s Deck; the provider’s app does the syncing.
- API — talks to the service directly. You enter your Account ID (your email address) and paste an Access Token, an OAuth access token you get from the provider. There’s no browser sign-in.
Note: API connections aren’t saved, and the access token isn’t stored. You enter it again each time you connect, and you’ll need a fresh token once the old one expires.
Connecting to Google Drive
- Choose Go → Connect to Google Drive…
- Pick Use local CloudStorage folder (recommended) or Use Google Drive API
- For the API option, fill in Account ID and Access Token
- Click Connect — your Drive opens in the active pane
Connecting to OneDrive
- Choose Go → Connect to OneDrive…
- Pick Use local CloudStorage folder (recommended) or Use Microsoft Graph API
- For the API option, fill in Account ID and Access Token
- Click Connect — your OneDrive opens in the active pane
Connecting to Dropbox
- Choose Go → Connect to Dropbox…
- Pick Use local Dropbox folder (recommended) or Use Dropbox API
- For the API option, fill in Account ID and Access Token
- Click Connect — your Dropbox opens in the active pane
Browsing Cloud Storage
Once connected, cloud storage works just like local folders:
- Navigate with arrow keys or hjkl
- Copy files between cloud and local with F5
- Move files with F6
- Delete files with F8
- Create folders with F7
- Search with Cmd+Shift+F
Quick access
If the provider’s Mac app is installed, you don’t need to connect at all:
- Its folder appears in the sidebar under Devices, next to iCloud Drive
- Go → Cloud Services jumps straight to iCloud Drive, Google Drive, Dropbox or OneDrive
Creating Shareable Links
Create shareable links for files in Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox:
- Connect with the API option
- Right-click a file and select Create Share Link
- The link is copied to your clipboard
Anyone with the link can view the file.
API only: share links need an API connection. With the local-folder option you’ll see “Share links require API access”; use the provider’s own app or website instead.
Disconnecting
There’s nothing to disconnect. A cloud connection lasts until you close its tab or navigate away from it, and no credentials are kept afterwards.
Performance Tips
- Large files - Uploads and downloads run in the background with progress tracking
- Caching - Directory listings are cached for faster navigation
- Thumbnails - Image thumbnails are loaded on demand to save bandwidth
- Batch operations - Select multiple files to copy/move them together