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I need to write some massive files and I have not got enough local storage to buffer them locally before they land on Box. Is it possible to write directly to a file located on Box? I am currently exploring Box Drive as a solution for this but I have not yet been successful in avoiding local buffering. I am attempting this from python so it is also possible to use the Box python module for this which I have not yet attempted.

I’m betting this is an easy question for some of you more seasoned Box users.

 

Thanks,

  1. Hurtado

Hi ​@thurtado, 

Welcome to Box Community,  and we’re glad to assist!

 

Box Drive does not support writing directly to a file located on Box without local caching or buffering. Box Drive works by streaming files from the cloud and caching them locally when you open or edit them. The cache size is limited (default max 25GB or 50% of free disk space), and files are saved locally before being uploaded back to Box. This means large files must be buffered locally at least temporarily.

Specifically:

  • Box Drive caches files locally when opened or edited; changes save back to Box automatically. 
  • There is no mention of direct write-through to Box storage without local caching.
  • Marking folders for offline use downloads content fully to local storage.
  • Box Drive’s cache cannot be disabled and has minimum size limits. 
  • For very large files or massive writes, this local caching requirement may cause issues if local storage is insufficient.
  • Using the Box Python SDK (Box python module) could allow uploading files in chunks or streams directly via API calls, bypassing local filesystem constraints, but this requires custom code and is separate from Box Drive functionality.

 

Hope it answers your question, please let us know if you have clarifications. 

 

Thanks for posting! 

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