# Downloading a file using DropBox - problems

**URL:** <https://community.make.com/t/downloading-a-file-using-dropbox-problems/106878>\
**Category:** Beginner Questions\
**Tags:** dropbox, connections\
**Created:** [April 2, 2026, 7:47pm UTC](https://community.make.com/t/downloading-a-file-using-dropbox-problems/106878 "2026-04-02T19:47:02Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Michael\_Williquette](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/bc79bd/32.png) [@Michael\_Williquette](https://community.make.com/u/Michael_Williquette)\
**Post date:** [April 2, 2026, 7:47pm UTC](https://community.make.com/t/downloading-a-file-using-dropbox-problems/106878/1 "2026-04-02T19:47:02Z")

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### 🎯 What is your goal?

I have a scenario where I download a JSON file from Dropbox using the Download a File module. The output data is coming through as binary/hex. I need to convert it to readable text so I can pass it to an HTTP module that calls an external API. What is the easiest way to convert the Dropbox downloaded file data to plain text in [Make.com?”](http://Make.com?%E2%80%9D)

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**Author:** ![Bolex\_creatives](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/user_avatar/community.make.com/bolex_creatives/32/92852_2.png) [@Bolex\_creatives](https://community.make.com/u/Bolex_creatives)\
**Post date:** [April 2, 2026, 10:41pm UTC](https://community.make.com/t/downloading-a-file-using-dropbox-problems/106878/3 "2026-04-02T22:41:11Z")

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> [@Michael\_Williquette](#):
>
> I have a scenario where I download a JSON file from Dropbox using the Download a File module. The output data is coming through as binary/hex. I need to convert it to readable text so I can pass it to an HTTP module that calls an external API. What is the easiest way to convert the Dropbox downloaded file data to plain text in [Make.com?”](http://Make.com?%E2%80%9D)

**Dropbox → Download a File**

The file that is returned

That’s why you’re seeing unreadable content.

Important:

I t’s **NOT actually hex**  
It’s **binary data encoded by Make**  
You just need to **decode it properly**

My solution: Use a “Set Variable” module or `toString()` function

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**Author:** ![Make\_Bot](https://dub1.discourse-cdn.com/flex013/user_avatar/community.make.com/make_bot/32/14661_2.png) [@Make\_Bot](https://community.make.com/u/Make_Bot)\
**Post date:** [July 1, 2026, 10:48pm UTC](https://community.make.com/t/downloading-a-file-using-dropbox-problems/106878/4 "2026-07-01T22:48:12Z")

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