Files and folders present by default in Files app

ℹ️ Support
1

Hi,

I have setup Nextcloud-AIO on my VPS and have been using it with much satisfaction for a couple of weeks.

I have a couple of questions regarding files and folders that are present by default at the root of a user’s tree in the “Files” app on setup. These are for example (non-exhaustive list): “Devices”, “Documents”, “Movies” folders, “Nextcloud Manual.pdf”, “Readme.md” files.

At first I thought that I would remove these files and folders to clear up my workspace and use only my own files system/organization. But then I noticed that the “Notes” folder contains the notes that I have written in the “Notes” app, as markdown files.

This lead me to think that these files and folders are used by Nextcloud, and that I shouldn’t delete them because it might break functionalities, or have other unwanted effects (for example, I am guessing that I would have lost access to my notes in the “Notes” app if I had removed the “Notes” folder at the root of the “Files” app).

So my questions are:

  • Can I safely delete these files and folders, or should I leave them untouched because they’re necessary for Nextcloud’s functionalities?
  • If I shouldn’t touch them, which of these files are actually necessary and for which of Nextcloud’s functionalities? (for example, I am guessing I can delete “Reasons to use Nextcloud.pdf” either way)

Thanks in advance for your help!

2

The default files are sometimes called the “skeleton” files. There is some documentation on the here:

The Notes isn’t part of these. Technically it gets created by the Notes app during your an accounts first use. But you’re correct that it contains your notes so it’s important.