What is FreeFileSync? Uses, Features, Opinions, Prices FreeFileSync

In this era of multiple devices storage and the increasing importance of data, FreeFileSync It acquires great importance and usefulness due to its excellent characteristics.

Keeping data up to date can be confusing at times and the chances of accidentally overwriting or deleting important information have become very high.

FreeFileSync is one of the most powerful file and data synchronization software, with which you can synchronize, create and manage backups of all your important files.

FreeFileSync can ensure the difference between the source and destination folder. This efficiency ensures that you can transfer files using minimum data. Let's go into detail to know more about this valuable software.

What is FreeFileSync

FreeFileSync is an open source file and folder synchronization utility. It has versions for Windows, MacOS and Linux. FreeFileSync allows you to compare or synchronize folders and files across multiple storage devices, so you always have up-to-date files on all your media.

You may have the same data stored on different computers, your drive USB, network devices, on your mobile storage or in the cloud.

Some changes are frequently made to this data stored on a specific storage device and it is vital to match this data with the other storage devices. Otherwise, you will end up losing the updated data and keep using the old data, wasting a lot of time and effort.

If you are backing up your data manually, FreeFileSync can do the job effectively and efficiently.

FreeFileSync is a very easy-to-use software for beginners, while experienced users will benefit from the wide range of settings it offers. It is a free and open source folder synchronization and comparison software.

This is by far one of the biggest advantages of FreeFileSync over its competitors. In other words, if you're waiting for the most complete file sync solution, FreeFileSync is the right software for you.

FreeFileSync There is also a paid, donation-type version, which allows portable installation, parallel copying, automatic updates, email notifications, and silent installation. But the donation amount can be anything of your choice.

What FreeFileSync can be used for

FreeFileSync supports various types of syncs and sources. You can sync local files and folders, network folders, local data to cloud or FTP server, and even mobile devices.

The synchronization itself can be one-way or two-way. In this case, you can set up file updates only or selective synchronization in both directions.

To start synchronization, you need to select the source folders and names you want to work with. After that, in the top panel, you need to select the comparison type: date and file size, file content, or file size. And also choose the type of synchronization.

If necessary, you can go to “Additional Sync Settings” and set more precise parameters for automatic operation. When everything is set up, you should click the “Compare” button to preview future changes.

At this point, you can quickly configure settings to filter out unnecessary files or resolve any conflicts. If everything is fine, it remains to click the “Sync” button and all data will be moved according to the selected parameters.

The synchronization itself can be saved to start it quickly in the future.

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What else can FreeFileSync do?

The utility has many additional features. For example, this application knows how to understand that data has been moved or deleted. And for all data deleted or modified during synchronization, there is version control.

You should note that there are no restrictions on the amount of data that can be synchronized. Awesome.

FreeFileSync is a great free app for syncing data between folders. Of course, this is not without the drawbacks of free and open source solutions, such as the complexity of setting up the programming automatically.

At the same time, manual synchronization works like a clock and the utility copes with its tasks perfectly.

FreeFileSync Features

Let's look at some of the best features of this utility.

1. RealTimeSync

Function RealTimeSync. The RealTimeSync automatic synchronization option is something that is very important to look for in any file synchronization software.

Whenever there is a change in the monitored directory, a command line will be executed. Typically, a batch job is run whenever a directory is available.

One of the best features of Real Time Sync is that you only receive the change notification when it comes directly from the operating system.

This helps to restrict the conflict that may be caused due to repeated polling before making the change permanent. RealTimeSync waits for a particular period of time. Once the program detects no more changes, it only runs the command line program. commands.

2. Flexible timing settings

Depending on the type of folder or folder pairs you are working on, FreeFileSync provides two types of synchronization settings.

By selecting the option «Bidirectional«, you can actually make a change to the original file while the replica will continue forward. Once the first file is synchronized, the database files determine the direction flow.

If you choose the option «Mirror«, your files will only be changed one way. While the folder on the left will be treated as the source, the destination folder on the right will be ready for syncing.

There are also options for rules «lessons", which give users greater flexibility by categorizing the flow.

3. File version control

If you are working with files that you constantly update, but you need the previous version, this particular option can be really useful.

File versioning allows the user to retain files that have been overwritten or deleted by mistake. While you can do the same with the Recycle Bin, limitations on large files or length can create a hurdle.

That is why FreeFileSync has introduced the version control feature.

4. Volume Snapshot

This is the additional feature that only comes with the Windows program. In case of a locked or shared file, you can still copy the same, using “Volume Shadow Copy".

Volume shadow copies that are created can only be used when copying locked files. However, to access the files, you need to grant administrative privileges to FreeFileSync.

To configure this particular feature, first head over to the “Menu «. In the « tabTools«, you can find the option «Copy locked files«.

Once you do everything right, you'll always be good to go. In case of any problems, make sure to renew your registration.

5. Other Features

• FreeFileSync offers a very intuitive and easy-to-use graphical user interface. Simply find the files or folders you want to compare or sync, and click the “Compare«. FreeFileSync will instantly show you how the contents of the folders differ.
• Files can be compare based on content they have, their size, or the last modification date. Changes to files and folders can be made automatically or manually by moving the updated files from one location to another.
• During synchronization, all folders or files that are compared will be updated, but users can also create a mirror backup of one of the folders, or move all updated files to one of the folders. Thus, users can create their own file synchronization rules.
• There are filters in FreeFileSync which allow the user to control which files can be overwritten to ensure that nothing important is lost.
• The software also allows you to copy files that are in use as well as those that are locked.

Advantages

• Highly effective software.
• It is packed with multiple features.
• Available for Windows, Mac and Linux.
• Easy to use for beginners.
• It is open source, meaning it is free.
• Great support.

 Disadvantages

• Only syncs folders, not apps.

Plans and prices

FreeFileSync It is completely free, and its developer does not offer any payment plan of any kind.

On their official website FreeFileSync, there is an option to make a donation, if you consider supporting the project. And for making the donation, its developer will provide you with an extended version called “Donation Edition”, which has several additional functions.

There is no minimum donation amount. It is up to you.

How and where to download

FreeFileSync It runs on all 32-bit and 64-bit versions of Windows, such as Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP.

This software is also compatible with all recent editions of MacOS. You can also use this software on all major Linux distributions such as CentOS, Debian, Fedora, Mint, SUSE, Ubuntu.

For Windows

1. You can download FreeFileSync from its official site.
2. In the Home, click on “Download”, located in the top menu.
3. A new page will appear. Navigate to find the download links for each of the platforms. Select “FreeFileSync for Windows"
4. The installer file will be downloaded to your “Downloads".
5. Once the download is complete, double-click the file to open it.
6. Follow the installation instructions, and click “Install".
7. Once the installation is complete, click “Finalize” to exit the installer.

Double click on the file .exe, either on the desktop or in the location where you installed the application, to launch it.

For linux

1. You can download FreeFileSync from its official site.
2. In the Home, click on “Download”, located in the top menu.
3. A new page will appear. Navigate to find the download links for each of the platforms. Select “FreeFileSync for Linux"
4. Once downloaded, open your file manager and navigate to the download folder.
5. Then right click on the file gz and select extract here.
6. The content will be extracted to a new folder FreeFileSync in the current folder. In that folder, you will see two executable binaries: FreeFileSync y Real Time Sync.

Double click on the binary FreeFileSync and the program will run.

For MacOS

1. You can download FreeFileSync from its official site.
2. In the Home, click on “Download”, located in the top menu.
3. A new page will appear. Navigate to find the download links for each of the platforms. Select “FreeFileSync for MacOS"
4. After downloading the ZIP file, create an empty folder in the Applications folder and name it according to your work needs.
5. Simply copy the files located in the ZIP file to this new location.

If an update is available in the future, you'll need to delete the old program and text files, and then download the new ones instead, although your old sync information will be retained.

Opinions from users who have used

Let's see some opinions and comments from people who have already downloaded FreeFileSync and they tested it.

• lionel1982:

“Very good synchronization tool between different folders and operating systems.”

• Dihelson:

“Simply THE BEST! – You only need this amazing program to analyze two folders, see the differences and update one for the other. Compare and even show binary differences if you want.

Sometimes you think your files are the same in size, name, etc., but it is always good to compare your binary backups to see if everything is okay. With FreeFileSync you can do it. Excellent.”

• Xtrchessreal:

“Easy to use. I use this program every few months to backup my personal files, documents, downloads, pictures, videos, desktop, etc. to my 2 terabit backup.

After the initial mirror Everything (copy), it now only takes a few minutes to compare the laptop folders to the backup, new music, photos, videos, and a few files here and there. I will use this forever on all my computers. portable Linux in the future. Better than Foldermatch on that operating system that will never again appear on my lips. I love this program.”

• web-keeper-666:

“I love this product. It works great and the fact that it is “portable” means I don’t have to bother our IT Support to come and install it. Great job, thanks so much. 5 ***** PS.

Just one suggestion, if I may, the ability to have a portable version as a standalone download would be very convenient. This would save me from having to run the setup program to create a portable version on “non-work” computers and then copy it to my work computers.”

FreeFileSync Alternatives. Top 5 of This Year

Let's see some similar software, alternatives to FreeFileSync.

1.ChronoSync

ChronoSync is an interesting synchronization software because, in addition to the usual synchronization function, it also backs up and restores data.

Supported devices and accounts include only Apple devices. The only supported sync is between MacOS X and devices. iOS.

You can sync any type of file between Apple devices. This sync software also handles local backups, remote backups, backups of files, and more. Boot and even remote start.

This solution has several things to recommend it. Not only does it sync, but it also performs backups, meaning you can guarantee that all your files will be safe.

The obvious problem comes with compatibility, though. While it's a useful Mac file sync software if you're completely loyal to Apple, if you have a smartphone Android, you won't be able to use it, which is a big inconvenience.

2. GoodSync

This sync software is cross-platform compatible, and can sync, backup and restore data. Goodsync It supports multiple devices including computers, mobile devices, FTP, S3, GDocs, SkyDrive, DAV, etc.

You have the option to automatically sync any file on your computer to any computer, drive, or mobile device. You can also back up data on drives, devices to FTP, S3, SkyDrive, and more.

Importantly Goodsync only syncs folder to folder, not folder and apps. Goodsync You can sync folders containing files between supported devices and accounts.

In many ways, this is a useful program, although it may not be for everyone. Compared to some of the other programs we've looked at, Goodsync It can often seem too complicated.

The other big problem is that it is good for syncing folders, but useless when it comes to syncing different programs.

3. Synchronize! Pro X

The name of this tool, Synchronize! Pro X, implies that it is a sync tool, but in reality, it is a backup and restore tool, so be careful, first decide what kind of software you exactly need.

You can back up your Mac data to a file server, FireWire drive, and PowerBook with the intention of keeping files up to date on both ends.

With Synchronize! It is possible to perform PRO bootable backups to a disk image over a network. One nice feature worth mentioning is that you can set backups to occur automatically or at a scheduled time.

This is a synchronization software Mac quite useful, with a lot to offer. It offers the standard sync features, as well as backups to ensure your files are kept safe.

However, you need to spend a good amount of money to get full usability. While the networking feature is definitely useful, you may not want to spend that much on a syncing tool if you don't really need it.

4. ResilioSync

Resilio Sync is a peer-to-peer sync tool. You can think of it as the analogue of Dropbox, but unlike the latter, it's not just one folder on your computer, it's several folders that you yourself choose to sync.

Resilio Sync It is compatible with mobile platforms Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Amazon Kindle Fire, as well as OS desktops like macOS, Windows, and Linux, FreeBSD. It is also available for NAS.

Resilio offers many advantages. It is a good syncing software for moving large files between devices and keeping them in sync. However, the speeds could be much faster.

5. SyncBack

With SyncBack You can backup and sync selected files and folders, backup to FTP, compress files, and configure other basic options with any version of SyncBack.

Additional features are available in SyncBackFree, SyncBack Lite, SyncBackSE, and SyncBackPro. SyncBack syncs files within the same network to another drive on your computer or a shared folder on a different computer. Or it can sync your files to online accounts like Dropbox or Google Drive.

This software offers all the options we expect from a decent sync software that users can enjoy. It is quite versatile, although issues have been reported with different MacOS systems.

FAQs

Let's look at some FAQs about FreeFileSync.

What makes FreeFileSync such a unique software?

When dealing with FreeFileSyncThere's more to FreeFileSync than just file syncing. Being open source, you can use FreeFileSync completely free of charge.

At the same time, it doesn’t come with any ads during installation or within the app. Some of the other features that make FreeFileSync a big hit include:

• You can sync files on both network shares and local drives.
• You can sync it with Google Drive.
• All moved and renamed files are detected on the fly.
• Provides users with a complete and detailed error report.
• It comes with cross-platform functionality.

Is there any limit set for the number of files to sync?

FreeFileSync It doesn't come with any limitations whatsoever. In other words, you can sync as many files as you want.

There is only one limitation of hardware which restricts FreeFileSync. If you have 1GB of RAM, you can only sync approximately 1,7 million file pairs.

How do I restore my files if I accidentally deleted them?

In the sync option, you can make sure how the entire deletion process is handled. Some of the most commonly used options include:

Permed: If the permanent option is set, you can always use a file deletion tool. Just make sure that the memory blocks inside the physical drive have been overwritten or not. Based on the same, you can always restore your files.

Recycle Bin: The Recycle Bin never fails to surprise us. In case you have accidentally deleted your files, you can always search for the same in the Recycle Bin.

Version control: Depending on the directory you set, you may still find deleted files.

Conclusion

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If you are someone who constantly moves files from one place to another, file syncing is something you must have heard of or used before. The same goes if you want to keep a backup of your files in case of any unfortunate circumstances.

This is where it comes in FreeFileSync. Helps you seamlessly backup your files while syncing them.

You don't have to go through the hassle of copying each and every file ever again. The software FreeFileSync It is built in such a way that it can effectively distinguish the differences between the destination folder and the source file. And the best thing about it is that it uses the minimum amount of data required to perform the transfer.

FreeFileSync It is completely free to use. However, you can donate to keep the community running.