How to Sync 2 Folders on Mac: 2 Free Ways

Can You Sync Two Folders on Mac?

If you're looking to sync 2 folders on Mac seamlessly, you're in the right place. Syncing folders ensures your files are up-to-date across multiple locations, providing both convenience and data security. This guide will walk you through two free methods to complete this task.

When You Need to Sync Two Folders?

There are several scenarios where letting Mac sync 2 folders is beneficial:

• Data backup: Regularly syncing your folders ensures that your important files are backed up and can be easily restored in case of data loss.
• File collaboration: If you’re working on a project with team members, syncing folders ensures everyone has the most recent files.
• Multi-device usage: Syncing folders across devices, like a desktop and laptop or a local disk and an external drive, allows seamless access to updated files wherever you go.
• Data organization: Keeping folders in sync helps maintain organization and ensures that files are not duplicated or lost.

Way 1. Sync 2 Folders on Mac with Free Folder Sync App - Easiest

One of the simplest methods to sync two folders on your Mac free is to rely on folder sync software. In this guide, we'll focus on AOMEI Backupper Mac, one of the best folder sync apps for Mac, due to its user-friendly interface and simple operation. This tool can help you easily sync two folders with just one click, and offers you many powerful features, like:

AOMEI Backupper Mac

Easy and Free Mac File Sync Software

• Multiple sync modes: Support for various sync modes, including Basic Sync, Mirror Sync, and Two-Way Sync, for you to perform folder one way or two way sync as needed.
• Scheduled sync: Automate sync tasks to run at specified intervals, such as daily, weekly, monthly, or hourly.
• Selective sync: Choose specific files or folders to sync from local disk, external hard drive, network drive, to local & external disks, network drive, or NAS device.

Download Freeware
macOS 10.15 or later

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The following is a step-by-step guide for Mac how to sync two folders using AOMEI Backupper:

Step 1. Launch the AOMEI Backupper Mac freeware, and tap on New Task.

Step 2. Choose a sync method per your need:

• Basic Sync - Copy files from the source location to the destination in one-way sync method.
• Mirror Sync - Make an exact copy of files at the destination, keeping files in the destination exactly the same as the source.
• Two-Way Sync - Sync changed files between source and destination locations to the other side mutually.

Step 3. Then, click on Select Sync Source and Select Sync Destination to add your target folders separately.

Step 4. You can auto sync two folders on Mac by setting up an appropriate sync frequency. Finally, click on Sync to keep two folders in sync on Mac with ease.

Way 2. Sync Two Folders on Mac using Terminal

For those who prefer a more hands-on approach or need a free solution without third-party apps, using Terminal commands like Rsync can be feasible. Rsync is a powerful command-line utility that comes pre-installed on macOS. It can sync folders efficiently with various options for customization. Here’s how to use Rsync to sync two folders:

Step 1. Navigate to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.

Step 2. Input the following command to sync 2 folders on Mac:

rsync -aE --delete/path/to/source/folder/ /path/to/destination/folder/

• "-aE" asks rsync to copy metadata and preserve permissions.
• "-delete" ensures that deletions in the source folder are reflected in the destination folder.

Step 3. Press Enter to run the command. The folders will be synchronized based on the specified parameters.

FAQs about Syncing Two Folders on Mac

#1. How do I keep files synced between two Macs?

To keep files synced between two Macs, you can use file synchronization software like AOMEI Backupper Mac to set up two Mac synchronizations using your network path. Alternatively, you can use cloud storage services like iCloud Drive, Google Drive, or Dropbox to sync files across all devices linked to your account.

#2. Can I sync folders in real-time on macOS?

Yes, you can sync folders in real-time using AOMEI Backupper for Mac. The real-time sync feature ensures that any changes made in one folder are immediately mirrored in the other folder.

#3. What is the difference between one-way and two-way folder sync?

• One-Way Sync: Changes made in the source folder are replicated to the destination folder, but not vice versa.
• Two-Way Sync: Changes made in either folder are mirrored in the other folder, ensuring both folders stay identical.

To Sum it up

Syncing 2 folders on your Mac is essential for maintaining up-to-date and secure files across different locations or devices. Whether you opt for the simplicity of AOMEI Backupper or the flexibility of Rsync via Terminal, both methods offer reliable solutions for your synchronization needs. Choose the method that best suits your workflow and enjoy seamless file management on your Mac.