Dropsync or FolderSync – Automate the synchronization of files and folders

This article will be compared two instruments for automated synchronization of files and folders, or Dropsync and FolderSync.

We’ve already seen how to use Dropbox to backup your data (for those who lost it Cloud storage – Dropbox – User guide).

The app in its desktop version keeps your files and folders synchronized with the cloud, but this does not happen with the Android app and you are forced to manually sync your data.

The problem can easily be overcome with an app like Autosync DropboxDropsync or FolderSync.

Dropsync is an app distributed by MetaCtrl that adds automatic synchronization and sharing capabilities between the Dropbox cloud and all devices in its possession on which the app is installed with your credentials.

FolderSync has the same function as Dropsync, but it is more generic as it manages different types of cloud (such as Google Drive).

 

App for synchronization – a classic scenario

The classic scenario is as follows.

On an “A” device (such as a tablet), we decide to back up a folder on Dropbox.

To do this we use Dropsync or FolderSync by pointing to the folder of interest on our device and the destination folder on Dropbox.

From now on, the app will automatically synchronize our chosen folder with Dropbox folder selected.

To complete the scenario, let’s imagine that we have another device called “B” (such as a smartphone) that we want the same photos taken on the tablet and vice versa.

We install for this purpose the same app also on the second device and repeat the folder configuration, similarly to what has already been done on the tablet, even on the phone.

What will happen after completing the configuration of both devices is that the two devices will be completely synchronized to the previously configured folder.

Which means that when a file is loaded, deleted, or edited on one of the two devices, the app will start synchronizing and the same thing will happen on the second device.

 

Configuration of Dropsync

First download Dropsync from the link:

Download app from Google Store

After installation, launch the app, you will be required to log into your Dropbox account.

After setting up your account on the cloud, the Dropsync main screen will be displayed.

Dropsync home screen

From this screen you can check the file update status, access the synchronization history to see the past events, see the currently synchronized folders (where you can enable / disable auto sync and choose the synchronization type on the selected folder ” Bidirectional, “” charge only, “” charge, delete, “” mirror, “etc.), and access the options to update the app version.

 

To configure a folder to sync, select the “Synchronized Folders” entry, you will be presented with the screen:

Dropsync add folder

 

Select the button add and indicate your local folder and remote folder on dropbox, pointing to the synchronization mode, and save the configuration.

The synchronization mode indicates how this must be implemented; one-way from the device to Dropbox or two-way to allow synchronization of the device folder with the data on Cloud.

Autosync Dropbox - Dropsync Sharing

 

It will create a new automatic synchronization process (which in the case of the free version is also the unique).

Dropsync synchronized folders

 

Dropsync versions

Of Dropsync, there are four versions:

  • The free that allows the synchronization of a single folder at a time and upload only files with a maximum size of 10 MB. Plus it has the additional annoyance of the advertisements during its use.
  • Without advertising, in this case the app has the same features of the first version identical, but without the hassle of advertising.
  • Pro, without ads as before, but also removes restrictions on the size of files and individual folder.
  • Ultimate, like the Pro, except that in this case, any update is released, you will not need any additional purchase.

 

FolderSync Configuration

Now let’s see how FolderSync works.

Download from the app store:

Download FolderSync free version

and wait for the application is installed on your device.

When you start the application, you will be presented with a screen similar to the following:

Foldersync main screen

 

Connect your cloud account by visiting “Account”

To difference of DropSync, in this case we will be able to choose from a large number of clouds

foldersync clouds

 

You also specify a name that identifies the cloud account during selection (to facilitate the life of multiple accounts with the same cloud).

At this point, go to the “Synchronized Folders” section and create a new set of values.

Foldersync creating synchronized folders

We give a meaningful name to this synchronization process to make it clear folders on which we will work.

We select in account the name given above to the cloud account created a few lines above and the type of synchronization you want (bidirectional, remote folder, local folder), very useful feature in case you have a few jigs available.

Let’s say the remote folder to sync to the cloud and the local folder on our device.

In addition to these parameters, there are many others that can be set to better synchronize, such as the ability to indicate uploads and downloads only in the presence of wireless.

Save the configuration and you will see the new configuration on the left of the section

Foldersync rescue

At this point, you can launch synchronization, or wait for automatic synchronization (if enabled).

You can check the status of the synchronization from the “Synchronization Status” section.

FolderSync Sync Status

As you can see from the figure, it is very simple to identify any synchronizations that have been successfully completed or not.

 

DropSync or FolderSync?

By evaluating both products in free version, FolderSync undoubtedly wins because it is not as restrictive as DropSync is.

The restriction to a single folder or to the limit of 10 mega files DropSync, is extremely heavy because in both cases is an exaggeration limit if you really want to use.

FolderSync allows you to use different types of clouds, so we do not have to stop at Dropbox, but we can use everyone we prefer.

So why i talked about DropSync?

Because FolderSync is even easier to use and has a minimal interface that makes it usable even by less experienced.

Also for those who buy it, the above limitations will not be present, which makes it a good product.

 

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Andrea

Post Author: dnavideochannel

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