In the first article, we looked at how to sync files using 2BrightSparks SyncBack. In this article, we will look at a more advanced method of syncing files – using 2BrightSparks SyncBack with iCloud. How to Sync Files Using iCloud To sync files using iCloud, you will need to create a new account and set up your preferences. Once you have done this, you can follow these steps:

  1. Open the Apple App Store on your device and search for “2BrightSparks SyncBack.” If you don’t have an Apple device, you can also find it on Google Play or the App Store for Android devices.
  2. Once you have found 2BrightSparks SyncBack, open it and click on the “Add File” button. This will add the file(s) that you want to sync to iCloud. You can either drag and drop the files into the window or select them from a list of files that are already in iCloud. If you select files from a list, they will be added in order from oldest to newest. If you drag and drop the files into the window, they will be added in order from top left to bottom right. If you select them from a list, they will be added in order from oldest to newest if they are not already in iCloud. (If there is an issue with addingfiles to iCloud after opening2 Bright Sparks Sync Back please let us know so that we can help resolve it.)

All of the screenshots in this article are taken from SyncBackSE.  First launch SyncBack and go to Profiles New

Type in a name for this synchronization profile.

For the next screen you will have three choices for Backup, Synchronize, or creating a Group.  The Group option is exclusive to SyncBackSE.  It allows multiple backup and Sync profiles to be grouped together and ran at the same time.

One thing to point out on the next screen is the ability to sync your files with an FTP site which comes in very handy in a business environment.  In this example I am going to sync my local drive with an external so I select No FTP.

OK, now we need to select the files to synchronize and create a description of where the data is located.  On the following screen do the same for where the other files are.

 

After everything is in place you will get a full description of your synchronization setup.

If everything looks good then go ahead and save the settings and sync away.  Otherwise there are several additional options to choose from before and after creating the sync profile.  One of the more important in my opinion is Schedule.

Before the initial Synchronization process you will get a report of what will be affected.  As with the backup you have the option to run a simulation.

There will be a progress bar displayed while you run the synchronization of files.

After each successful synchronization you can pull up a nicely organized log file for review.

I am usually very hesitant to recommend “pay for” software unless it is warranted and SyncBackSE is certainly worth the $30 for the license.  You can view what is included with the pay version HERE.  The options and flexibility this synchronization and backup utility are virtually endless.

SyncBack Freeware Version

SyncBackSE 30 Day Free Trial