Syncthing
DocumentsKeep folders in sync across your own devices, with no cloud server.
Syncthing keeps the same files on several computers without storing them with a cloud provider. Your devices talk to each other directly and encrypt everything they send, so your data stays on machines you control. Once set up it runs in the background, which suits anyone who wants private file sync between their own devices or with people they choose.
- Syncs folders directly between devices, with no central server holding your files.
- All device traffic uses TLS, and only devices you approve can connect.
- Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, the BSDs and illumos, with a web interface.
What people use it for
Keep a work folder the same on two computers
Install Syncthing on both computers and open the admin GUI at http://localhost:8384. On each one, click Add Remote Device, enter the other device's ID from Actions > Show ID, and select the folder to share. Files added on either side then sync to the other.
Keep copies on a home server
Share a folder with the server and set it to Receive Only there, so local changes on the server are not sent back. Turn on file versioning, such as Simple or Staggered, to keep older copies in the .stversions folder when files are changed or deleted on other devices.
Leave some files out of a shared folder
Create a .stignore file in the root of the synced folder and list the file patterns to skip, such as build output or temporary files. The .stignore file itself is not synced, but it can #include a pattern file that is, so every device follows the same rules.