Transfer Modes
A transfer mode controls how the local computer synchronizes changes with the remote computers. Combining the right transfer modes is the key to make PowerFolder work as you want. The transfer mode can be set differently on every computer sharing the same folder.
You can choose the transfer mode when setting up a new folder, or when joining an existing folder. It can later be changed via the settings tab of a folder. To customize a transfer mode, press the "Create" icon next to selection dropdown. Default transfer modes cannot be altered, but may be used as the basis for new ones.
Useful combinations include:
- Automatic Synchronization on all computers: To sync all changes between multiple computers.
- Share/Send and Auto-Download: Send files from one computer to others.
- Backup (Source) and Backup (Target): For backing up data from one to another computer.
- Other setups for common or advanced scenarios.
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Automatic Synchronization
File scan interval: Every time a file changes and every 10 minutes.
File download: Automatically downloads new or updated files.
File delete and restore: Deletes local files when removed on the remote side. File restorations are also correctly performed.
Comments: Best for mirroring two or more computers.
Manual Synchronization
File scan interval: When pressing the sync button.
File download: When pressing the sync button.
File delete and restore: When pressing the sync button.
Comments: Synchronizes changes only when pressing Sync. The user may choose to receive and/or send changes when pressing the sync button.
Backup (Source)
File scan interval: Every 5 minutes or every hour.
File download: Never downloads files from the remote side.
File delete and restore: Never. To restore files select Backup (Target) transfer mode.
Comments: Set this on computers which should be backed up. Works best with Backup (Target) transfer mode on the remote computer(s).
Backup (Target)
File scan interval: Does not scan for new or changed files.
File download: Automatically downloads new or updated files.
File delete and restore: Moves local files into recycle bin when removed on the remote side. File restorations are also correctly performed.
Comments: Set this to backup all data from a remote side. Works best with Backup (Source) transfer mode on the remote computer(s).
Automatic Download
File scan interval: Every 5 minutes.
File download: Automatically downloads new or updated files.
File delete and restore: Not synced.
Comments: Downloads new or update files automatically from the remote computer(s)
File scan interval: Every 30 minutes.
File download: Manually select the files to download.
File delete and restore: Never.
Comments: Select the files to download by hand. Useful if you just want to host or select files to download.
Customized Transfer Mode
Local file scan interval: Configurable.
File download: Configurable.
File delete and restore: Configurable.
Comments: Configure your own transfer mode to suit your needs.
Scans
PowerFolder scans your local folder for changes on startup as well as after specified time intervals while the program is running (default: every minute). You can force a scan of the local and remote computer(s) as well as the file download (=full sync) manually at any time by pressing the sync button (left side on the toolbar or in systray menu).
You can also fully customize and improve this behavior by turning on instant change detection.
Create custom transfer mode
To create a custom transfer mode:
- go to the settings tab of a folder
- select a transfer mode as a base
- click the edit button (pen)
- give a name and change the settings to your needs
- save
The transfer mode is now existing on your computer and can be used for other folders
