Synchronize files and folders with Shadow Drive

Shadow Drive keeps your files and folders in sync across multiple devices and the cloud. Any changes you make are automatically reflected on all copies, ensuring you always have the latest version.

How to synchronize files and folders

You can use the official Shadow Drive apps to configure synchronization, or if you're using the WebDAV protocol, sync with third-party tools.

Syncing with Shadow Drive apps

Synchronize your files and folders with the official Shadow Drive apps. Instructions for each app are provided below. When Shadow Drive is synchronizing your files, it will display a status icon.

Windows | macOS | Ubuntu

1. Open the Shadow Drive desktop client.
2. Click your profile.
3. Click Settings.
4. Click Add Folder Sync Connection.

iOS

Add and edit photo synchronization on iOS:

1. Go to the Settings app.
2. Search for "Shadow Drive".
3. Click Photos and choose your preferred settings.

Android

1. Press the ☰ Menu button.
2. Select All files.
3. Find the file or folder.
4. Next to the file or folder, press the ⋮ three dots menu.
5. Choose Sync to synchronize your file, or press Delete → Delete locally to desynchronize it.

Syncing with third-party tools

On Shadow Drive, you can synchronize content from third-party tools using the WebDAV protocol. See how to connect a third-party tool to Shadow Drive.

Sync statuses and icons

Shadow Drive’s desktop client and mobile apps use different status icons to show the sync progress of files and folders. These icons indicate whether content is up to date, in progress, or experiencing errors.

When the client is offline, no icons are displayed, indicating the folder is out of sync and changes won't be uploaded to the server.

Status icons and meanings:

• : Your files are up-to-date and synced with the Shadow Drive server.
• : Synchronization is in progress.
• : Synchronization is paused.
• : Your client has lost connection with the Shadow Drive server.
• : An issue was detected or the file is ignored from syncing (e.g., file is excluded or is a symbolic link*). Click for more information.
• : A sync error was detected (e.g. incorrect login or server URL, or blacklisted file).

* A symbolic link (symlink) is a shortcut that points to a file or folder without duplicating it. Shadow Drive ignores symlinks during syncing since they only reference other locations.

Editing synchronization rules

You can manage synchronized files and folders using different options based on your platform.

Windows | macOS | Ubuntu

1. Open the Shadow Drive desktop client.
2. Click your profile.
3. Click Settings.
4. Click the ••• three dots button next to the synchronized folder to open the menu.

iOS

1. Press the More button.
2. Select Settings → Auto-upload to configure synchronization rules for photos.

Android

1. Press the ☰ Menu button.
2. Select Settings → Auto-upload to configure synchronization rules for photos.

Once you've selected a folder for automatic synchronization, you can configure:

• The destination folder.
• Sync only over Wi-Fi.
• Sync only when the phone is plugged in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be connected to the same account on multiple devices?
Yes, you can use the same account on multiple devices simultaneously.

Is there a limit to the number of computers I can sync with Shadow Drive?
No, there is no limit to the number of computers you can connect and sync.

Can I schedule a synchronization?
No, scheduling synchronization is not currently supported.

Does Shadow Drive preserve the modification time (mtime) of directories?
Shadow Drive does not preserve directory mtimes but does update mtimes for files.