Synchronization - Options

The "Sync Options" dialog is displayed during new sync task creation and is also available as a "right-click" option on existing sync tasks. It provides two important options that control how synchronization is performed between Folder A and Folder B.

Sync Direction

Possible sync directions include "one-way" and "two-way".

• One-way sync tasks (a.k.a., "--->" or ) always replicate content from Folder A to Folder B.
• Two-way sync tasks (a.k.a., "<-->" or ) always replicate content from Folder A to Folder B and from Folder B and A.

Sync Deletes

Possible sync delete options include "ignore deletes", "sync deletes" and "sync deletes and delete extra files on Folder B".

• The ignore deletes option causes the task to ignore any files or folders deleted from Folder A in a one-way sync task or ignore any files or folders deleted from either Folder A or Folder B in a two-way sync task. New files, updated files and renamed files and folders are still replicated.
• The sync deletes option causes the task to delete from Folder B any files or folders deleted from Folder A in a one-way sync task or delete from the other folder any files or folders deleted from either Folder A or Folder B in a two-way sync task. New files, updated files and renamed files and folders are also replicated. This option is the default for new two-way sync tasks.
• The sync deletes and delete extra files on Folder B option is only available to one-way tasks. This option behaves like "sync deletes" with one exception: any "extra" files or folders created or renamed on Folder B by anything other than this sync task will automatically be deleted. This option is the default for new one-way sync tasks.

Best Options for Various Scenarios

One-Way "Master Folder" Scenarios

Some "replication" scenarios call for one or more copies of a single "master" folder. A sync direction of "one-way" should normally be selected in these situations. The "master folder" should always be configured as Folder A.

One-Way "Master Folder", Exact Replica

To ensure that all Folder B's only contain files and folder structures that are present in the "master" Folder A, use the "sync deletes and delete extra files on Folder B" sync delete option.

Folder A Action	Folder B Action	Sync Task Reaction
Add, update or rename file or folder	-	Add, update or rename file or folder to/on Folder B
Delete file or folder	-	Delete file or folder from Folder B
-	Add file or folder	Delete related file or folder from Folder B
-	Rename file or folder	Delete renamed file or folder from Folder B and copy file or folder from Folder A
-	Update file	Overwrite updated file on Folder B with file from Folder A
-	Delete file or folder	Replace file or folder on Folder B with copy from Folder A

One-Way "Master Folder", Extra Files on Folder B Are OK

If "extra" files and folders on Folder B that do not exist in the "master" Folder A are acceptable, use the "sync deletes" sync delete option.

Folder A Action	Folder B Action	Sync Task Reaction
Add, update or rename file or folder	-	Add, update or rename file or folder to/on Folder B
Delete file or folder	-	Delete file or folder from Folder B
-	Add or update file or folder	(nothing)
-	Rename file or folder	Copy original file or folder from Folder A
-	Delete file or folder	Replace file or folder on Folder B with copy from Folder A

One-Way "Master Folder", Keep Content on Folder B After It's Been Deleted from Folder A

If you want content and folders replicated to Folder B from Folder A to remain on Folder B after the originals have been deleted from Folder A, use the "ignore deletes" sync delete option.

Folder A Action	Folder B Action	Sync Task Reaction
Add, update or rename file or folder	-	Add, update or rename file or folder to/on Folder B
Delete file or folder	-	(nothing)
-	Add, update or rename file or folder	(nothing)
-	Delete file or folder	Replace file or folder on Folder B with copy from Folder A

Two-Way Scenarios

Some replication scenarios require that changes made to either of two folders be replicated to the other. A sync direction of "two-way" should normally be selected in these situations. Either folder in these relationships may be configured as Folder A, but it is usually more intuitive to replicate content if the "more populated" of the two folders is selected as Folder A.

Two-Way, Exact Replica

To ensure that file and folder additions, updates, deletions and renames are replicated between two folders, use the "sync deletes" sync delete option.

Folder A Action	Folder B Action	Sync Task Reaction
Add, update or rename file or folder	-	Add, update or rename file or folder to/on Folder B
Delete file or folder	-	Delete file or folder from Folder B
-	Add, update or rename file or folder	Add, update or rename file or folder to/on Folder A
-	Delete file or folder	Delete file or folder from Folder A

Two-Way, Preserve Copy If Original Is Deleted

If you want content and folders replicated between folders to remain on the "copied to" folder after the original files and/or folders have been deleted from the "copied from" folder, use the "ignore deletes" sync delete option.

Folder A Action	Folder B Action	Sync Task Reaction
Add, update or rename file or folder	-	Add, update or rename file or folder to/on Folder B
Delete file or folder	-	(nothing)
-	Add, update or rename file or folder	Add, update or rename file or folder to/on Folder A
-	Delete file or folder	(nothing)