Getting Started on RsyncUI

Important

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Before using RsyncUI, review these key notes.

The interface may feel challenging if you are new to the rsync command-line tool. RsyncUI focuses on making rsync easier to use, not on teaching every rsync concept.

Not a backup tool for everyone

RsyncUI specializes in synchronization and file management. The command-line tool rsync performs the actual work. If you need a full system backup tool that creates complete disk images, RsyncUI is not the right fit.

Limitations

Sat, 22 Mar 2025 00:00:00 +0000

There are a few limitations to keep in mind. None will corrupt data, but they may interrupt synchronization.

Long running tasks and sleep

When the Mac sleeps, RsyncUI tasks stop. An active rsync process does not prevent the Mac from sleeping. If sleep occurs during synchronization, rsync will likely error and stop. Restart the task in RsyncUI; rsync will resume from where it left off.

If this happens, RsyncUI will not log the run because it only logs after receiving a termination signal from rsync.

Getting started

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

New users should read Important first, then Latest version of rsync for installation guidance, then Tasks to create their first task.

Concealing Actions

Concealing actions reduces menu clutter and keeps focus on common tasks.

Use ⌘S or the Task main menu to show or hide Charts, Quick task, log view, and other options that are hidden by default. The primary Sidebar menu is also context-sensitive.

New Tasks and Verification

RsyncUI can synchronize data to:

Latest version of rsync

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The default /usr/bin/rsync differs between macOS versions:

macOS Sonoma: Uses rsync version 2.6.9 (released November 2006)
macOS Sequoia and later: Use openrsync, a BSD-licensed implementation compatible with rsync protocol 29 and version 2.6.9

I strongly recommend installing the latest version of rsync (version 3.x) to take full advantage of RsyncUI’s features.

Installing rsync via Homebrew

Install the latest version using Homebrew:

brew install rsync

After installation, configure RsyncUI: