The basics of synchronization

Synchronization (or sync) in Tresorit allows you to keep your files consistent and accessible both on your computer and in the cloud. When you edit, add, or remove files, those changes are instantly reflected across all synced locations, ensuring your content stays aligned and up to date.

One-way vs. two-way sync

There are two primary models of synchronization:

• One-way sync: Sync flows in a single direction – from a source to a destination folder. If you make changes in the source folder, they will be reflected in the destination. However, modifications made in the destination will not sync back.

  ℹ️ You can use Tresorit for backups.

• Two-way sync: Sync works in both directions. Whether you make edits locally or in the cloud, they will be automatically replicated in both locations.

Tresorit uses two-way sync only. Your cloud and local folders are continuously monitored to ensure identical content.

Full vs. delta sync

There are two main approaches to synchronizing data:

• Full sync: Whenever a file is changed, the entire file is updated, regardless of the size or type of the change.
• Delta sync: Only the modified part of the file is updated.

Due to the current file encryption architecture, Tresorit exclusively uses full sync. Any modification requires the entire file to be re-encrypted and synchronized.

What is sync and what is not

To better understand what sync does - and what it doesn't - here's how it differs from other functions in Tresorit:

• Synchronization: It is a two-way process with no primary-subordinate hierarchy. The most recent version of a file, whether modified in the cloud or on your device, will be automatically mirrored across all synced locations.

• Upload: It is a one-way operation - from your device to the cloud. The uploaded file is not linked to the original on your device, so further changes to the local or cloud copy won't be reflected.
• Download: It works in one direction - from the cloud to your device. The downloaded file is independent of the cloud version, and any modifications won't be updated.
• Tresorit Drive: It provides on-demand access to your cloud content through your file browser. While the structure and content mirror what you see in the desktop app, it is not a synchronization.
• Mobile: Sync is not available on mobile devices (iOS, Android). You can access your cloud content through the apps and only upload (e.g. using the camera upload feature), download, or mark items as offline.