Merging folders

[Dave_O]

I keep a APFS Encrypted USB disk for data backup. Each month, I copy a folder with multiple subfolders to the USB disk which has the folder from a month ago. With Windows, I got the choice to skip files that exist with the same name, which is what is needed.

I read that if I hold the Option Key when moving a folder to a destination that has a folder with the same name, I will get a Merge option.

I'm on the current MacOS, but I never see this option. Any ideas, or suggestions on a better way to do this kind of backup?

 

[CoastalOR]

The Mac does not do a good job of merging. I know of no way to invoke a secret merge function in macOS. There is ditto in Terminal, but it is not as convenient.

I use ChronoSync ($49.99) to do a File and Folder Synchronization.

 

[chown33]

Carbon Copy Cloner can keep two folders in sync across disks. See its website.

CCC uses the command-line tool 'rsync' to do this. So one can also read the man page for rsync to see what CCC can do.

 

[chabig]

You need a backup tool. CCC is good, so is SuperDuper. They are probably the two most well known apps, and either will do what you want.

 

[Dave_O]

Thanks. I have CCC, but did not know it did folder backups. I'll RTFM 🙂