Avoid needless recopying
Start from the differences instead of copying an entire folder again.
External-drive backup on Mac
Back up an external drive without recopying unchanged files
Keep an external-drive copy of your photos, projects, or archives up to date without recopying everything or guessing what changed. FileLever compares the folders locally, separates new and changed files from target-only material, and lets you choose copy/update or mirror deliberately.
Available now on macOS. Windows and Linux are planned. Your files stay under your control.
Preview the folder differences before the copy begins.
Use copy/update to keep target-only files on the backup drive.
Keep the workflow local on your Mac without uploading files.
A deliberate workflow
A clear path from review to action
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Choose the working folder and backup drive
Set your current Mac folder as the source and the external-drive folder as the target.
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Exclude what does not belong in a backup
Leave out caches, generated files, or other folders you do not want to copy.
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Review every difference by category
See new and changed files that need to sync, unchanged files that already match, and target-only files that exist only on the backup drive before any copy begins.
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Keep target-only files unless you mean to remove them
Choose copy/update to preserve target-only files such as an older export or archive. Choose mirror only when the drive should deliberately match the source exactly.
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Verify the result before putting the drive away
Review the completed run while the source and target are still familiar. A clear result gives you a safer baseline for the next backup.
Keep backup decisions visible
Review target-only files before deciding whether they should remain on the drive.
Keep the work local
File comparison happens on your computer; your folders do not need to be uploaded.
Product walkthrough
Watch the external-drive backup walkthrough
This demo shows FileLever comparing a Mac folder with a backup folder, previewing new and changed files, and letting you choose copy/update or mirror only after reviewing the differences.
Common questions
Before you start
Will copy/update delete files already on my external drive?
No. Copy/update adds missing source files and refreshes changed ones while leaving target-only files in place.
When should I use mirror mode?
Use mirror only when you intentionally want the external-drive folder to match the source exactly. Review target-only files carefully before confirming it.
How can I tell whether my external-drive backup needs an update?
Run a comparison first. FileLever shows which source files are missing or changed in the target, which files already match, and which files exist only on the drive.
Should I recopy the entire folder to an external drive?
Usually no. Start with a comparison so you can copy only the missing or changed files and retain a clear view of what is already current.
See the files first. Decide what happens next.
FileLever is available now on macOS, with Windows and Linux planned.