Turn a vague diff into a clear decision
The useful part of a folder diff is knowing what happens next, not just knowing that two folders are different.
Folder diff on Mac
Diff two folders on Mac when inspection is the job
Use this workflow when the immediate job is inspection: what changed, what exists only on one side, and whether either folder should change at all. If you already know you need a broader backup workflow, start with the Compare Two Folders guide instead.
Available now on macOS. Windows and Linux are planned. Your files stay under your control.
See what changed before you sync two folders.
Make mirror decisions only after reviewing target-only files.
Keep the folder-diff workflow local on your Mac.
A deliberate workflow
A clear path from review to action
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Choose the two folders you want to diff
Start with the source and target folders you want to compare so you can understand what changed before either one is updated.
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Exclude files that should not drive the decision
Leave out caches, generated files, or temporary folders that do not belong in the sync or mirror review.
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Read the folder diff by category
Review changed files, files that exist only in the target, and files that are already identical.
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Choose copy/update, mirror, or no action
Use the diff as the basis for the next step instead of treating sync as the first step.
Avoid accidental mirror cleanup
Target-only files stay visible before you choose the mode that could remove them.
Use one workflow for compare and sync
You do not need separate tools just to understand the diff and then act on it.
Product walkthrough
Watch the folder diff walkthrough
This walkthrough shows FileLever separating changed files, target-only files, and unchanged files before you choose what to do next.
Common questions
Before you start
How do I diff two folders on Mac before syncing them?
Choose the two folders, review changed files and target-only files, then decide whether copy/update, mirror, or no action is the right next step.
What is the most important part of a folder diff before mirror?
The key review is target-only files, because mirror is the mode most likely to remove them if the target is meant to match the source exactly.
See the files first. Decide what happens next.
FileLever is available now on macOS, with Windows and Linux planned.