sync, share and switch information from Mac to Mac in 2025

For these with a number of Macs, syncing information throughout computer systems could be a problem. Many have a Mac at residence, at work, and perhaps one in a 3rd location! Right here, I’ll present you the way to switch information from Mac to Mac and share information between Macs.

Can I sync information between two Macs?

Sure, you may sync information between two Macs. Probably the most handy choices are iCloud Drive (or different cloud storage providers like Google Drive, Dropbox, and so forth.), specialised third-party apps, AirDrop, and copying to an exterior drive. Every technique has its personal execs and cons, which I’ve summarized within the desk beneath. You will discover a extra detailed information additional down, however I like to recommend checking the desk first to get a fast overview.

Switch information between Macs on-line with iCloud

One of the crucial well-liked methods to switch information between Macs is by way of the cloud. That may very well be by way of iCloud — Apple’s personal apps use iCloud to sync between Macs and iOS gadgets logged into the identical Apple Account — or, say, Dropbox. By saving information to your on-line cloud account slightly than your native Mac, you’ll all the time be engaged on the newest model of a doc. 

By default, you get 5GB of free iCloud storage, however that’s undoubtedly not sufficient for syncing your whole Mac. To test how a lot house your apps, paperwork, and different information take up, go to System Settings > Common > Storage.

For instance, in my case, it’s virtually 200GB, so if I needed to sync information with iCloud, I’d have to improve my storage plan to iCloud+. Almost definitely, I’d go for the 2TB plan, which prices $9.99 monthly. Verify iCloud+ pricing to your nation.

So, if you happen to’re questioning, “how do I transfer information from iCloud to my Mac?,” here is your information:

1. Go to System Settings > Apple Account > iCloud.
2. Click on iCloud Drive and toggle it on.
3. Then, toggle on Desktop & Paperwork Folders.

As soon as synchronization is full, you’ll be capable to sync these information on any Mac the place you are signed in together with your Apple account. This technique is simple and seamless, making it an incredible possibility for a lot of customers.

Nonetheless, customization is proscribed. When you can sync particular person apps with iCloud, you may’t sync particular folders or paperwork. I consider Apple designed it this strategy to forestall unintentional information loss, however a few of us could miss this flexibility.

Synch information between Macs with apps

Cloud-based storage isn’t all the time the correct resolution. You’ll have massive information or folders that exceed your cloud storage restrict, or paperwork you wish to view and edit regionally in your Mac. These are a couple of events the place you’ll have to retailer paperwork and information regionally and sync them later.

That may very well be since you work offline generally and wish to have the ability to entry paperwork or since you don’t wish to retailer paperwork within the cloud. There are answers for that too. 

ChronoSync Categorical: To synch and backup your folders 

ChronoSync Categorical means that you can rapidly and simply synchronize information between two Macs. All you must do is select or drag and drop the vacation spot goal and supply goal, then click on Synchronize.

What you may particularly like is these options:

• Particular person information and folders synching. As an alternative of syncing your whole Mac, choose the folders you want. Simply make it possible for each machines run the identical macOS model.
• Automated syncing or backup duties. As quickly as you join your Macs, synchronization begins mechanically. You possibly can allow this within the Choices part.
• Scheduling. Set it as much as get reminders and guarantee your information or folders sync precisely while you want them.

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Forklift: Synch your Macs + handle information throughout servers

If you happen to’d slightly take a extra handbook strategy to sharing information, Forklift will help. Designed as a instrument for managing FTP servers, Forklift may also sync and switch information from Mac to Mac on the identical community. All you might want to do is hook up with the Mac utilizing AFP or SMB, log in, and add the folder you wish to synchronize to your Favourites in Forklift. You possibly can then use Forklift’s sync instrument to make sure the identical information is all the time in each folders.

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Switch information with AirDrop

When two Macs are inside Bluetooth vary of one another, Apple’s built-in AirDrop function could assist with file switch. It’s most helpful when transferring one file at a time, and isn’t excellent for bigger information or folders. However when you might want to ship a picture or doc from one Mac to a different in the identical neighborhood, AirDrop is a really first rate instrument. 

Right here’s the way to switch information with AirDrop:

1. Use the command-space bar keyboard shortcut to carry up Highlight search in your Mac.
2. Kind AirDrop and open the app.

3. Discover the Mac you wish to ship information or folders to.

4. Drag and drop the information or folders onto the icon of the Mac you’re sending to.

For this to work properly, each Macs ought to have their discoverability set to “Everybody.” (It’s an possibility on the backside of the display. You could possibly use the “contacts solely” setting, although this may be cumbersome when two Macs are utilizing the identical Apple Account.)

The upside to AirDrop is it may be used to ship information to iPhones, iPads, or different Apple gadgets inside vary. 

File Sharing

You should utilize built-in settings in your Mac to share information and folders with others in your community. It’s a superb possibility for individuals who wish to personal a doc and permit others to edit them, or set specific customers to have “read-only” entry. Right here’s how:

1. Go to System Settings > Common > Sharing.
2. Click on the i icon subsequent to Sharing and customise settings.
3. Below “Shared Folders,” add or take away folders you need others in your community to have entry to. You should utilize “+” and “–” to handle folders (prolong the window if you happen to do not see them) or simply drag and drop information there.
4. Below “Customers,” select the extent of entry you need every consumer on the community to have.

   

This can be a good possibility for these with a number of Macs, however you must keep in mind a couple of issues. First, you must handle the settings from one Mac. You might also overlook that one other Mac has read-only entry to a folder, which needs to be managed from the ‘foremost’ Mac pc. That stated, it’s okay for these with a couple of Macs that are all the time on the identical community.

transfer your content material to a brand new Mac

Apple’s built-in Migration Assistant will help you switch information from an previous Mac to a brand new one. I’ll stroll you thru the fundamentals of utilizing Migration Assistant.

Step 1. In your new Mac:

1. Open Migration Assistant.
2. Choose “from a Mac, Time Machine backup, or startup disk”.
3. Click on Proceed, enter your password, and click on Okay.

Step 2. In your previous Mac:

1. Open Migration Assistant.
2. Choose “To a different Mac”.
3. Click on Proceed.

Step 3. In your new Mac:

1. When prompted, choose the Mac you’re transferring content material from.
2. Click on Proceed.

Be certain that your previous and new Macs choose one another as the unique or vacation spot supply, and choose Proceed within the window. The migration will begin. Please word this course of can take a day or longer, and you could be required to attach your Macs with a USB cable.

Attempt instruments for synching your Macs free of charge

Holding information and folders synced is vital. Apple’s personal tooling makes it potential, however there are higher choices for some circumstances.

ChronoSync Categorical and Forklift are nice if cloud syncing is just not your factor. However, if you happen to’re all within the clouds, attempt Dropshare to carry all of your cloud providers beneath one roof and share information simply. These apps can be found free of charge by way of a seven day trial of Setapp, the main suite of productiveness apps for the Mac. As soon as the free trial has ended, Setapp is barely $9.99 monthly for continued limitless entry to its full catalog of greater than 250 apps.

FAQ about the way to sync information between Macs