Google has decided to merge two of its backup and syncing utilities for Mac – Google Drive and Google Photos Uploader into a brand new app that does everything that the two app did. For individual users, you can use Google’s Backup & Sync to backup photos, any folder and sync your entire Google Drive folder with the Mac (like Dropbox).
Basically, Google wants you to use its service to backup all your data, not just selected files or photos. It will backup Desktop and Document folder by default (which is similar to the iCloud feature released in macOS Sierra) but you are free to select more folders (as long as you have the storage space on Google Drive).
Because the app tries to do a lot, it can be a bit confusing to use. We’re here to help.
Download: Google Backup and Sync for Mac
What All Does Google Backup and Sync Do?
Here are all the main features of the Backup and Sync app.
- Back up original or high-quality photos from the Pictures folder (Apple Photos library).
- Backup Desktop and Documents folder (or add more folders on your own).
- Sync all or selected folders from Google Drive to your Mac.
- Access synced files to Google Drive from anywhere with the new Computers section.
How to Set It up Right
During installation, the app will ask you to configure the backup and the sync procedure.
On the second step, you can uncheck if you don’t want to sync the Desktop and Documents folders. Or if you want to add more folders, click on Choose Folder.
Another important thing is to check the Upload photos and videos to Google Photos box. This makes sure that the photos aren’t just uploaded to a Google Drive folder. This way, they’ll be added automatically to Google Photos as well and you’ll benefit from all the Assistant intelligent features that come with Google Photos.
From the third step (Google Drive), you can decide if you want to sync your entire Google Drive setup with your Mac or not. You can choose to sync just the selected folders by clicking on Sync only these folders.
After you click the Start button, the backup process will begin. Click on the cloud icon in the menu bar and you’ll be able to see the progress. Here you’ll find shortcuts to open Google Photos, Google Drive and more.
Notable Preferences
Click on the backup icon, then the menu button and select Preferences.
From the first section, you can uncheck or add more folders, and select the quality of photo uploads. You can also add external USB devices for backup here.
From Google Drive section you can change the folder to sync to.
From Settings section, you can see how much cloud storage you’re using and you can choose to upgrade to a plan with more storage.
From Network Settings, you can limit the upload and download speed.
Download: Google Backup and Sync for Mac
What Do You Think of the New App?
I’m personally enjoying the update. After making sure that my photos were uploaded to Google Photos, I haven’t had much of a problem. In fact, for me, it has been much better than using Google Photos Uploader app. The upload has been smooth and I only got one error instead of dozens I used to get before.
What do you think of the new app? Do you find it confusing? Useful? Are you syncing Google Drive or your personal folders with it? Share with us in the comments below.
