---
id: bridge-devices.is-collab-sync-a-backup
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/is-collab-sync-a-backup
category: "Bridge & your devices"
subcategory: "Collab Sync"
question: "Is Collab Sync a backup?"
alt_questions:
  - "Can I use Collab Sync instead of a backup?"
  - "Does Collab Sync protect against mistakes?"
  - "Collab Sync vs backup"
  - "Mirror folder as backup"
  - "Will Collab Sync save me if I overwrite a file?"
short_answer: "Not on its own. Collab Sync mirrors edits — mistakes included — to the other Mac, though deletes don't carry across by default and conflicting versions are kept. Keep a separate backup for older versions."
tags: ["collab sync", "backup", "safety"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/does-collab-sync-delete-files-on-the-other-mac", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/what-happens-when-both-macs-change-the-same-file"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Is Collab Sync a backup?

Not on its own. Collab Sync keeps two copies in step, so an edit you make — including a mistaken one — is sent to the other Mac too. It does protect you in some ways: deletes don't carry across by default, and when both Macs change a file the other version is kept beside it.

For a true safety net with older versions you can go back to, keep a separate backup as well.

- [Deleting in synced folders](https://storagestudio.us/faq/bridge-devices/does-collab-sync-delete-files-on-the-other-mac)
- [Backups](https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/)