# Data Transfers — Storage Studio FAQ Copying, moving, syncing and downloading files between your Mac, your external drive, cloud accounts, paired devices and web links — setting transfers up, scheduling them, and fixing them when they stop. ## Data Transfers basics - [What is Data Transfers in Storage Studio?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/what-is-data-transfers) — Data Transfers copies, moves, syncs or downloads files between local folders, your external drive, connected cloud accounts, paired devices and web links — as jobs you can watch, pause, resume and schedule. - [How do I open the Data Transfers window?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/how-do-i-open-data-transfers) — Open the More (•••) menu and choose Data Transfers… under Automation & Cloud. The same menu is on the menu bar icon and the Dock icon. Closing the window doesn't stop running transfers. - [Which places can I transfer files between?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/what-can-i-transfer-between) — Any direction between local folders, your external drive, connected cloud accounts (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Box, Amazon S3, FTP, SFTP) and paired devices. Web links can be a download source. - [Can I transfer files directly from one cloud account to another?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/cloud-to-cloud-transfer) — Yes — choose one connected account as the source and another as the destination in New Transfer. It works across services and between two accounts of the same service. Your Mac runs the transfer, so keep it on and online. - [Should I use Data Transfers or Data Parking?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/data-transfers-vs-data-parking) — Data Parking frees space by moving a folder to your external drive and leaving a shortcut. Data Transfers copies, moves, syncs and downloads between any places, on demand or on a schedule, without shortcuts. - [Why do my Data Parking cloud uploads show up in Data Transfers?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/data-parking-uploads-in-data-transfers) — Data Parking's cloud uploads run as Data Transfers jobs, so you can close Data Parking and track them under More → Data Transfers…. A file that couldn't upload waits there with a plain-English reason and its source intact. - [Is a scheduled transfer the same as a backup?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/data-transfers-vs-data-backup) — Not quite. A transfer keeps a copy or mirror — deletions and damage are carried across and there are no earlier versions. For restorable versions over time, use Data Backup; a scheduled sync makes a good extra copy. - [Can I free up space on my Mac by moving files to a cloud account?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/free-mac-space-by-moving-files-to-the-cloud) — Yes. Choose Move, with a Mac folder as Source and a cloud folder as Destination. Each file is copied, checked, then removed locally, so space returns as it goes. No shortcut is left behind. - [How do I download everything from a cloud account to my external drive?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/copy-a-whole-cloud-account-to-a-drive) — Create a Copy with the cloud account's root as the Source and a folder on your external drive as the Destination. Add a schedule to keep it topped up; only new or changed files are fetched each time. - [Should I use Data Transfers or just drag files in Finder's Storage Studio location?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/data-transfers-vs-cloud-drive-in-finder) — The Finder location lets you open, edit and drag a few cloud files like local ones. Data Transfers handles big or repeatable jobs — whole folders, cloud-to-cloud moves, schedules, dry runs and resumable downloads — with progress and logs. - [Can I move files from one folder to another inside the same cloud account?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/reorganise-files-within-a-cloud-account) — Yes. Pick the same account for Source and Destination, browse to different folders, and choose Move or Copy. Handy for large folders, dry runs or recurring sweeps; for a few files, drag them in Finder. - [Should I use Data Transfers to copy everything to a new external drive?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/copy-everything-to-a-new-external-drive) — Not for your Storage Studio drive. Use Transfer Drive (More → Drive), which copies, checks, and re-points every relocated app and folder to the new drive. A plain copy wouldn't update those shortcuts. ## Copy, Move and Sync - [What's the difference between Copy, Move and Sync in Data Transfers?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/copy-vs-move-vs-sync) — Copy leaves the source untouched; Move copies, checks, then removes the source; Sync (one-way) mirrors the source and deletes extras at the destination; Bidirectional sync keeps both sides matched. - [Does Sync (one-way) delete files at the destination?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/does-one-way-sync-delete-files) — Yes. Sync (one-way) makes the destination an exact mirror, so files there that aren't in the source are deleted. The source is never changed. Use a dry run first, or choose Copy if you only want to add files. - [What is Bidirectional sync and when should I use it?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/what-is-bidirectional-sync) — Bidirectional sync carries changes, including deletions, in both directions between two places, recording conflicts in the log. Tick “First run for this pair” on the very first run, then never again. - [What does the “First run for this pair” option do in a two-way sync?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/first-run-for-this-pair-option) — It establishes the starting point for a brand-new two-way sync. Tick it only on the first run for a pair of folders; using it again can overwrite one side with the other. Scheduled runs never use it. - [What happens if the same file changes on both sides of a two-way sync?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/bidirectional-sync-conflicts) — When a file changed on both sides, Bidirectional sync records the conflict in the transfer's log instead of silently choosing. Check the Log card, keep the version you want, and the next run carries it across. - [Is Move safe — when are the original files removed?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/is-move-safe) — Yes. Move copies each file, checks it at the destination, and only then removes the original. If something fails, the originals that didn't make it across stay where they were. - [Does Copy overwrite files that are already at the destination?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/does-copy-overwrite-files) — Identical files are skipped, changed files are replaced with the source's version, and nothing extra at the destination is deleted. Re-running the same Copy only sends what's new or changed. - [Why does running the same transfer again finish so much faster?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/why-is-a-repeat-transfer-faster) — Repeat runs only send files that are missing or changed — everything that already matches is skipped. That's also how transfers carry on after a restart. - [Should I use Bidirectional sync or Collab Sync to keep a folder the same on two Macs?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/bidirectional-sync-vs-collab-sync) — Between two Macs running Storage Studio, Collab Sync is usually better: near-instant, catches up by itself, keeps both versions on conflicts, no cloud. Bidirectional sync runs on demand or on a schedule between any two places. - [Can I undo a transfer or a sync?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/can-i-undo-a-transfer) — No single undo. Delete unwanted copies after a Copy; run a Move the other way to bring files back. Files a sync removed or replaced don't go to your Mac's Trash — check the cloud service's own trash. Dry-run first. ## Downloads and large files - [How do I download a file from a web link with Data Transfers?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/download-a-file-from-a-link) — In New Transfer choose Download, paste an http:// or https:// link to a file, pick a Save to folder (Downloads by default), and press Start Transfer. Large files arrive in pieces so they can resume. - [Do large downloads resume where they left off if they're interrupted?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/large-downloads-resume-where-they-left-off) — Yes. A single large file (about 2 GB or more) coming to your Mac is downloaded in pieces, so after an interruption it continues from where it stopped, then is checked when complete — if the service supports partial downloads. - [Why does the log say a transfer can't be resumed part-way?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/why-cant-this-transfer-resume-part-way) — Part-way resume only works for one large file downloading to your Mac from a source that can send partial files. Uploads, cloud-to-cloud transfers, folders and servers that only send whole files run in one pass instead. - [Why does New Transfer say my link “points at a folder rather than a file”?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/link-points-at-a-folder-error) — The link ends at a folder, so it would download a listing page, not your file. Add the file name to the end, or copy the link from the actual download button. When it's right you'll see “Download link recognised”. - [What does “Download needs a web link starting with http:// or https://” mean?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/download-needs-a-web-link-message) — Download only takes a web address. For files in a cloud account or another folder, choose Copy or Move and pick the source with the folder or cloud buttons; for the web, paste a full http:// or https:// link. - [How do I know a large download finished correctly and isn't corrupted?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/is-a-large-download-checked) — Each piece is checked as it arrives and the finished file is checked again; the log says “…is complete and verified”. If the assembled file is wrong it isn't kept and nothing at the destination is overwritten. - [Why does a resumed download say some pieces “didn't survive the interruption”?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/pieces-didnt-survive-the-interruption) — On resume, pieces that were mid-write when the interruption hit are re-checked and fetched again. It's normal: only those few pieces are re-downloaded, and the log shows how many were already kept. - [Where is a downloaded file saved and what is it called?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/where-does-a-download-go) — In the Save to folder you chose (Downloads by default), named after the last part of the link. A large download's pieces are kept elsewhere until it's complete and checked, so no half-finished file appears in the folder. - [Can I download several links at once?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/download-several-links) — Yes. Add each link as its own Download (or paste each into Tuhi). Two run at a time and the rest queue up and start automatically in order. - [Why does a large download show “pieces” and several streams in its progress?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/download-shows-pieces-not-files) — Large downloads come down in pieces (so they can resume), several at once (so they're faster). Progress shows pieces arrived and each active stream's speed, which helps tell a slow server from a stuck piece. - [If an upload to the cloud is interrupted, does it start over?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/are-uploads-resumable) — Only the file in progress starts again — finished files are skipped on the next run, and server and bucket transfers retry brief drops automatically. Resuming part-way through one file applies only to large downloads. - [Can I download a web link straight into a cloud account?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/download-a-link-straight-to-a-cloud-account) — Yes. Choose Download, paste the link, and pick a cloud folder for Save to folder. It runs in one pass, though — only downloads coming to your Mac can resume part-way after an interruption. - [What can I do from the download card Tuhi shows?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/download-card-in-tuhi) — The card shows live progress and lets you Pause, Resume, Cancel (which deletes the partial download), Show in Finder when done, or open Details in Data Transfers. It stays in step with the Data Transfers window. ## Setting up a transfer - [How do I start a new transfer?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/how-do-i-start-a-new-transfer) — In Data Transfers click New Transfer, choose an operation, pick the Source and Destination with the folder or cloud buttons, optionally add a schedule or dry run, then click Start Transfer. - [How do I pick a specific folder inside a cloud account as the source or destination?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/pick-a-folder-inside-a-cloud-account) — Click the cloud button beside Source or Destination, choose Browse next to the account, open folders (the breadcrumb jumps back up), then click Use This Folder. Choose Use … root for the whole account. - [Can I create a new folder in a cloud account while choosing a destination?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/create-a-folder-while-browsing) — Yes. In the cloud folder browser go to the parent location, click New Folder, name it and click Create, then click Use This Folder to make it the destination. - [Can I type a source or destination path instead of browsing?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/type-a-path-instead-of-browsing) — Yes. Type a normal folder path for local folders and drives, or account name, colon, folder for a cloud account (for example Work:Backup/Photos). Browsing fills these in for you. - [Why does the cloud picker say “No accounts or connected devices”?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/no-accounts-in-the-cloud-picker) — No cloud account is connected yet and no paired device is online. Add an account under More → Connect Accounts…, or open Bridge on the device, then reopen New Transfer. - [Can I use Data Transfers to copy between two folders or drives on my Mac?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/transfer-between-folders-on-my-mac) — Yes. Pick local folders or drives for both Source and Destination with the folder buttons. Copy, Move and both syncs all work locally — no cloud account needed. - [What does “No subfolders here” mean in the cloud folder browser?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/no-subfolders-here) — The current folder has no folders inside it. The browser lists folders only, not files, so a folder full of files still says this. Click Use This Folder to pick it, or Refresh if subfolders were just added. - [Can I include several folders in one transfer?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/multiple-folders-in-one-transfer) — Each transfer has one source and one destination. Pick a parent folder that contains them all, or create one transfer per folder — two run at once and the rest queue automatically. - [Can I exclude certain files or file types from a transfer?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/exclude-files-from-a-transfer) — Not right now — a transfer covers everything in the source folder, with no include or exclude filters. Put the files you want in their own folder and use that as the source instead. - [Why can I only pick folders, not single files, with the folder button?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/transfer-a-single-file) — The folder button picks folders because transfers run between locations. To send one file, put it in its own folder and transfer that; for a file on the web, use Download with its link. - [What does “Use … root” mean in the cloud picker?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/use-the-root-of-an-account) — It uses the whole account or device — its top level — as the source or destination. As a destination, prefer a dedicated folder instead, especially for a one-way sync, which removes anything not in the source. - [Can I transfer to a USB stick, SD card or other disk that isn't my main external drive?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/transfer-to-a-usb-stick-or-another-disk) — Yes. Pick a folder on any connected disk — USB stick, SD card or a second drive — with the folder button. Only your main Storage Studio drive gets “Waiting for drive”; connect other disks before the transfer runs. - [Can I transfer to a network share or NAS?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/transfer-to-a-network-share) — Yes. Choose a folder on a share you've connected in Finder with the folder button, or add the NAS as an SFTP/FTP account under Connect Accounts and pick it with the cloud button. It must be reachable when the transfer runs. ## Scheduling transfers - [How do I schedule a transfer to run automatically?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/schedule-a-recurring-transfer) — In New Transfer pick a Schedule — Every N hours (1–24), Daily, Weekly or Monthly — set the time, then Start Transfer. The first run happens immediately; later runs appear as their own entries. - [What happens to a monthly transfer scheduled for the 31st in a shorter month?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/schedule-times-and-the-31st) — It runs on the last day of the month instead — for example 28 or 29 February — and goes back to the 31st when a month has one. Times use your Mac's local time in quarter-hour steps. - [Do scheduled transfers run if Storage Studio is closed or my Mac is asleep?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/do-schedules-run-when-the-app-is-closed) — Storage Studio has to be running for schedules to fire. If it was closed or your Mac was asleep at the due time, the transfer runs once shortly after the app is open again — it doesn't run once per missed slot. - [Why didn't a scheduled transfer start at its usual time?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/why-was-a-scheduled-run-skipped) — A run is held back if the previous one for the same pair is still active, if your Mac is under heavy load (it starts later), if the app wasn't running, or if the external drive isn't connected. - [How do I stop a scheduled transfer from running again?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/stop-a-scheduled-transfer) — Remove the original entry for that transfer (the first one, which holds the schedule). Removing a later run only clears that run. Clear completed also removes original entries, which stops their schedules. - [Can I edit a transfer's schedule or settings after it's created?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/change-a-transfers-schedule) — Not in place. Create a new transfer with the settings you want, then remove the old transfer's original entry so its schedule stops. Files already in place aren't sent again. - [Why does a scheduled transfer appear many times in the list?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/scheduled-runs-in-the-history) — Every scheduled run is listed as its own entry so you can see the history. Remove old runs one at a time, or use Clear completed — which also stops schedules whose original entry has finished. - [How do I keep a folder mirrored to my external drive every night?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/mirror-a-folder-to-my-external-drive-nightly) — Create a Sync (one-way) from the Mac folder to an empty folder on the drive with a Daily schedule. Each run sends only changes; if the drive is unplugged the run waits and starts when you connect it. - [When does an “Every N hours” transfer run?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/every-n-hours-timing) — Every N hours (1–24) counted from the previous run, starting with an immediate first run — not fixed clock times. A run still in progress causes the next to be skipped. Use Daily for fixed times. - [How do I run a scheduled transfer right now instead of waiting?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/run-a-scheduled-transfer-now) — Create the same transfer with Schedule set to Manual only and start it — it runs now and only sends what changed, while the schedule carries on. It's ignored if the scheduled one is already active. - [Which kinds of transfer can be scheduled?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/which-operations-can-be-scheduled) — Copy, Move, Sync (one-way) and Bidirectional sync can all be scheduled between any supported places. Two-way sync's first-run option is never used on scheduled runs. - [Does Data Transfers sync changes in real time?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/is-data-transfers-real-time-sync) — No. Transfers run when you start them or on a schedule (as often as every hour), picking up changes since the last run. For near-instant mirroring between two of your Macs, use Collab Sync. - [Why did my scheduled transfer run immediately instead of at the time I set?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/why-did-my-nightly-transfer-run-right-away) — By design, the first run happens as soon as you click Start Transfer, so you get a working copy straight away. After that it follows the schedule shown as Next run. ## Progress, pausing and history - [How do I pause and resume a transfer?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/pause-and-resume-a-transfer) — Select the transfer and click Pause; click Resume to continue. Folder transfers resume by sending only what's missing, and large single-file downloads keep every piece already fetched. Paused jobs stay paused across restarts. - [What happens to my files when I cancel a transfer?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/what-happens-when-i-cancel) — Cancelling stops the transfer without undoing it: finished files stay at the destination and untouched files stay at the source. A cancelled Move never leaves a file in neither place, and large downloads keep their fetched pieces. - [Will my transfers carry on if I quit Storage Studio or restart the Mac?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/what-happens-if-i-quit-during-a-transfer) — Nothing is lost. Running transfers go back in the queue when Storage Studio reopens and continue, sending only what's missing or changed; paused ones stay paused until you resume them. - [Does closing the Data Transfers window stop my transfers?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/does-closing-the-window-stop-transfers) — No. Closing the window doesn't pause or cancel anything — transfers keep running in the background while Storage Studio is running. Reopen it from More → Data Transfers… to check progress. - [How many transfers run at the same time?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/how-many-transfers-run-at-once) — Two transfers run at once; the rest wait as Queued and start automatically when a slot frees up. Within each transfer, several files move at once according to the Parallel transfers setting. - [What do the transfer states like Queued, Running and Failed mean?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/transfer-states-explained) — Queued waits for a slot, Running is moving data, Paused was stopped by you, Waiting for drive needs your external drive, Needs space is a download paused for room, then Completed, Failed or Canceled. - [How do I see how far a transfer has got and how long is left?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/read-transfer-progress) — Select the transfer: its detail pane shows amount and files transferred, speed, time remaining and the current file. Each row in the list also has a small live progress bar. - [Where can I see the details or log of a transfer?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/where-is-the-transfer-log) — Select the transfer: the right-hand pane shows its settings, start and end times, progress, any failure message in red, and a selectable Log card you can copy into a support request. - [How do I clear finished transfers from the list?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/clear-completed-transfers) — Click Clear completed to remove all completed, failed and cancelled entries, or select one and click Remove. Your transferred files aren't touched — but clearing a schedule's original entry stops that schedule. - [Why didn't a new transfer appear when I added it a second time?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/same-transfer-added-twice) — A new transfer is ignored when one with the same source, destination and operation is already active. Let the existing one finish (or cancel it) and start again if you need another run. - [What's the difference between Cancel and Remove on a transfer?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/remove-vs-cancel) — Cancel stops an active transfer and keeps its entry as Canceled; Remove deletes a finished, failed or cancelled entry from the list. Neither deletes transferred files. Removing a schedule's original entry stops it. - [How do I tell transfers apart in the Data Transfers list?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/transfer-name-and-mode-icons-in-the-list) — Each row has an operation icon, short source → destination names and a coloured state pill, plus live progress while running; newest first. Select a row for full paths, creation time and settings. ## External drive and disk space - [What does “Waiting for drive” mean on a transfer?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/what-does-waiting-for-drive-mean) — The transfer needs your external drive, which isn't connected, so it's on hold. Plug the drive in and it starts automatically; click Check drive to re-test now, or Abandon pending to cancel all such transfers. - [What do the Check drive and Abandon pending buttons do?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/check-drive-and-abandon-pending) — Check drive re-tests now whether your external drive is reachable for a waiting transfer. Abandon pending cancels every transfer waiting for the drive — no files are deleted. - [What does “Needs space” mean on a download?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/what-does-needs-space-mean) — A large download paused because its disk is nearly full — nothing is lost. Free some space and click Try again, or click Move to another drive to carry on elsewhere without downloading anything twice. - [How do I move a half-finished download to another drive?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/move-a-paused-download-to-another-drive) — Select the paused download and click Move to another drive, then pick a disk with room. What's downloaded is copied there, checked, and the download continues — nothing is fetched twice. - [Can I download a large file straight to my external drive to save space on my Mac?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/download-to-external-drive-to-save-space) — Yes. Choose Download (or Copy), then set Save to folder or Destination to a folder on your external drive. The file lands there without using space on your Mac. - [What does “There isn't room to put the finished file together” mean?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/no-room-to-put-the-file-together) — Every piece arrived, but the destination lacks room for the whole finished file plus a safety margin. The pieces are safe — free some space and resume, or move the download to a disk with room. - [Can a big download fill up my Mac's disk completely?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/will-a-download-fill-my-disk) — No. A large download keeps a safety margin of free space and pauses as Needs space before using it up, keeping what's already downloaded. Saving big files to your external drive avoids the issue. - [Why does moving a paused download say the drive has too little free space?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/relocation-drive-too-small) — The chosen drive can't hold what's already downloaded; the message shows free versus needed space and nothing was moved. Pick a drive with more room or free space on that one, then try again. - [Why do some transfers wait for my external drive while others keep running?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/only-some-transfers-wait-for-the-drive) — Only transfers that use your Storage Studio external drive wait for it. Cloud-to-cloud, Mac-to-cloud and device transfers keep running when the drive is unplugged. ## Speed and advanced options - [What is a dry run and how do I read its results?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/what-is-a-dry-run) — A dry run goes through the transfer without copying, replacing or deleting anything. Turn on Dry run (preview only) in New Transfer, start it, then read the Log card to see what would happen. - [What are the Advanced options in New Transfer?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/advanced-options-explained) — Advanced options holds Bandwidth limit (a speed cap), Parallel transfers (files at once, 1–32), Streams per file (pieces of one big file, 1–16) and, for a new two-way sync, First run for this pair. - [How do I limit how much bandwidth a transfer uses?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/limit-transfer-bandwidth) — Under Advanced options, set Bandwidth limit: 10M for about 10 MB/s (≈80 Mbit/s) or 100k for about 100 KB/s. Leave it empty for no limit. It applies to that transfer only. - [What does the Parallel transfers setting do?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/parallel-transfers-setting) — Parallel transfers is how many different files move at once within a transfer (1–32, default 8). Raise it for many small files on a fast link; lower it for slow connections. It doesn't speed up one big file. - [What does Streams per file do, and why is my one big file slow?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/streams-per-file-setting) — Streams per file fetches several pieces of one large file at the same time (1–16, default 4) — the setting that speeds up a single big file. More streams help until the server or connection is the limit. - [Why is my transfer slower than I expected?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/why-is-my-transfer-slow) — Common causes: upload speed of your connection, the cloud service's own limits, many small files (raise Parallel transfers), one huge file (raise Streams per file), a bandwidth limit, or a busy Mac. - [Will a big transfer slow down my Mac or my internet connection?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/will-a-transfer-slow-down-my-mac) — It's designed to stay out of your way, and scheduled transfers wait while your Mac is under heavy load. A big upload can still fill your connection — set a Bandwidth limit, lower Parallel transfers, or schedule it overnight. - [Does my Mac need to stay on and awake for a long transfer?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/keep-mac-awake-for-long-transfers) — Yes. Transfers run on your Mac, so they progress only while it's awake, online and Storage Studio is running — even cloud-to-cloud. If it sleeps nothing is lost; for long jobs, plug in and keep it awake. - [Do transfers stop when Storage Studio eases off for a busy Mac?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/transfers-in-survival-mode) — In Survival mode, new scheduled runs wait until your Mac settles, then start — nothing is skipped. Transfers already running and ones you start yourself carry on; pause one if it's in your way. ## Paired devices and plan storage - [Can I transfer files to or from another device paired with Bridge?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/transfer-to-a-paired-device) — Yes. Paired devices that are online appear in the cloud picker under Your accounts and devices. Choose Browse to pick a folder (a secure link is set up first), then copy, move or sync as usual. - [Why does New Transfer say my paired device “isn't reachable”?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/paired-device-isnt-reachable) — The device couldn't be reached right now. Open Bridge on that device, make sure it's awake and on the same network, check it shows as connected, then choose Browse again. - [What is “Included with your plan” in the New Transfer cloud picker?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/delta-drive-in-the-transfer-picker) — It lists storage that comes with your plan, such as Delta Drive, kept apart from accounts you connected yourself. Browse it or use its root as a source or destination like any other place. - [Can I use iCloud Drive in Data Transfers?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/transfer-icloud-drive-files) — iCloud Drive isn't an account you add; it's a folder on your Mac. Pick it with the folder button and copy or sync it like any local folder. Online-only files are downloaded as they're read, which needs space. - [Can I transfer my Google Photos library with Data Transfers?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/transfer-google-photos) — Not directly right now — Google Photos isn't available to add as an account since Google's 2025 rule change. Export with Google Takeout, then use Data Transfers to copy or move the downloaded files. - [How do I transfer files to an Amazon S3 bucket?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/transfer-to-amazon-s3-bucket) — Connect the bucket under More → Connect Accounts… (Bucket Storage), then pick it as the Destination in New Transfer and choose a folder or its root. The bucket name comes first in the path. - [Can I transfer files to an FTP or SFTP server?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/transfer-to-ftp-or-sftp-server) — Yes. Add the server as an FTP or SFTP account under More → Connect Accounts…, then pick it as a source or destination in New Transfer. Server transfers resume and retry after brief network drops. - [Why can't the folder browser open Delta Drive?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/delta-drive-messages-in-the-folder-browser) — The message says why: not set up on this Mac yet (finish setup), busy for a moment (try again shortly), couldn't unlock it (enter your recovery kit), or couldn't read it just now (check you're online, then Refresh). - [Why does a “Connecting to…” card appear when I browse a paired device?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/connecting-to-device-takes-a-few-seconds) — Storage Studio is setting up a secure link to the device before showing its folders, which takes a few seconds. The folder browser opens when it's ready, or you'll see a note if the device can't be reached. ## Problems and messages - [A transfer failed — how do I find out why and try again?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/a-transfer-failed-what-now) — Select it to read the plain-English reason and the log. Fix the cause, then set up the same transfer again — only missing or changed files are sent, so nothing that already arrived is repeated. - [Why does the cloud folder browser say “Could not list folders”?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/could-not-list-folders) — The account couldn't be read just now; the line underneath says why — an expired sign-in, a limit at the provider, an account no longer set up on this Mac, or a network problem. Fix that, then click Refresh. - [What does “That account needs signing in again — its access has expired” mean?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/account-needs-signing-in-again) — The service's permission for Storage Studio expired or was withdrawn. Open More → Connect Accounts…, sign in to that account again, then retry. Nothing in the account was changed meanwhile. - [What does “That account is refusing requests… it has hit a limit at its provider” mean?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/account-hit-a-limit-at-its-provider) — The cloud service is temporarily refusing requests because the account hit one of its limits. It usually clears by itself — try again later, and lower Parallel transfers if it keeps happening. - [What does “That account isn't set up on this Mac any more” mean?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/account-isnt-set-up-on-this-mac) — The account a transfer refers to can't be found on this Mac any more. Remove it under More → Connect Accounts… if listed, connect it again, then set the transfer up again with the reconnected account. - [Why did some transfers disappear after I removed a cloud account?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/transfers-gone-after-removing-an-account) — Removing an account also removes every transfer (one-off or scheduled) that uses it, after showing them to you. Only the records go — files already transferred stay where they are. - [Why did my transfer fail with “the S3 bucket couldn't be found”?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/s3-bucket-could-not-be-found) — The path didn't start with a bucket that exists on that account. Edit the account under More → Connect Accounts…, set its Bucket field to your real bucket name, and run the transfer again. - [Why is the Start Transfer button greyed out?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/start-transfer-button-is-greyed-out) — It stays greyed out until both fields are filled in and, for a link, the link is a valid http:// or https:// address pointing at a file rather than a folder. A warning under the field says what's wrong. - [Why did my transfer say Completed but nothing changed at the destination?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/transfer-completed-but-nothing-changed) — Usually Dry run was on (it completes without changing anything) or everything already matched, so nothing needed sending. Check the log and the full destination path in the transfer's status card. - [Why did a download stop with “The original changed while it was downloading”?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/original-changed-while-downloading) — The file changed at its source mid-download, so the transfer stopped instead of mixing two versions into a broken file. Start the download again to fetch the new version. - [What does “A piece of the file couldn't be downloaded” mean?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/a-piece-couldnt-be-downloaded) — One part of a large download failed, usually from a dropped connection. Everything that arrived is kept; check your connection and start it again to resume with the pieces already downloaded. - [Why did files I deleted in one place disappear from the other after a sync?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/deleted-files-disappeared-from-the-other-side) — Syncs carry deletions: one-way sync removes destination files no longer in the source, and Bidirectional sync deletes in both directions. Use Copy for an archive that only grows, or Data Backup to recover deleted files. ## Privacy, safety and reporting - [Do my files pass through Storage Studio's servers during a transfer?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/do-my-files-go-through-storage-studio-servers) — No. Transfers run on your Mac and go directly between the places you chose; your files don't pass through Storage Studio's servers. Only storage that comes with your plan, such as Delta Drive, holds files for you — when you pick it. - [Are my cloud account details safe when Storage Studio runs transfers?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/are-my-cloud-credentials-safe) — They stay private on your Mac and are only used to talk to the service they belong to — never sent to us. Browser sign-ins give Storage Studio a revocable permission rather than your password. - [What technology does Storage Studio use to transfer files?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/what-powers-data-transfers) — We don't publish the internals, but transfers use a mature, widely trusted engine that only sends new or changed files and copies before removing anything on a Move. - [Where can I see a history of transfer activity and problems?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/data-transfers-in-job-insights) — The Data Transfers list shows every transfer and scheduled run until cleared, and the Data Transfers card in Job Insights rolls up recent runs, their status and any problems in plain English. - [Do completed transfers count in Storage Studio's usage charts?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/transfers-in-storage-charts) — Yes. Every successful transfer adds the data it moved to your usage history, shown in the storage charts as Cloud sync, split into data sent out and data brought back. Failed or cancelled ones don't count. - [What does the Data Transfers row in the Services pane mean?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/data-transfers-status-in-services) — Green means idle, green with a count means that many transfers are running, and yellow means something is waiting — a drive to reconnect or an account to sign in again. Open Data Transfers to see which. - [What happens to my transfers if my trial or subscription ends?](https://storagestudio.us/faq/data-transfers/data-transfers-after-trial-ends) — Data Transfers needs an active trial or licence; when it lapses, automatic actions including scheduled transfers pause. Your files stay exactly where they are. Re-activate or pick a plan to carry on.