Backups

Data Backup keeps versioned backups of the folders you choose on another drive or in the cloud. Each version stores only what changed, every backup is checked, and you can restore any earlier version — the whole set or single files.

A backup set can go to a folder on another drive, to one of your own connected cloud accounts, or — if your plan includes it — to Storage Studio's own vault. Cloud backups are always encrypted on your Mac first.

Each backup set runs as things change, on a schedule, or only when you ask, with optional conditions — only when plugged in, not on a personal hotspot, not during working hours. Missed times are caught up once, and Back up now always works.

Open Versions… on a backup set, pick the date you want, then restore the whole version or browse it and restore just the files you need — back to where they came from, or exported somewhere else. Restoring never changes the backup.

Each backup adds a version that stores only what changed. The five most recent are kept, older ones are thinned to one per hour, day, week and month, and every new version is checked once it has been written.

A backup set that goes to one of your own cloud accounts is encrypted on your Mac with a passphrase you choose. Storage Studio remembers it so backups run on their own, but if you lose it, those backups can't be recovered — keep a copy somewhere safe.

What each message on a Data Backup card means and what to do about it — passphrase problems, an unreachable destination, a full destination, an expired sign-in, waiting for power or a faster connection, and backups that stopped part-way.

Automatic backups run gently in the background and pause while your Mac is busy. A backup keeps the Mac awake when it's plugged in or above 30% battery, an automatic cloud backup waits if the connection is too slow, and you can keep backups off hotspots.