File Sync & Local Projects

Learn how to sync files between local and remote storage using the SongDrive desktop application.

Overview

The SongDrive desktop app provides powerful file synchronization capabilities, allowing you to:

• Work offline with local file storage
• Sync with cloud when connected to the internet
• Manage local projects directly from your file system
• Integrate with DAWs and other audio tools
• Backup projects automatically

Understanding File Sync

Local vs. Remote Storage

Remote Files (Cloud)

• Stored online: Accessible from any device
• Collaborative: Team members can access
• Automatic backup: Protected against local drive failure
• Limited by upload speed: Slower for large files
• Requires internet: Must be online to access

Local Files (Your Computer)

• Stored locally: Fast access, no internet required
• Private: Only accessible on your device
• Large file friendly: No upload/download time
• Requires local backup: Risk of data loss if drive fails
• Full DAW integration: Direct file system access

Hybrid Approach

SongDrive's desktop app combines both:

• Local working copies: Fast access for active projects
• Cloud synchronization: Backup and sharing capabilities
• Smart syncing: Only sync what's changed
• Offline capability: Continue working without internet

File Sync Status

Status Indicators

When viewing projects in the desktop app, you'll see sync status for each file:

✅ Up to Date

• Local and remote files are identical
• No action needed
• Safe to continue working

📤 Modified (Ready to Upload)

• Local file has been changed
• Changes need to be uploaded to cloud
• Newer than remote version

📥 New Remote (Ready to Download)

• Remote file has been updated by someone else
• Local copy is older or missing
• Should download to get latest version

🆕 Local Only

• File exists locally but not in the cloud
• New file created locally
• Can be uploaded to share with team

❓ Missing Locally

• File exists in cloud but not locally
• Project not yet downloaded
• Click download to get local copy

🔄 Remote Newer

• Remote file has been updated since local version
• Local file also has changes
• May require conflict resolution

Checking Sync Status

1. Open a project in the desktop app
2. Look for the "File Sync" section in the project view
3. Click "Refresh" to update sync status
4. Review the list of files with sync differences

Manual Sync Operations

Uploading Local Changes

When you have local modifications to upload:

1. Check sync status to see modified files
2. Review the file list to confirm what will be uploaded
3. Click "Upload Project Files" button
4. Wait for upload to complete
5. Status updates to show successful sync

What Gets Uploaded

• Files modified since last sync
• New files created locally
• Deleted files (marked for remote deletion)
• Metadata changes (file attributes, timestamps)

Downloading Remote Changes

When remote files have been updated:

1. Check sync status to see available updates
2. Review what will be downloaded
3. Click "Download Updated Files" button
4. Wait for download to complete
5. Verify local files are updated

What Gets Downloaded

• Files modified by collaborators
• New files added to the project
• Deleted files (removed from local storage)
• Updated metadata and attributes

Initial Project Download

For projects that exist remotely but not locally:

1. Navigate to the project in SongDrive
2. Click "Download Project to Local" button
3. Choose local directory (if prompted)
4. Wait for full download of all project files
5. Local project structure is created automatically

Automatic Sync Features

Background Monitoring

The desktop app automatically:

• Monitors local files for changes
• Checks remote updates periodically
• Shows notifications when sync is needed
• Prevents conflicts through smart timing

Smart Sync Timing

• On project open: Check for updates when accessing projects
• Periodic checks: Regular background sync status updates
• Before major operations: Sync before uploads/downloads
• On application start: Check all projects for changes

Conflict Prevention

• File locking: Prevent simultaneous edits when possible
• Timestamp tracking: Use modification times to resolve conflicts
• User notification: Alert when conflicts are detected
• Manual resolution: Allow user choice in conflict situations

Local Project Management

Directory Structure

Local projects maintain the SongDrive structure:

Local Projects Folder/
├── Workspace Name/
│   ├── Project Name/
│   │   ├── audio_file_1.wav
│   │   ├── audio_file_2.mp3
│   │   └── project_file.logic
│   └── Another Project/
│       └── more_files.wav
└── Another Workspace/
    └── projects...

Working Directly with Files

DAW Integration

• Open project files directly from file system
• Save changes are automatically detected
• Sync status updates when files are modified
• Launch from SongDrive for seamless integration

File System Operations

• Add files directly to project folders
• Rename files using file system tools
• Organize folders as needed for workflow
• Delete files when no longer needed

External Tool Integration

• Audio editors: Edit files with external applications
• Batch processors: Apply effects to multiple files
• File converters: Change formats as needed
• Backup tools: Include in external backup systems

Advanced Sync Features

Selective Sync

Choose what to sync:

• Exclude large files: Skip video files or uncompressed audio
• Include only specific formats: Sync only working files
• Skip temporary files: Ignore cache and temporary data
• Custom filters: Define your own sync rules

Bandwidth Management

Control sync performance:

• Throttle uploads: Limit upload speed to preserve bandwidth
• Schedule syncing: Run sync during off-peak hours
• Pause sync: Temporarily stop syncing for focused work
• Priority files: Sync important files first

Version History

Track file changes:

• Local versioning: Keep multiple versions of important files
• Sync history: See when files were last synced
• Rollback capability: Restore previous versions if needed
• Change tracking: Monitor what changed and when

Troubleshooting Sync Issues

Common Problems

Files Not Syncing

Symptoms: Changes aren't uploading or downloading Solutions:

• Check internet connection
• Verify file permissions
• Restart the desktop application
• Check for sufficient storage space
• Review sync settings and filters

Sync Conflicts

Symptoms: Same file modified locally and remotely Solutions:

• Review conflict details in sync status
• Choose which version to keep
• Manually merge changes if needed
• Establish team workflow to prevent conflicts

Missing Files

Symptoms: Files disappeared from local or remote Solutions:

• Check sync status for deletion records
• Look in trash/recycle bin
• Check if files were moved to different project
• Restore from backup if available

Slow Sync Performance

Symptoms: Uploads/downloads taking too long Solutions:

• Check internet connection speed
• Use file compression when possible
• Sync during off-peak hours
• Enable bandwidth throttling
• Break large uploads into smaller batches

Error Resolution

Permission Errors

• Run as administrator (Windows) or with sudo (Mac/Linux)
• Check file/folder permissions in operating system
• Verify disk space available for downloads
• Close other applications that might lock files

Network Errors

• Check firewall settings to allow SongDrive
• Verify internet connection stability
• Try different network if available
• Contact IT support for corporate networks

Storage Errors

• Free up disk space on local drive
• Check cloud storage limits for account
• Verify file sizes aren't exceeding limits
• Clean up temporary files and caches

Best Practices for File Sync

Workflow Organization

1. Establish sync schedule: Regular upload/download times
2. Communicate with team: Coordinate sync timing with collaborators
3. Use clear naming: Consistent file naming for easy identification
4. Regular backups: Don't rely solely on sync for data protection
5. Monitor sync status: Check regularly for issues or conflicts

Performance Optimization

• Work locally first: Do intensive work on local files
• Sync completed work: Upload when ready to share
• Use appropriate formats: Balance quality vs. file size
• Clean up regularly: Remove obsolete files to reduce sync time
• Organize efficiently: Use clear folder structures

Team Coordination

• Establish sync etiquette: When to sync, how to handle conflicts
• Communication protocols: Notify team of major uploads
• Conflict resolution process: How to handle simultaneous edits
• Backup responsibilities: Who manages what aspects of backup
• Access management: Control who can sync what files

Need help with sync issues? Check Troubleshooting or FAQ.