FreeFileSync is an open-source file synchronization and localization app for Linux. It is a powerful app that makes creating file backups much easier and simpler. You can use this tool to create file backups on any number of devices, be it laptops, an external hard disk, or a desktop. Thus, by relying on FreeFileSync, you can keep your files synchronized across multiple devices. The app comes with a number of features that makes it a worthwhile choice for many users. Thus, if you are looking to install FreeFileSync on Linux distributions, all you have to do is scroll down and choose an appropriate method that suits your needs. We have several methods listed here that can help you achieve this.
What Is FreeFileSync?
As we explained above, FreeFileSync is a file synchronization and folder comparison app that can help you create and manage backups of your files. This saves you the time and hassle of copying files every time. The app first determines the difference between the source file and the target folder, and then backups the file accordingly, while only transferring the minimum amount of data. The app is already available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
It has a great GUI that is not only easy to navigate but also very user-friendly. Also, you can use the app directly from the command line, making it suitable for mouse free interaction. FreeFileSync is different from other disk cloning and imaging tools. While other tools will copy everything, the app first examines both the source and target folders and only copies what is needed.
This makes the app way faster than alternatives, and you can even automate the entire process. You can create batch jobs and keep track of your backup process. You should note that the app also offers folder comparison, allowing you to view folders and see how they differ. This works similarly to other File Diff tools however, instead of files, you are comparing two different folders.
Install FreeFileSync On Linux
When it comes to installing FreeFileSync on Linux, all you have to do is pick a suitable method. There are several options available to you. You can either get the file from the official website and unpack it, or you can rely on a third-party package manager to install FreeFileSync on Linux. You can even build it from source.
Method 1. Download FreeFileSync From The Official Website
The first method allows you to directly download the tar package from the official FreeFileSync website and then install it on a number of Linux distributions. It is the easiest and most straightforward method available for users. Just follow the following steps to download and install FreeFileSync directly:
Step 1. First, go to the official FreeFileSync website and download the tar package:
Step 2. Then, extract the tar file:
tar -xzf FreeFileSync_<version>_Linux.tar.gzStep 3. Finally, run FreeFileSync:
cd FreeFileSync
./FreeFileSyncMethod 2. Use PPA To Install FreeFileSync On Linux
A PPA, or Personal Package Archive, is a software repository for Linux (primarily Ubuntu/Debian distros) that hosts software packages. Thus, you can use a PPA to install an app on Linux. All you need to do is:
Step 1. First, add the PPA repository:
sudo add-apt-repository ppa:freefilesync/ffs
sudo apt updateStep 2. Now, install FreeFileSync:
sudo apt install freefilesyncMethod 3. Install FreeFileSync Using Flatpak
FreeFileSync is also available in Flatpak, which is a universal package manager for Linux operating system. You can use Flatpak on a number of distributions. Here are the steps you will need to install FreeFileSync via Flatpak:
Step 1. First, install Flatpak on your Linux device:
sudo apt install flatpakStep 2. After that, add the Flathub repository:
flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepoStep 3. Finally, install FreeFileSync:
flatpak install flathub org.freefilesync.FreeFileSyncStep 4. Finally, run FreeFileSync:
flatpak run org.freefilesync.FreeFileSyncMethod 4. Compile FreeFileSync From Source
Alternatively, you can always compile the app from source. This allows you to customize the app as you need and thus award you more freedom. This method is most suitable for developers and advanced users. To compile and install the app from source, you should:.
Step 1. First, install the required dependencies:
sudo apt update
sudo apt install -y cmake g++ libgtk-3-dev libssl-dev libcurl4-openssl-dev libwxbase3.0-dev libwxgtk3.0-gtk3-devStep 2. Then, get the source code from the official FreeFileSync website:
Step 3. After that, unzip the file:
unzip FreeFileSync_<version>_Source.zip
cd FreeFileSyncStep 3. Start the build and install FreeFileSync:
mkdir build && cd build
cmake ..
make installMethod 5. Installing FreeFileSync via Snap
Lastly, you can rely on Snap, a third-party package manager, to install FreeFileSync. Snap is available on most Linux distros and is very easy to use. Thus, you will need to:
Step 1. First, install Snap:
Debian/Ubuntu
sudo apt install snapd Fedora
sudo dnf install snapdopenSUSE
sudo zypper install snapdStep 2. Now, enable and start the Snap service:
sudo systemctl enable --now snapd.socketStep 3. Install FreeFileSync via Snap:
sudo snap install freefilesync --classic