How to Synchronize Files Between Two MacBooks on the Same Network

Syncthing keeps folders in sync between devices on the same network (or over the internet). It works with whole folders rather than individual files, so you choose which directory to sync. You can also use Ignore Patterns to sync only certain files inside that folder.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to get two Macs syncing with Syncthing.

Step 1: Install Syncthing (both Macs)

• Via Homebrew: In Terminal run:

  brew install --cask syncthing
  

• Alternative: Download the Syncthing app for macOS from the Syncthing website.
• Launch: Open the Syncthing app. It will open a browser at http://localhost:8384.

Step 2: Link the two Macs

1. On Mac 2: Click Actions (top right) → Show ID. Copy the long device ID.
2. On Mac 1: Click Add Remote Device (bottom right).
   • Paste Mac 2’s Device ID.
   • Give it a name (e.g. “MacBook Pro 2” or “Office Mac”).
   • Click Save.
3. On Mac 2: A notification will appear that a device wants to connect. Click Add Device.

Step 3: Set up the folder (Mac 1)

1. On Mac 1, click Add Folder.
2. General tab:
   • Folder Label: A name you’ll recognize (e.g. “Documents Sync” or “Projects”).
   • Folder Path: The full path to the folder you want to sync (e.g. /Users/yourusername/Documents/MyFolder — replace with your macOS username and folder).
3. Sharing tab:
   • Check the box next to the other Mac so it can receive this folder.
4. Ignore Patterns tab (optional):
   • To sync only specific files and ignore the rest, add patterns. For example, to sync only one file and ignore everything else:

     !filename-you-want.txt
     *
     

   • This means: “Do not ignore filename-you-want.txt, but ignore everything else.”
5. Click Save.

Step 4: Accept the folder (Mac 2)

1. On Mac 2, a notification will appear: “Mac 1 wants to share folder ‘…’”. Click Add.
2. Folder Path: Set the path where you want this folder on Mac 2 (often the same path as on Mac 1, e.g. /Users/yourusername/Documents/MyFolder).
3. Click Save.

Step 5: Permissions (if you sync hidden or system directories)

If the folder you chose is inside a hidden directory (name starts with a dot, e.g. ~/.somefolder), macOS may block access.

• Go to System Settings → Privacy & Security → Full Disk Access.
• Add Syncthing to the list and turn the toggle ON.

After that, Syncthing will keep the folder in sync between the two Macs whenever both are running and can reach each other on the network.