MacSnapshotGUIDE · LOCAL COPIES
How to back up selected folders on a Mac
Copy only the Mac folders you need to an external drive. Compare manual copying and scheduled backups, then check that your files can be restored.
Start with the folders you actually need
For a second copy of documents, photos or projects, start by selecting the folders and a separate external drive. Decide whether you need current files only or previous versions as well. Those are different jobs, and choosing the right one matters more than a long feature list.
MacSnapshotBackup maintains one updated copy. It adds new files, replaces the backed-up contents of detected changed files and skips unchanged files. Removing a source file does not automatically remove its backup. The app does not maintain version history or restore an entire Mac system.
1. Prepare a separate drive
Connect an external SSD or USB drive and check that Finder can see it. Allow room for the first copy, new files and working space during writes. A changed large file may be copied in full, so the size of an individual file matters.
Keep the destination outside the folders you are copying. Do not erase a drive containing important data just to follow this guide. Use an encrypted drive for private files; the app does not encrypt the copy automatically.
2. Make a manual copy in Finder
Open the source folder and external drive in separate Finder windows. Create a clearly named destination folder, such as “Documents copy”. Copy the selected folders with ⌘C and ⌘V. Wait until copying finishes and read any error messages.
A manual copy is useful before a major change, but you need to remember the next one. When copying again, review any prompts to replace existing files. Replacing a file does not preserve its previous contents.
3. Schedule folder copying when you need it
In MacSnapshotBackup, select source folders, choose your destination drive and set a time. Run “Backup teraz” (Back up now), check the result and then rely on the schedule. Copying requires a running app, a connected drive and a Mac that is on and awake.
The app supports macOS 13 or later, Apple Silicon and Intel. Its current interface is in Polish. Initial license activation needs the internet; file copying is local. Read the installation guide before opening the package, which is not notarized by Apple.
4. Check that you can recover a file
Open a few files from the completed copy. Then copy a small file back into a new test folder on your Mac. Avoid overwriting the original during this check. A success message alone is not a recovery test.
Cloud-only files may need to be downloaded to your Mac first. Close apps that constantly modify important files before copying them. Copying an active database does not guarantee a consistent database backup; use a suitable export or a dedicated procedure.
When do you need more?
If you need files as they existed days or weeks ago, choose version history. An updated copy can also receive an unwanted edit or corrupted contents. A further copy stored separately helps when theft or damage affects both your computer and its connected drive.
Sources and further reading
The MacSnapshotBackup description reflects the current product: one updated copy without version history. External tool documentation was reviewed on 27 September 2026.