Synology Drive

Synology Drive: Centralized File Management and Synchronization

Synology Drive is a comprehensive private cloud solution that transforms your Synology NAS into a unified hub for file synchronization, sharing, and backup. It provides a seamless experience akin to commercial cloud services but with the added benefits of data sovereignty, enhanced security, and full control. Users opt for Synology Drive to consolidate their digital workspace, enabling them to access, edit, and collaborate on files from any device, anywhere, without relying on third-party cloud subscriptions. This application is the core of a modern, self-hosted productivity ecosystem.

On-Demand Sync for Local Storage Management

Synology Drive manages local storage intelligently through on-demand sync. Users begin by designating specific folders for synchronization within the Drive client. Files are not downloaded fully initially; instead, they appear as placeholders. The actual file content is streamed on-demand when a user double-clicks to open a file, significantly conserving local disk space. Users can also right-click any file or folder to permanently lock it, ensuring a local copy is always available offline. This workflow provides the flexibility of cloud access without constantly consuming storage capacity.

Cross-Platform File Access and Editing

Accessing files across different operating systems is a primary function of Synology Drive. Users start by logging into their Synology NAS via the dedicated Windows/Mac client, the web portal, or the mobile app. From there, they can navigate their entire file structure. The platform allows users to open and edit documents directly using associated desktop applications or Synology’s integrated Office suite. Any changes made are automatically saved back to the central Synology Drive repository, ensuring all connected devices have the latest version upon their next access.

Mobile File Browsing and Multimedia Playback

The mobile experience with Synology Drive is designed for comprehensive on-the-go management. After installing the app and connecting to their NAS, users can browse all synchronized files directly from their smartphone. The integrated viewer supports a wide array of formats, allowing users to tap to open documents, preview images, and even stream music and video files stored on their Synology Drive without downloading them. This immediate access turns the mobile app into a portable window into the entire private cloud.

Automated Multi-Device Synchronization

The core synchronization engine in Synology Drive automates file consistency across every linked device. Users set up a sync task by selecting a folder on their NAS to monitor. Any change—such as adding a new file, modifying an existing document, or deleting a folder—on one device is automatically detected. Synology Drive then queues these changes and propagates them to all other devices connected to the same account. This continuous background process ensures that a user’s workspace is identical whether they are on a home computer, office laptop, or mobile device.

Version Control and Historical Restoration

Synology Drive protects against accidental edits or file corruption with robust versioning. The system automatically creates a new version history entry whenever a file is modified and closed. To restore a previous state, a user simply right-clicks the file within the Synology Drive client and selects “Version History.” This action opens a list of all saved versions, which can be previewed. The user then selects the desired historical version and chooses to restore it, effectively rolling the file back to that specific point in time while preserving the version history.

Centralized Team Collaboration and Sharing

Collaboration is streamlined through Synology Drive’s integrated sharing tools. A user can collaborate on a file by right-clicking it and generating a shareable link. They set permissions, such as view-only or editable, and send the link to team members. Recipients can access the file via the web without logging in. When using Synology Office files, multiple users can edit simultaneously, with changes synced in near real-time for all participants. This workflow centralizes collaborative projects within the secure environment of your own Synology Drive.

Camera Upload and Mobile Backup

Securing mobile data is effortless with the automatic backup function. Once enabled in the mobile app’s settings, Synology Drive can be configured to upload photos and videos from the device’s camera roll to a designated folder on the NAS. This process can occur continuously over Wi-Fi or only when charging to conserve data. The files are then accessible from any other device connected to the user’s Synology Drive, serving as both a convenient access tool and a crucial backup for precious mobile content.