1. Overview
rsync_GUI is a graphical interface for rsync. It copies files to local folders, USB drives and previously mounted network or cloud destinations.
| Area | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Start | Check source and destination, run a preview and start the transfer. |
| Settings | Choose language, source, destination and copy mode. |
| Bookmarks | Save and load recurring backup profiles. |
| Selection | Back up the complete source or selected files and folders. |
| Exclusions | Exclude caches, temporary data and other unwanted files. |
| Log | Review the preview, progress, rsync output and errors. |
2. Installation and upgrade
- Download
rsync_GUI_1.5.2_DE_EN.zip. - Extract the ZIP archive.
- Open a terminal in the
rsync_GUI_1.5.2folder. - Install the Debian package with the following command.
sudo apt install ./rsync-gui_1.5.2_all.debAPT installs missing dependencies. Settings, bookmarks and logs are retained during an upgrade.
Reinstall
sudo apt install --reinstall ./rsync-gui_1.5.2_all.deb3. First start and paths
After installation, start rsync_GUI from the desktop icon, application menu or terminal:
rsync-gui- Select the source folder under Settings.
- Choose the destination folder.
- Connect network or cloud destinations through Nemo first.
- Open Selection and review the backup scope.
- Review cache and temporary-file rules under Exclusions.
smb:// and davs:// must already be mounted by Linux. rsync then uses the local path provided by GVfs.4. Copy, synchronize and preview
| Mode | Behaviour |
|---|---|
| Copy / update | New and changed files are transferred. Files that exist only at the destination are retained. |
| Synchronize | The destination is matched to the source. Files that exist only at the destination may be deleted after a successful transfer. |
- Click Preview.
- Review new, changed and possibly deleted paths in the log.
- Correct the source, destination or exclusions when necessary.
- Only then start Copy / synchronize.
- Monitor progress, speed and remaining time.
5. Bookmarks and language
A bookmark stores the source, destination, mode, selection, exclusions and additional rsync parameters.
- Configure the required settings.
- Open Bookmarks.
- Select New bookmark and enter a name.
- Load a profile later by double-clicking it or selecting Apply.
Change the interface under Language / Sprache in Settings. The open window switches immediately without a restart.
6. Desktop icon and application files
Version 1.5.2 installs the pink rsync_GUI icon for the application window and menu. It also creates an executable launcher on the user's desktop.
| File | Location |
|---|---|
| Settings | /usr/share/rsync-gui/.config/settings.json |
| Bookmarks | /usr/share/rsync-gui/.config/bookmarks.json |
| Log | /usr/share/rsync-gui/.config/rsync_GUI.log |
7. Troubleshooting
Source or destination is unavailable
Select the path again. Connect network or cloud destinations in Nemo first, then check them again in rsync_GUI.
rsync returns code 23
Return code 23 means a partial transfer. The Log tab lists the affected paths and exact reason, such as missing permissions or unreadable files.
The configuration folder is not writable
Reinstall the package as the signed-in desktop user with sudo apt install --reinstall. The installer assigns the configuration folder to that user.
The desktop icon is missing
Run the installation again. The installer resolves the user's localized desktop folder automatically.
Documentation for rsync_GUI version 1.5.2 with GTK 3, rsync and GVfs.