APFS Support With macOS Mojave, Apple has switched to a new file system called APFS (Apple File System) which already is used on iPhones and iPads. This is the most substantial change Apple has introduced since the introduction of Mac OS X, which is over 18 years ago. While previous versions of ChronoSync work with APFS, the new ChronoSync v4.9 is optimized for APFS. Scanning the file system for changes and subsequently copying files is noticeably faster than previous versions. ChronoSync v4.9 not only works using the new APFS under Mojave, it still works optimally using HFS+ with older versions of macOS and manages files that go between the two file systems. ChronoSync detects which file system it is dealing with and utilizes file management techniques best suited for the underlaying storage format. This required "under the hood" changes, the likes of which have never been seen since the release of ChronoSync v4.0, and lays the groundwork for future optimizations.

File System Freezing If using APFS as a source, the "Freeze File System" feature will take a snapshot of the file system before backing it up. The snapshot freezes all the files at the moment the sync/backup runs so there is no possibility of any files being modified, added, or removed during the course of the sync/backup. This guarantees the destination will mirror the source at the exact moment the sync/backup begins. This is even true if the computer is being used at the time the sync/backup is running. Freezing the file system is important because macOS is constantly modifying files, even when you are not actively using them. For example, the Photos app will continuously update and modify your photo library even when you have not used the app. Without freezing, the photo library could get modified before it has been fully copied, potentially leading to a corrupt library on the destination!

Mojave Dark Mode The new macOS Mojave introduces Dark Mode, which is a darker interface that many feel is easier on the eyes. It also has the benefit of not saturating visual content such as photos and videos, which is why many creative professionals prefer it. ChronoSync 4.9 now fully supports this new feature ensuring that whether you use Light Mode or Dark Mode, ChronoSync will be easy to set and control backups & syncs. Supporting Dark Mode was not simply a matter of 'flipping a switch' and rebuilding the application. It required rework of many user interface elements throughout the entire program along with the creation of Dark Mode specific graphics, icons and color palettes. ChronoSync 4.9 represents a significant investment in the macOS user experience, both for now and the future!

Mojave Security Not only did Apple add Dark Mode and change the filesystem used under macOS Mojave, they have decided to really crack down on Security & Privacy, too. Application programs no longer have unfettered access to sensitive data unless you, the user, grant such access. ChronoSync 4.9 is fully aware of these limitations and includes specific features to help you deal with them. This includes context-sensitive messages to explain why ChronoSync may be asking for access to specific parts of your system. It also includes the super-handy Full Disk Access Assistant that automatically detects whether you need to grant elevated privileges to ChronoSync and will step you through the process granting such permissions.

ChronoSync Organizer The ChronoSync Organizer window receives a complete overhaul in 4.9, including Dark Mode support. With an all new toolbar, just select any sync/backup task and Open, Run, Validate, Schedule, and View Logs with a click of a button. Individual tasks can be categorized using the all-new Tags feature. A dozen presentation/sorting options control how your tasks are arranged and displayed. The ChronoSync Organizer window is much more than a list of all the sync/backups… it is ChronoSync Command Central!

Restore Function The improved restore function lets you recover backed-up data directly from the Analyze Panel. You now have more control over how recovered files are merged in with your source data. New for ChronoSync 4.9, files on the destination backup target can be restored to a custom folder instead or your source folder. For example, restore files to a temporary folder on the Desktop to look them over to make sure they indeed contain the files you are looking for. You can also restore to any storage media or service that you can target in a ChronoSync task document. This includes cloud services such as Amazon S3 and Backblaze B2, so you can also use the Restore function to make a quick copy of your backup data in the cloud!

Touch ID Authentication ChronoSync v4.9 provides the option to use Touch ID whenever administrator credentials are required. Such credentials are necessary to access system data, such as when making a bootable backup. Being able to use Touch ID for authentication is a convenient time-saver. When using a system with Touch ID hardware, the user will receive a prompt on first launch of ChronoSync v4.9 to activate Touch ID from that point onward. It can also be manually enabled/disabled in ChronoSync Preferences. Enabling Touch ID support requires administrator credentials

Smarter Assistants Assistants make it easy to set up syncs and backups in ChronoSync. In ChronoSync 4.9 the Bootable Backup Assistant has been enhanced so that it can now format drives using an APFS filesystem (macOS 10.13+). Case-sensitive and Encrypted volumes are options, too. The Disk Image Assistant also gains the ability to format disk images using APFS. When creating sparse bundle disk images, it now provides the ability to dictate the size of the 'band files' used to construct the disk image. This is not a common feature but it is very useful to ensure optimal storage of your data on the disk image. For example, large video and sound files will be stored more efficiently when a large band size is chosen. It also can improve performance when uploading sparse bundle disk images to cloud services.

Monitor Your Progress ChronoSync always provided indication that it was running a scheduled task by animating the ChronoSync System Menu icon. However, to see exactly what it was doing, you had to switch to ChronoSync and show the Scheduled Tasks Manager window. Now with ChronoSync 4.9, it is easy to view any running sync or backup, and their progress, directly from the ChronoSync System Menu without even opening the ChronoSync app. The "Running Scheduled Tasks" menu item will display all scheduled tasks that are currently executing along with a status/progress indicator. You no longer need to stop what you're doing to figure out what ChronoSync is doing!

Container Editor The "Documents" panel in the container task editor window now has an area for "Special Notes" and you can control the size of this area by moving the divider that separates it from the document list. This is not only handy for supplying detailed notes about your tasks, it can also position the document list so it is not obscured by the progress sheet when running the container task. The contained documents list itself now displays more information about each contained task document. This includes the type of task, its running/last run status, target information (if applicable) and special notes. It includes tag colors assigned in the ChronoSync Organizer. You can also view the individual logs of contained tasks directly from the documents list, eliminating the need to open each task in its own editor window.

Log Viewing Instant access to any task log directly from the ChronoSync Organizer, the Scheduled Task Manager & from within a Container Document. No longer do you need to first load a task document to analyze your sync/backup results, making quick log access one of the most significant features of ChronoSync 4.9!