Local project files
A managed mirror stores verified copies of original project files on a remote Desktop. It is optional and never contains a second Volum database.
Choose what stays local
- Pair the Desktop with a server.
- Open Settings → Remote library.
- Under Local project files, choose Selected projects or Entire library.
- Choose a private folder.
- Select Sync now for the initial download.
Use an empty or dedicated folder outside Volum's app-data directory. Make sure it has enough free space for the server's managed project files.
With Selected projects, use Keep on this Desktop from a project card, project details, or a multi-project selection. Folder and collection controls are live rules: new projects added later are downloaded automatically, including projects that newly match a smart collection. Removing a project from local storage creates an exclusion if a broader rule would otherwise include it.
What the mirror stores
The folder contains ordinary project files plus private synchronization state under .volum/. Partial downloads are resumable. A file becomes active only after its size and BLAKE3 ETag match the server revision.
The mirror does not store volum.sqlite3, tags, collections, notes, or other canonical metadata. Metadata browsing still requires the server.
Synchronization rules
| Server copy | Mirrored copy | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Unchanged | Unchanged | No transfer |
| Changed | Unchanged | Download and verify the server copy |
| Unchanged | Changed | Upload only if the server still has the downloaded revision |
| Changed | Changed | Preserve the local copy under Conflicts/, then download the server copy |
| Deleted or no longer selected | Unchanged | Remove the mirrored copy |
| Deleted or no longer selected | Changed | Preserve the edited copy under Conflicts/ |
Conflicts/ is preservation, not automatic merging. Review preserved files manually and explicitly upload or import the version you want to keep.
Offline behavior
When the server is unavailable, Volum lists verified mirrored files and can open or reveal them. Search, metadata browsing, and edits remain unavailable until the canonical server reconnects.
Disable a mirror
Disabling synchronization does not delete the folder. Remove mirror files manually only after confirming that the canonical server has the copies you need.