Overview:

This project focused on building a reliable and secure file synchronization system across multiple devices and operating systems. The primary goal was to ensure seamless access to personal documents and pictures across all three Linux devices. This is where I discovered Syncthing. From there, I expanded the vision: sync files not only across Linux, but also Windows and macOS. Naturally, this led to testing a cloud-based solution, and after research, I chose pCloud for its cross-platform support and privacy-friendly features.

Strategy
Begin with a local syncing solution using open-source tools, then explore external cloud storage options for remote access and scalability. The priority was privacy, offline support, and full control over folder synchronization.

Step 1: Tool Selection

Local Sync: Syncthing
Chosen for its decentralized peer-to-peer syncing model, cross-platform support, and open-source design. No account required, no vendor lock-in, and all traffic encrypted.

Cloud Option: pCloud
Tested for cloud flexibility. pCloud offered:

• Free and paid plans

• Cross-platform desktop and web access

• Mountable virtual drive

• Manual upload/download support

• No installation required for basic use

Step 2: Syncthing Installation

Linux Devices (Zorin, Mint, Pop!_OS)

sudo apt update && sudo apt install syncthing

Windows Device

• Downloaded from https://syncthing.net

• Extracted ZIP file and launched .exe manually

macOS Device

• Downloaded .dmg file and moved Syncthing to Applications

Step 3: Launching and Accessing Syncthing

• Launched from terminal:

syncthing

• Accessed local web UI at:

http://localhost:8384

• Synced folders:

• Documents

• Pictures

• Shared /Sync directory across platforms:

• Linux: /home/username/Sync

• Windows: C:\Users\username\Sync

• macOS: /Users/username/Sync

• All five systems (3 Linux + 1 Windows + 1 macOS) recognized each other as Syncthing peers.

Step 4: Folder Sync Setup

• Linked devices via Syncthing device IDs

• Configured manual folder sync using folder IDs and permissions

• Enabled optional versioning to prevent overwrite conflicts

• Standardized folder structure on all systems for easy config replication

Step 5: pCloud Testing and Setup

• Created a free pCloud account

• Used web UI to upload:

• Notes, screenshots, documents

• Zipped project directories

• Verified cross-platform access from:

• Linux (via browser)

• Windows (Edge and Brave)

• macOS (Safari)

• Chose not to install pCloud apps to conserve system space

Step 6: Tools & Workflow Summary

Local Tools Used:

• Syncthing – real-time file sync

• LibreOffice – cross-platform document editing

• RustDesk – remote device access

• File Managers – Dolphin, Nemo, GNOME Files

Web-Based Tools:

• Canva, Adobe online, Microsoft 365 online

• ChatGPT – used for research and documentation drafting

• pCloud – for cloud storage and backup

• OneDrive / iCloud – tested but not used long-term

Final Outcome

All five devices now share synchronized documents and media folders using Syncthing without relying on a centralized server. The system works entirely offline if needed and automatically syncs changes in real-time when connected.

pCloud was added as a flexible cloud layer for manual uploads and remote access from any browser, adding redundancy and portability without compromising privacy.

This project laid the groundwork for future self-hosted cloud setups (Future Project Idea: Self-Hosting cloud service- Nextcloud or Seafile) with strong Linux compatibility and full cross-platform integration.