Is Brig safe for storing sensitive documents?

Brig uses strong encryption for data, but as beta software, it's not recommended for mission-critical sensitive data until a stable release. The README advises against using it as sole storage for production data.

Brig vs Syncthing: which is better for decentralized sync?

Brig adds git-like versioning and IPFS-based storage, making it ideal for version-controlled, encrypted sharing, while Syncthing focuses on direct peer-to-peer sync without versioning. Brig is more complex but offers more features for decentralized workflows.

How to mount Brig filesystem on Linux?

After installation, use Brig's FUSE feature to mount a remote repository; detailed steps are in the documentation, but it requires FUSE support and proper configuration of mount points.

Can I use Brig without storing files locally?

Yes, Brig supports remote data storage via IPFS, so files don't need to be kept on the device in use, but this depends on IPFS node availability and may impact access speed.

What happens if IPFS goes down in Brig?

Data availability relies on the IPFS network; if nodes are offline, syncing may fail unless you have pinned content or configured redundant nodes, which adds management overhead.

Does Brig work with cloud storage like Google Drive?

No, Brig is designed as a decentralized alternative using IPFS and does not natively integrate with centralized cloud services; it's built for user-controlled, serverless syncing.

Open-Awesome

brig

AGPL-3.0Gov0.4.1

A distributed and secure file synchronization tool with version control, built on IPFS with a git-like interface and web UI.

Visit Website GitHub

578 stars34 forks0 contributors

What is brig?

Brig is a distributed file synchronization tool that uses IPFS for decentralized storage and provides version control with a git-like interface. It solves the problem of securely syncing files across multiple devices without relying on a central server, ensuring data privacy through encryption and compression.

Target Audience

Developers and users who need secure, decentralized file synchronization with versioning capabilities, particularly those familiar with git workflows and interested in IPFS-based solutions.

Value Proposition

Brig offers a unique combination of decentralized storage via IPFS, strong encryption, and a simplified git-like versioning system, making it a compelling alternative to centralized cloud storage services with greater user control and privacy.

Overview

File synchronization on top of ipfs with git like interface & web based UI

Use Cases

Best For

Securely syncing files across multiple devices without a central server
Managing version-controlled data in a decentralized environment
Building private file sharing networks with encryption
Integrating IPFS-based storage with a user-friendly sync interface
Mounting remote data as a local filesystem via FUSE
Collaborating on projects with git-like versioning for files

Not Ideal For

Enterprises requiring production-ready, SLA-backed file synchronization with guaranteed uptime
Users on operating systems without stable FUSE support, such as default Windows installations
Teams needing simple, centralized sync services with minimal configuration and no IPFS knowledge
Projects demanding high-performance, low-latency file access without decentralized network overhead

Pros & Cons

Pros

End-to-End Encryption

All data is encrypted at rest and in transit with on-the-fly compression, ensuring privacy and security without relying on third-party servers.

Git-like Version Control

Offers a simplified versioning system that handles moved files and empty directories, making it familiar for developers accustomed to git workflows.

Decentralized Architecture

Leverages IPFS for storage, eliminating the need for a central server and providing user-controlled, resilient data sharing across devices.

FUSE Filesystem Integration

Mounts as a normal sync folder via FUSE, allowing seamless integration with existing file management tools and operating systems.

Cons

Beta Software Risks

The project is in beta phase with acknowledged bugs and no stability guarantees before version 1.0.0, making it unsuitable for critical data storage.

Complex Setup Process

Installation requires running scripts or compiling from source with Go, which can be cumbersome and error-prone for non-technical users.

IPFS Dependency Issues

Performance and reliability are tied to IPFS, which can introduce latency, require manual node management, and may not suit all network environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Projects

IPFS Desktop

An unobtrusive and user-friendly desktop application for IPFS on Windows, Mac and Linux.

Stars6,551

Forks903

Last commit11 hours ago

Peergos

A p2p, secure file storage, social network and application protocol

Build and host decentralized blogs and websites on your Mac

Stars1,810

Forks78

Last commit12 days ago

archiveweb.page

A High-Fidelity Web Archiving Extension for Chrome and Chromium based browsers!

Stars1,526

Forks107

Last commit14 days ago

Community-curated · Updated weekly · 100% open source

Found a gem we're missing?

Open-Awesome is built by the community, for the community. Submit a project, suggest an awesome list, or help improve the catalog on GitHub.

Submit a project Star on GitHub