Mackup
A command-line tool to backup and sync application settings across macOS and Linux workstations.
What is Mackup?
Mackup is a command-line utility designed to backup and synchronize application configuration files across multiple computers. It solves the problem of manually recreating development environments by automating the transfer of settings for hundreds of supported applications. Users can quickly restore their preferred setup on any new or freshly installed workstation.
Developers, system administrators, and power users who work across multiple macOS or Linux machines and want to maintain a consistent application configuration without manual effort.
Mackup saves time and reduces errors by automating the backup and sync of app settings, supports a vast array of applications out of the box, and works with popular cloud storage services for seamless cross-machine synchronization.
Overview
Backup and keep your application settings in sync.
Use Cases
Best For
- Setting up a new development machine with your existing application preferences
- Synchronizing terminal and editor configurations (like .bashrc, .vimrc) across multiple computers
- Backing up application settings before a system wipe or upgrade
- Maintaining consistent tool configurations (e.g., Git, Docker, IDE settings) across work and personal machines
- Managing dotfiles and configuration files for a portable development environment
- Quickly replicating a customized macOS or Linux setup on additional workstations
Not Ideal For
- Windows users needing cross-platform configuration synchronization
- Teams requiring real-time synchronization on macOS Sonoma or later due to broken link mode
- Users who need full application state backups including caches, data, and binaries
- Projects dependent on storage services like Box that are explicitly unsupported
Pros & Cons
Pros
Comes pre-configured for over 700 applications, from editors like VS Code to tools like Docker, minimizing setup time for common dev environments.
Works with popular cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and iCloud, or any synced folder, offering versatility in backup locations as outlined in the Supported Storages section.
Only backs up pure configuration files, excluding caches and temporary data, which keeps new installations clean and uncluttered, as stated in the philosophy.
Allows users to add custom applications or files via a ~/.mackup directory, making it adaptable to individual needs beyond the pre-supported list.
Cons
Link mode, which enables real-time synchronization via symlinks, does not work on macOS Sonoma and later, as admitted in the README warning, forcing users to rely on slower copy mode.
Does not back up application caches or data, which can be a drawback for users needing complete environment restoration or those with stateful applications.
Relies on third-party storage services for sync; if these services have issues or are unsupported (like Box), the backup and restore process can be disrupted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Projects
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