Configuring the default folder path

Owned by Florian Lahr (Unlicensed)
Last updated: Sept 26, 2018 by Daniel Maletz (Unlicensed)

On the first startup of the client, the client will create a default path for new folders. This path will be used to as a recommended place during the creation of a new folder or when a shared folder from another party will be joined locally. Of course the possibility to choose a completely different path for a folder still remains. 

Don't use the root directory of any partition, so that hidden folders inside won't get synchronized. The best way to synchronize data is to set up a separate folder with no content inside.

Every base path can only be watched by one client. Please ensure that never multiple clients use the same base path (e.g. network shares, Terminalserver)


Location of the default folder path

The location is different depending on the operating system, however it will be always located under the profile of the user which starts the client

  • Windows 7/8.1/10/2008R2/2012/2012R2/2016: C:\Users\<username>\PowerFolders
  • Linux/Mac: /home/<username>/PowerFolders

Configuring the default folder path

Of course it's possible to change the location of the default folder path. This will not cause all folders in there to be migrated to the new path automatically, but it will then be used for new folders.

To change the default folder path

  1. Click on Preferences in the main window.
  2. Change the Folders-basepath to a location of your choice.

Automatic setup of folders placed in the default folder path

Something really interesting and handy about the default folder path is the fact that you can place new directories with some files in the default folder path using your favourite file manager. They will then be automatically added as a folder in the client, means you just have to share them with others then. However they will only be added automatically, if they contain files. Empty directories will be ignored and not automatically added to the client. The behaviour is turned on by default. If you want to turn it off:

  1. Enable the Expert Mode.
  2. Click on Preferences in the main window.
  3. Click on Expert Settings.
  4. Uncheck the Auto-detect folders in the default folder path checkbox.