How to Synchronize Files to an SFTP Server in Real Time

• User Case
• What is the Difference between FTP and SFTP?
• Why Synchronize Files to an SFTP Server?
• How to Synchronize Files to an SFTP Server via AOMEI Backupper
• Bonus Tips: How to Manage SFTP Files More Efficiently with MultCloud
• Conclusion
• FAQs

User Case

What is the Difference between FTP and SFTP?

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) are used for file transfers, but they differ in security.

FTP operates over two channels and lacks encryption, making it vulnerable to interception. This is unsuitable for sensitive data. In contrast, SFTP uses a single, encrypted channel through SSH, securing all data, including passwords, during transmission. SFTP also offers advanced features like file management and improved error handling.

Therefore, while FTP may be faster for non-sensitive transfers, SFTP is the better choice for securely transferring confidential information.

Why Synchronize Files to an SFTP Server?

Synchronizing files to an SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) server ensures secure, encrypted transfer of data over the internet.

This synchronization process protects sensitive information from unauthorized access, making it ideal for businesses handling confidential files. SFTP allows for automated synchronization, ensuring that files are consistently updated without manual intervention. It also supports resume capabilities for interrupted transfers and provides access control through user authentication.

By synchronizing files regularly, organizations can maintain data integrity, backup critical information, and facilitate collaboration across remote teams, all while ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.

How to Synchronize Files to an SFTP Server via AOMEI Backupper

If you want to easily synchronize local folder with SFTP server without scripts, AOMEI Backupper can do you a favor. It is a professional file backup service that can backup, sync, and restore files and folders between your computer and a local path/shared drive/cloud drive. For the sync function, you can have 4 modes: Basic Sync, Real-Time Sync, Mirror Sync, and Two-Way Sync.

Except for the above sync modes, you can also schedule the sync task to let it auto-start at any time you want. Besides, if you run several sync tasks, you can adjust the operation priority. For example, if you set a task as high priority and others as normal, this task will be executed at a faster speed.

There is an example of how to use Real-Time Sync to synchronize files to an SFTP server.

Step 1. Download and install the AOMEI Backupper app on your computer.

Step 2. Open the app and choose Sync in the left sidebar. Then, select Real-Time Sync.

Step 3. Click + Add Folder and choose the files or folders that you want to sync.

Step 4. Click the lower bar and choose Add Share or NAS Devices.

Step 5. Enter the path of your SFTP server and choose where you want to save the files.

Step 6. Tap the Start Sync button to sync files to SFTP server.

Bonus Tips: How to Manage SFTP Files More Efficiently with MultCloud

While AOMEI Backupper real-time sync ensures your local files are synchronized to the SFTP server instantly, what if you need to sync files from cloud storage or one SFTP server to a another one? This is where a multiple cloud management service like MultCloud can be useful in a complementary role. It allows you to automate sync and backup between SFTP or cloud storage services.

Sync Files from One SFTP Server to Another

If you have multiple SFTP servers and want to transfer files from one to another, you can consider trying MultCloud. It is a free cloud storage managing service that helps manage and access different clouds in a single website. So far, MultCloud supports 30+ clouds, including Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, iCloud Drive, pCloud, NAS, and the FTP/SFTP servers.

To sync files between SFTP servers, you are going to use the Cloud Sync function. It is a function that provides you with 10 sync modes and lets you feel free to make your own task in terms of your needs. Cloud Sync offers common modes like Normal Sync, Real Time Sync, One-way Sync, and Two-way Sync. As for some more specific demands, it also offers Mirror Sync, Move Sync, Cumulative Sync, Incremental Sync, Update Sync, and Full Backup Sync.

Of course, you can still schedule the cloud sync task at your preferred time. What’s more, if there are some types of files that you do not want to sync, you can filter them with file extension and then they will not be shown in the waiting list.

Step 1. Open the MultCloud website and register for a free account.

Step 2. Add an SFTP server to MultCloud by clicking Add Cloud and the FTP logo. Then, choose SFTP in the second box in the first line and enter the credentials to connect it with MultCloud. Also, add another server with the same operations.

Step 3. Choose Cloud Sync in the left bar and choose source and target servers in the box.

Step 4. Open Options to select a sync mode if you need it. When everything is ready, tap on the Sync Now button to start syncing.

Back up SFTP Files to Cloud Drive Automatically

SFTP servers are often used to host website files such as WordPress installations, CMS data, and static web pages. However, syncing only SFTP files cannot fully protect your website from unexpected incidents such as server crashes, hacker intrusions and major disasters. Database files should also be included in your backup scope. In such cases, creating a full backup of your website files is essential. MultCloud Website Backup can automatically create backup task to protect your SFTP and database servers.

Step 1. Select "Website Backup" on MultCloud and click "WEBSITE TO BACKUP" > "Add Website". Enter your SFTP and database hosts, username, password to add the website as the source.

Step 2. Click "WHERE TO BACKUP" and select a cloud drive (take Dropbox as an example) or another website as the target drive.

Step 3. Click "Backup Now" to back up your website to dropbox.

Open "Options" and "Schedule" to configure email notifications and scheduled backup task based on your needs.

When something goes wrong unexpectedly, simply access your backup tasks in MultCloud Task List, and you can roll your website back to an earlier state from saved backups.

Conclusion

From this post, you can learn how to use AOMEI Backupper to synchronize files to an SFTP server without any script. With this app, you can sync the local files with an SFTP server in real-time. Besides, if you plan to sync files between different SFTP servers, try MultCloud. It is a web-based service so you can create a sync task on any web browser you like. MultCloud also gives multiple sync modes which can be used to customize your task to enhance the work efficiency.

FAQs

Q1: How to securely synchronize large project files to SFTP?

To securely synchronize large project files to SFTP, use an SFTP client that supports encrypted transfers such as SFTP or SSH-based protocols. Configure authentication using SSH keys instead of passwords for better security. Enable compression and incremental sync to reduce transfer size and improve performance when handling large project directories.

Q2: How to transfer files to SFTP server?

To transfer files to an SFTP server, connect using an SFTP client with your server credentials (host, username, and password or SSH key). Upload files by selecting local files and choosing the destination directory on the server. Ensure proper permissions are set so files can be accessed or modified as needed.

Q3: How to sync customer data from database exports to SFTP?

To sync customer data from database exports to SFTP, first export the database into structured files such as CSV or SQL dumps. Then configure an automated SFTP transfer task using AOMEI Backupper to upload these exports to a secure directory. Scheduling regular exports ensures customer data remains updated and consistently backed up on the server.

Q4: How do I sync large files over SFTP without failures?

To sync large files over SFTP without failures, use stable connections, enable resume support for interrupted transfers, and avoid peak network congestion. Splitting large files into smaller chunks can improve reliability. Using incremental or differential sync also reduces transfer size and minimizes the risk of timeouts or failed uploads.

Q5: How do I handle file conflicts when syncing in two directions?

To handle file conflicts in two-way SFTP syncing, define clear conflict rules such as “latest modified version wins” or “keep both versions.” Use tools that support version tracking or timestamp comparison. Regular monitoring and structured folder organization help prevent overwrites and ensure data consistency across systems.

Q6: How to schedule incremental file sync to SFTP?

To schedule incremental file sync to SFTP, use an automation tool like AOMEI Backupper that supports scheduled tasks and incremental updates. Configure the sync to transfer only new or modified files at set intervals such as hourly or daily. This reduces bandwidth usage, improves efficiency, and ensures the SFTP server stays consistently updated.