iCloud Sync
Sync snippets across all your Macs with iCloud.
iCloud Sync
SnipperApp 3 uses iCloud to keep your snippet library synchronized across all your Macs. Changes made on one device are automatically pushed to your other devices, giving you a seamless experience no matter which Mac you are using.
How It Works
SnipperApp 3 uses CloudKit with a private database to sync your data. This means:
- Your data stays private -- Snippets are stored in your personal iCloud account and are never shared with other users or accessible by anyone else.
- Encrypted in transit and at rest -- All data is encrypted using Apple's standard iCloud encryption.
- Per-workspace sync -- Each workspace syncs independently, so changes in one workspace do not trigger unnecessary updates in others.
The sync process handles:
- Snippets (title, content, language, metadata)
- Folders and folder hierarchy
- Tags and tag assignments
- Favorites
- Attachments (see note below)
- Workspace settings
Automatic Sync
By default, SnipperApp 3 syncs automatically:
- On launch -- The app checks for remote changes when it starts.
- On change -- When you create, edit, or delete a snippet, the change is pushed to iCloud shortly after.
- On remote notification -- When another device pushes a change, your Mac receives a silent push notification and pulls the update.
You do not need to do anything to trigger automatic sync -- it happens in the background.
Manual Sync
If you want to force an immediate sync (for example, after making several changes and wanting to ensure they are uploaded before switching to another Mac):
- Press Shift+Cmd+S to trigger a manual sync.
- Or go to File > Sync Now in the menu bar.
Manual sync performs a full round-trip: it pushes all pending local changes and pulls all remote changes.
Offline Support
SnipperApp 3 works fully offline. When you are not connected to the internet:
- All your snippets remain accessible from the local database.
- You can create, edit, and delete snippets normally.
- Changes are queued locally and will be synced the next time you connect to the internet.
There is no degraded functionality when offline -- the app operates identically, and sync resumes automatically when connectivity is restored.
Conflict Resolution
When the same snippet is edited on two devices before a sync occurs, a conflict arises. SnipperApp 3 resolves conflicts using a server-wins strategy:
- The version that reached iCloud first is considered the authoritative version.
- The later change is applied on top of the server version.
- In rare cases where direct merging is not possible, the server version takes precedence to ensure consistency across all devices.
To minimize conflicts:
- Avoid editing the same snippet on multiple Macs simultaneously.
- Use manual sync (Shift+Cmd+S) after making important changes before switching devices.
Sync Status Indicator
The sidebar displays a sync status indicator that shows the current state of synchronization:
- Up to date -- All local changes have been synced and no remote changes are pending.
- Syncing -- Data is being uploaded or downloaded.
- Pending changes -- Local changes are queued and waiting to be synced.
- Error -- A sync error occurred (hover for details).
Click the sync indicator to see more details about the current sync state.
Diagnostics
If you experience sync issues, SnipperApp 3 provides diagnostic tools:
- Open Settings (Cmd+,).
- Navigate to the Sync section.
- View the Sync Log for detailed information about recent sync operations.
- Check your iCloud Account Status -- ensure you are signed in to iCloud in System Settings.
Common Sync Issues
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| Snippets not appearing on another Mac | Ensure both Macs are signed in to the same iCloud account. Trigger a manual sync on both devices. |
| Sync indicator shows error | Check your internet connection. Verify iCloud is not experiencing an outage at Apple System Status. |
| Slow initial sync | The first sync after installing on a new Mac may take a few minutes if you have a large library. This is normal. |
| iCloud storage full | SnipperApp 3 data counts against your iCloud storage quota. Free up space or upgrade your iCloud plan. |
Attachments and Sync
Snippet attachments are also synced via iCloud. Attachments are stored as CloudKit assets, which means:
- They sync alongside their parent snippets.
- Large attachments may take longer to sync than text content.
- Attachments are available offline once they have been downloaded to a device.
Requirements
- An active iCloud account signed in on your Mac.
- iCloud Drive enabled in System Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud.
- Internet connectivity for sync operations (not required for local use).
Related
- GitHub Gist Integration -- An alternative sync path through GitHub.
- Backup & Restore -- Local backups as an additional safety net.
- Workspaces -- Each workspace syncs independently.