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Spacedrive unifies your files across all devices into one seamless experience. This guide walks you through initial setup and core concepts to get you organizing files in minutes. You’ll install Spacedrive, create your first library, and understand how the distributed filesystem works. By the end, you’ll have a foundation for managing files across all your devices.

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Install Spacedrive

Spacedrive runs as a background service (daemon) with a separate user interface. This architecture enables features like offline sync and multi-device coordination.
1

Download the App

Visit spacedrive.com/download and get the installer for your platform. Spacedrive supports macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android.
2

Run the Installer

Follow your platform’s standard installation process. On macOS, drag Spacedrive to Applications. On Windows, run the installer. Linux users can use AppImage or package managers.
3

Launch Spacedrive

Open Spacedrive from your applications. The daemon starts automatically in the background. You’ll see the setup wizard on first launch.
The daemon runs separately from the UI. Closing the app window doesn’t stop file syncing or background operations. CLI users can set up auto-start with sd daemon install on macOS.

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Create Your First Library

Libraries organize your files and settings. Think of a library as a unified view of all your data across devices.
1

Choose Library Name

Pick a descriptive name like “Personal” or “Work”. You can create multiple libraries later for different purposes.
2

Select Storage Location

Spacedrive stores library data in a local database. Choose the default location or pick a custom path with sufficient space.
3

Complete Setup

Click “Create Library” to initialize your database. Spacedrive creates the necessary structures for organizing your files.
Your library starts empty. Next, you’ll add locations to begin organizing files.

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Understand Key Concepts

Spacedrive introduces concepts that differ from traditional file managers:

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Libraries

A library is your personal database of file information. It stores:
  • File metadata and organization
  • Tags and custom attributes
  • Device relationships
  • Sync settings
Libraries remain local to each device but can sync organizational data between devices you own.

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Locations

Locations are folders on your device that Spacedrive monitors. Adding a location indexes its contents into your library without moving files.

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Virtual Filesystem (VDFS)

Spacedrive creates a unified view of files across all devices. Files keep their physical location but appear in one searchable interface.

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SD Paths

Universal file addresses that work across all storage types. Spacedrive uses three types of paths:
  • Physical: Traditional filesystem paths on local devices (/Users/jane/Documents/report.pdf)
  • Cloud: Cloud storage paths for services like S3, Google Drive, or Dropbox (photos/vacation/beach.jpg)
  • Content: Content-addressed paths that find files by their content, regardless of location
This unified system means you can copy files between your laptop, external drive, and cloud storage using the same commands. The Spacedrive interface provides powerful tools for file management: Sidebar - Switch between libraries, access locations, and view system status. Collapsible for more workspace. Explorer - Browse files with list or grid views. Supports columns, sorting, and filtering like traditional file managers. Inspector - View and edit file metadata. Add tags, see technical details, and manage file relationships. Search Bar - Find files instantly across all indexed locations. Supports filters and advanced queries. Job Manager - Monitor background operations like indexing and sync. Access via the status indicator.
Use keyboard shortcuts for efficiency. Press ⌘/ (Mac) or Ctrl+/ (Windows/Linux) to see all available shortcuts.

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Add Your First Location

Connect a folder to start organizing files:
1

Open Location Settings

Click the + button next to “Locations” in the sidebar or go to Settings → Locations.
2

Select a Folder

Choose a folder to index. Start with something manageable like Documents or Pictures.
3

Configure Indexing

Select indexing depth:
  • Shallow: File names and basic metadata only (fastest)
  • Deep: Full content analysis including thumbnails (recommended)
4

Start Indexing

Click “Add Location” to begin. Monitor progress in the job manager (status bar).
Initial indexing time depends on folder size and depth selected. A folder with 10,000 files typically takes 2-5 minutes for deep indexing.

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Organize with Tags

Tags provide flexible organization without moving files:
1

Create a Tag

Right-click any file and select “Add Tag” or use Settings → Tags to create tags first.
2

Apply Tags

Select multiple files and apply tags in bulk. Tags sync across devices.
3

Filter by Tags

Click tags in the sidebar to filter your view instantly.
Tags support colors and hierarchies for advanced organization.

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Search Across Everything

Spacedrive’s search works across all indexed locations simultaneously: 
photo                    # Find all photos
tag:vacation            # Files tagged "vacation"  
size:>10MB              # Large files
modified:<7d            # Changed in last week
Search runs locally for privacy. No file data leaves your devices.

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Connect Another Device

Expand Spacedrive to multiple devices:
1

Install on Second Device

Download and install Spacedrive on another computer or mobile device.
2

Sign In

Use the same account to link devices (coming soon) or set up peer-to-peer pairing.
3

Enable Sync

Choose which organizational data to sync. File content remains on original devices.
Connected devices share tags, comments, and organization while keeping files in place.

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Next Steps

You now have Spacedrive running with your first library and location. Explore these features:
Join our Discord community for help, tips, and updates on new features.

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Troubleshooting

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Spacedrive won’t start

  • Check if the daemon is running in your system processes
  • Restart your computer to clear any stuck processes
  • Reinstall if issues persist

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Indexing seems slow

  • Start with shallow indexing for large folders
  • Ensure your disk isn’t full
  • Check job manager for detailed progress

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Can’t see files

  • Verify the location was added successfully
  • Check if indexing completed in job manager
  • Ensure you’re viewing the correct library
Need more help? Visit our troubleshooting guide or ask in Discord.