What is the _gsdata_ Folder?

The hidden gsdata folder is created automatically by GoodSync in each folder that a job syncs. It stores the information GoodSync needs to compare files, track changes, and run jobs correctly.

This folder is essential for accurate and efficient synchronization.

What the gsdata Folder Contains

The gsdata folder holds internal data used by GoodSync, including:

• Synchronization State File (_file_state._gs)
  Records what files have already been synced and how they compare between sides

• Job Logs (*.log)
  Activity logs for operations involving that folder

• Saved Folder (_saved_)
  Stores the most recent version of files deleted or replaced by GoodSync (if enabled)

• History Folder (_history_)
  Stores multiple time-stamped versions of deleted or replaced files (if enabled)

• Technical Files
  Small internal files such as _insync.gsl

Why the Folder Is Required

GoodSync uses the State File inside gsdata to determine:

• What has changed since the last run

• Which files need to be copied, deleted, or updated

• How to perform incremental sync efficiently

Without this information, GoodSync would need to perform a full comparison of all files every time.
 

Why the Folder May Become Large

If the Recycle or History options are enabled, GoodSync keeps copies of files that are deleted or replaced.

These backups are stored in:

• _gsdata_\_saved_ - last version only

• _gsdata_\_history_ - multiple versions over time

Large files or frequent changes can cause these folders to grow significantly.
 

Where the Folder Is Located

The gsdata folder is created automatically inside each selected Source and Destination folder of a job.
It is hidden by default.

How to Reduce Its Size

If you do not need stored copies of deleted or replaced files:

1. Open the job in GoodSync

2. Go to Job Options > Recycle/History

3. Disable:

   • Save deleted/replaced files (Recycle Bin, last version)

   • Save deleted/replaced files to History (multiple versions)

4. After disabling, you may safely delete the contents of:

   • _gsdata_\_saved_

   • _gsdata_\_history_

Do not delete the entire _gsdata_ folder unless you intend to reset sync history.

How to Reset Synchronization State (Remove the Folder)

Removing the entire gsdata folder deletes the synchronization history for that folder.

To reset safely:

1. Stop all jobs that use the folder

2. Delete the _gsdata_ folder on both sides of the job

3. Run Analyze before syncing again

GoodSync will recreate the folder automatically during the next run.

Note: A full re-analysis will occur, and files may appear as new or changed.

How to Prevent _gsdata_ from Being Created in a Folder

If you do not want GoodSync to write the gsdata folder to a specific Source or Destination location, you can disable it for that side of the job:

1. Open the job in GoodSync

2. Go to Job Options > Left Side / Right Side

3. Enable No gsdata folder here for the desired side

If checked, do not create the "_gsdata_" folder in the sync folder on the Left/Right side of the job. Instead, create the "_gsdata_" folder in the GoodSync profile folder on this computer. More on the Mirror Folder can be found here.

Example folder location: 
C:\Users\%USERPRFOFILE\AppData\Local\GoodSync\_mirror_ 

For more details, see: No _gsdata_ folder here