What is FolderManifest used for?

FolderManifest is a local-first desktop app for Windows, Mac and Linux that compares folders, finds duplicates, monitors changes, verifies backups and organizes files from plans you approve. It is a good fit for checking a backup folder against its original and cleaning a Downloads folder with a reviewable plan.

How much does FolderManifest cost?

Paid plans for FolderManifest start at $7 per seat per month, and there is no free plan. A free trial is available.

Is FolderManifest open source?

No. FolderManifest is proprietary (closed-source) software. In the File Storage & Sharing category, open-source options include Spacedrive, ProjectSend and LocalSend.

Can I self-host FolderManifest?

Yes. Although FolderManifest is closed source, it can be self-hosted on your own servers.

What are some alternatives to FolderManifest?

FolderManifest competes with Beyond Compare.

FolderManifest: features, pricing and alternatives

About FolderManifest

FolderManifest answers the question of which file changed. It compares two folders and lists every added, removed and changed file, which suits checking a backup against the original or one version of a project against another. Everything runs on your own Windows, Mac or Linux computer, with no cloud and no uploads, and the site says nothing is changed without your approval.

A folder monitor sits in the tray, logs every add, edit and delete even when the window is closed, keeps a running history that can be exported to CSV and sends notifications. A duplicate finder cleans up copies, a verification feature checks backups and changes, and Auto Organize drafts a cleanup plan you can review and edit before anything moves, with every move journaled and one click to undo it all. Change reports can be kept as HTML history, and there is a command-line tool and a section aimed at AI agents. The app is a download with 7 days of full access, no payment needed at the start, and free web tools are available for quick jobs. A pricing page covers the paid plans.

Key features

Two-folder comparison of added, removed and changed files
Tray folder monitor with change log and CSV export
Duplicate file finder
Backup and change verification
Auto Organize from reviewable plans with undo
HTML change reports
Command-line tool for automation

Good fit for

Checking a backup folder against its original
Cleaning a Downloads folder with a reviewable plan

Tags: file-management; duplicates; folder-compare; backup-verification; desktop; local-first; monitoring

FolderManifest: questions and answers

What is FolderManifest used for?: FolderManifest is a local-first desktop app for Windows, Mac and Linux that compares folders, finds duplicates, monitors changes, verifies backups and organizes files from plans you approve. It is a good fit for checking a backup folder against its original and cleaning a Downloads folder with a reviewable plan.
How much does FolderManifest cost?: Paid plans for FolderManifest start at $7 per seat per month, and there is no free plan. A free trial is available.
Is FolderManifest open source?: No. FolderManifest is proprietary (closed-source) software. In the File Storage & Sharing category, open-source options include Spacedrive, ProjectSend and LocalSend.
Can I self-host FolderManifest?: Yes. Although FolderManifest is closed source, it can be self-hosted on your own servers.
What are some alternatives to FolderManifest?: FolderManifest competes with Beyond Compare.