Focal's Instant Sync functionality allows you to connect a folder in Focal to a folder on Google Drive. Once connected, Focal automatically replicates the sub-folder hierarchy and all image and videos assets within it across the two environments. The Instant Sync is continuously looking for updates and will automatically pick up on new assets or sub-folders created.
The ability to sync assets considerably reduces the need for manual imports into and exports out of Focal, and also eliminates the need for doing a manual migration from Google Drive to Focal when getting started.
How does it work
You can choose between importing folders and their assets from Drive to Focal, or exporting folders from Focal to Google Drive. The folder on Google Drive can be located in "MyDrive" or any of the Shared Drives the user has access to. The connection only needs to be established once, as Focal then uses the credentials of the person that made the connection for all future transfers.
Once the connection is set up, Focal will automatically replicate the folder structure on the other side, and add all image and video files there. Note that this does not remove anything from the environment you are exporting from, but instead creates a mirrored structure on both sides.
As long as the two folders are connected, Focal will automatically track any new additions within that folder structure, and start the transfer for those items. This applies to new sub-folders and image/video files added. The file types currently supported are .jpg, .png, .webm, .mp4 and .mov. In addition to folder structures and assets, Focal also keep track of changes to names, and will automatically update the assets names when those are detected.
For any asset that has been transferred between the two platforms, Focal can automatically display the link to both the file and folder in Google Drive. To add this column in the Asset Library, go to Space Settings -> Custom Columns and this as an "external data" column type. Once created and added to the grid view in the library, you will automatically see the Google Drive links for any previously transferred assets.
How to set it up
In Focal, Navigate to the folder you want to connect to Google Drive. If you are starting with a fresh space and want to use the Instant Sync to bring assets into Focal, start by creating a folder.
Once in the folder, users with Space Owner permissions can see a "sync" button on the upper right of the screen.
When clicked, this opens up the modal to connect the folder to Google Drive.
The first step is authenticating with Google Drive. This is only required the first time you connect a folder.
In the second step, click on "select folder". This will open up a view that shows you all Shared Drives you have access to. Navigate to the correct folder in this modal and click select.
The final step allows you to select if this is an import or an export connection. Import is transferring sub-folders and assets from Google Drive to Focal, whereas export is transferring sub-folders and assets from Focal to Google Drive.
Transfer panel
Once the folder is connected, Focal will display a "sync" icon in the library. Clicking on this gives you an overview of the setup, from the folders connected to how many items are currently tracker by Focal (both folders and assets).
Admin users can disable the sync by clicking on settings -> disable. This will not remove any assets in Focal or Google Drive, but instead pause any future syncs. You can navigate into the connected Google Drive folder by clicking on the name in the transfer panel.
Clicking on the amount of items being tracked will open up a full change log of already synced files, and they are displayed with links to the file and folder in Google Drive.
FAQ
Can I connect a folder in Google Drive that already contains content?
Yes, you can use a folder with assets as an export destination. When Instant Sync is set to export from Focal, no existing files in the Google Drive folder will be touched, we just add new items from Focal.
Can I import working files like .psd, .ai etc?
Instant Sync currently supports image and video files like .jpg, .png, .webm, .mp4 and .mov. All other files in Google Drive will be skipped automatically.
What happens if I delete an asset in a connected folder?
If you delete an asset in a folder that is connected using Instant Sync, Focal will also delete that asset in the destination folder.
What happens if I disconnect and reconnect the same folder?
When re-connecting a folder, Focal will automatically identify items that have already been transferred using Instant Sync, making sure that no duplicates are added.