Dropbox
Cloud file storage and sync for teams and individuals
Seafile
Privacy-focused cloud storage with selective sync and encryption
Open-source file sync and sharing platform with library-based organization, client-side encryption, selective folder sync, and built-in collaboration tools for teams.
Overview
Secure Cloud Storage for Teams
Seafile is a self-hosted cloud storage platform designed for organizations that prioritize privacy and flexible file synchronization. Unlike traditional cloud storage, Seafile organizes files into libraries—discrete collections that can be synced, shared, or encrypted independently with user-chosen passwords.
Smart Sync and Collaboration
The platform handles file conflicts intelligently using version history rather than timestamps, transfers only content deltas to minimize bandwidth, and supports selective sync for any folder. Teams can share libraries between users or groups, create password-protected download links, and leverage upload links for external contributions. A virtual drive client provides on-demand access to cloud files without local storage overhead.
Knowledge Management Features
Recent additions transform Seafile into a knowledge hub: WYSIWYG Markdown editing, draft review workflows, file labels, related document linking, wiki mode, and real-time notifications. The architecture spans multiple repositories—sync daemon, desktop GUI, server core, web UI (Seahub), and mobile apps—each independently maintained. Deployment requires self-hosting infrastructure and technical expertise to configure the server stack.
Highlights
Library-based organization with per-library encryption and selective sync
Delta transfer and conflict resolution based on file history, not timestamps
Virtual drive client for on-demand file access without full local sync
Integrated knowledge management with Markdown editing, labels, and wiki mode
Pros
- Client-side encryption protects data privacy during sync and storage
- Intelligent conflict handling and resumable transfers improve reliability
- Modular architecture with separate sync, server, and client repositories
- Rich collaboration features including version control and group sharing
Considerations
- Requires self-hosting infrastructure and technical setup expertise
- Multiple component repositories increase deployment complexity
- Mixed licensing across components may complicate compliance
- Learning curve for library-based organization versus traditional folders
Managed products teams compare with
When teams consider Seafile, these hosted platforms usually appear on the same shortlist.
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Fit guide
Great for
- Organizations requiring client-side encryption and data sovereignty
- Teams needing selective sync across large file collections
- Knowledge workers managing documentation with Markdown and wikis
- Enterprises with technical staff to deploy and maintain server infrastructure
Not ideal when
- Non-technical users seeking turnkey cloud storage without server management
- Small teams without resources to host and maintain server components
- Projects requiring single-license uniformity across all components
- Users preferring traditional folder hierarchies over library organization
How teams use it
Encrypted Research Data Sharing
Academic teams sync sensitive datasets with client-side encryption, ensuring compliance while enabling selective access across departments.
Distributed Team Documentation
Remote engineering teams collaborate on technical docs using Markdown editing, version control, and wiki mode for centralized knowledge.
Bandwidth-Efficient Field Sync
Field workers sync large media libraries using delta transfers and resumable uploads over limited connectivity.
Multi-Server Backup Strategy
IT departments sync critical files to multiple Seafile servers for geographic redundancy and disaster recovery.
Tech snapshot
C84%
Python14%
M41%
Shell1%
Makefile1%
Vala1%
Frequently asked questions
What is a library in Seafile?
A library is a collection of files that can be synced, shared, and encrypted independently. Each library functions as a discrete unit with its own permissions and optional password protection.
Does Seafile support client-side encryption?
Yes. Libraries can be encrypted with user-chosen passwords, and the desktop sync client supports client-side encryption, ensuring data remains private even from server administrators.
Can I sync only specific folders instead of entire libraries?
Yes. Seafile supports selective sync for any folder within a library, allowing you to choose which subsets of data to store locally while accessing others on demand via the virtual drive.
How does Seafile handle file conflicts?
Seafile resolves conflicts using file history rather than timestamps, providing more accurate conflict detection. Version control tracks changes, and interrupted transfers can be resumed from where they stopped.
What infrastructure is needed to deploy Seafile?
Seafile requires self-hosted server infrastructure. You must deploy the server core, web UI (Seahub), and optionally WebDAV components. Detailed build instructions are available in the official manual.
Project at a glance
Active- Stars
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Repo age13 years old
Last commitlast week
Self-hostingSupported
Primary languageC
Last synced 3 hours ago