Knowledge base

This guide details the installation of the desktop app kDrive Infomaniak on a computer with an operating system Linux It will then allow you to sync your files with kDrive.

Prerequisites

• Download kDrive application for Linux(AppImage type file)
• Fuse2 (required to run an appimage*)
• D-Bus
• Gnome-keyring or kwallet(in principle already present on your machine except with some light distributions)

Installation of kDrive on Linux

To this end:

1. Place the file in a folder named e.g. " Applications".
2. Right-click on the file and choose Permissions.
3. Check the box " Allow file execution as a program".
4. Optional for Ubuntu: add the file in "App Preferences on Startup" so that kDrive runs on startup.

* Since version 23.04 (and later) of Ubuntu, after double-clicking on the AppImage file, nothing will happen. The latest versions of Ubuntu use a recent "too" version of FUSE (the "Filesystem in User Space" interface on which AppImages rely to work) for which AppImages are not designed. The AppImages need FUSE v2 to work: sudo apt install libfuse2

This guide helps to solve some cases in which you find that data kDrive are not synchronized between your devices. If you notice a problem blocking the application, take note of this other guide.

Absence of folders on computer

If everything seems to be okay...

• ... no synchronization interrupted
• ... no error message
• ... you have access rights when you view them in their online version (kdrive.infomaniak.com)

But you see that...

• ... folders like Common folders for joint documents, or other directories, are not visible on your computer…

then check on the kDrive application installed on your computer the setting that allows you to limit synchronization of large folders (default 500 MB):

1. Make a left click on the desktop app icon in the notification area of your computer (top right on macOS, bottom right on Windows and a double left click on the Linux taskbar).
2. Click on the action menu ⋮ to the right on the window that appears.
3. Click on Application Preferences.
4. Disable the toggle switch to have no limits on the size of the synchronized folders:
   
   

Then check on the kDrive application installed on your computer which folders you want to synchronize:

1. Make a left click on the desktop app icon in the notification area of your computer (top right on macOS, bottom right on Windows and a double left click on the Linux taskbar).
2. Click on the action menu ⋮ to the right on the window that appears.
3. Click on KDrive settings.
4. Click on the left of the name of your synchronization to develop the folder tree.
5. Activate the boxes corresponding to the folders that would not yet be synchronized as you wish.
6. Validate by the blue button:
   
   

The result will be that your local folder representing kDrive (named kDrive, or kDrive2, or otherwise) on the computer, will finally display all the desired folders (after the time required for synchronization).

Synchronization in progress (0/10) and then pause

Check that the service Windows Search Don't stop. Proceed through the window Run (Win + R):

1. Come in. services.msc.
2. Click OK:
   
3. Locate Windows Search in the window list Services and activate it if it is not yet:
   

Continuous synchronization ( .eml files)

A problem related to Windows indexing may occur when kDrive file synchronization with extension .eml (type of file corresponding to e-mail export). The type must therefore be removed. Eml indexing options to solve this problem:

1. Open the menu Start and look for indexing options.
2. Click on the Indexing options (Configuration panel)
   
3. Click on the button Advanced.
4. Uncheck the type box Eml:
   ‍
5. Validate and close the windows.

Adobe File Synchronization

Adobe applications such as Illustrator, Photoshop, Lightroom, etc. encounter problems when saving files (e.g. error messages in Adobe software, file duplication...) on kDrive. Therefore, Adobe files should not be included in a synchronization.

Adobe explicitly announces do not support synchronizations in cloud (Cloud), external disks and network disks.

This guide helps solve a synchronization / import problem with the mobile app kDrive (application for smartphone or Android tablet) on devices of some manufacturers (especially Chinese) that put in place measures to optimize battery life. These can prevent applications like kDrive from operating in the background.

kDrive needs to work in the background

When you import large files or multiple files into kDrive, it may take several minutes. To ensure data import, the mobile app kDrive needs to be able to continue this task when you close the application or open another one. The automatic photo backup function in kDrive can also be disrupted if the app cannot work in the background.

Due to the power management policy of some manufacturers, applications that are not part of their whitelist can be stopped automatically, which prevents the proper functioning of certain tasks.

Ensure the operation of a mobile app in the background

It is possible to circumvent this problem by following the instructions available in English on the site don't kill my app to the address dontkillmyapp.com:

• Asus
• Huawei
• Lenovo
• Meizu
• Oneplus
• Oppo
• Samsung
• Vivo
• Xiaomi

Don't you see the mark on your phone? It's probably not a problem with your phone.

This guide details how to share files and folders in kDrive with anyone you want, without installing the desktop app kDrive (desktop application on macOS / Windows / Linux), even if the recipient does not have an Infomaniak account or is not yet using kDrive.

Introduction

• The kDrive Web app allows content to be shared in multiple ways, including via a right-click on items or as an email attachment on Mail Infomaniak to quickly offer file viewing or editing.
• A drop box can also be shared.
• The appearance of sharing windows can be customized.

Sharing a file / folder on kDrive

For users to view, edit, or download your content, you need to specify who can access a kDrive file or folder:

1. Click here to access the Infomaniak kDrive Web app (online service kdrive.infomaniak.com).
2. Right-click on the relevant file/folder.
3. Click on Share... at the top of the dropdown menu.

From here, you can…

• … either activate a public sharing link with different options available:
  • permission to edit the document if it is one of the collaborative formats
  • expiration date
  • password
  • download authorization
  • access authorization so that the user with the sharing link can request full access - see the dedicated section below

so that anyone with the link displayed in this modal can access the shared file:

Note: Simply disabling/enabling the public sharing link changes the URL and invalidates the previous one!
 

• … or enter a kDrive user, a contact from your address book, the email address of a new contact (or a work team if sharing within the common folder Common folders):
  

An assistant allows you to define the rights of each added person: viewing / editing / management (refer to this other guide for information on file, folder, and subfolder access permissions in kDrive).

• The person whose email you enter will receive an email with the necessary information to access your shared content.
• If they do not have an Infomaniak account, they can create one for free to access, edit, and sync the shared items.
• In the meantime, you will see the pending invitation and can revoke it at any time from the same place.
• The private link appears each time you go to the sharing side menu, allowing you to easily copy and resend the link to authorized users.

Click on the close cross at the top right of the modal if you are done.

Create a public + editable sharing link

When you activate a sharing link for a Word, Excel, or PowerPoint file, you can allow online editing:

Anyone with access to this sharing link will then be able to edit the file immediately without needing an Infomaniak account (you can test the obtained URL in a private browsing window to verify the result).

You can also get a specific sharing link from the document.

Request access from the shared file page

The user sharing a folder can enable a button in the advanced settings:

This button will appear on the sharing page so that the user accessing the sharing link can request to become an external user (if they have an Infomaniak account):

The request will then be sent via email to the user who initiated the share, who can decide whether to accept it.

The common folder (Common folders)

This folder is available with certain paid plans and allows you to share your data with all kDrive users. Any new folder created inside with a maximum sharing setting will be indicated as such on the right in the folder list.

However, a folder can also be created there with restricted sharing (this option is provided when creating a new folder or when returning to the folder's sharing settings), in which case only authorized persons will see its content directly; users with access are visible on the right in the folder list:

 

Other users with access to Common folders can also "force" access to a subfolder either by clicking on it and accepting the warning message or through the action menu on the right of the directory by selecting "Force access"; this will notify other users via email of the attempted access:

Refer to this other guide for more information on shared folders and common folders.

This guide provides guidance for synchronizing kDrive with a NAS Synology (or vice versa) via protocol WebDAV which can be found in the application Cloud Sync.

Prerequisites

• Own a Synology NAS accessible from the Internet.
• Know your kDrive ID ( kDrive ID).

Sync kDrive and Synology via Cloud Sync

To this end:

1. Log in to the DiskStation Manager (DSM) of the Synology.
2. If necessary, download and install the app Cloud Sync since Packet center.
3. Open Cloud Sync.
4. Click on the + at the bottom left to add a Cloud.
5. Choose WebDAV at the bottom of the list of available Clouds:
   
6. For account settings, use the following information:
   1. Server Address: https://IDkDrive.connect.kdrive.infomaniak.com (be aware of the prerequisites above)
   2. Username: e-mail address to the Infomaniak user account
   3. Password: application password in the case of dual authentication enabled or ‍that of your Infomaniak user account if you did not activate the 2FA
7. Choose the local, destination and type of synchronization you want:
   
   • BidirectionalThe changes made will be reflected in both directions.
   • Download only remote changes: ideal for saving a kDrive to your NAS.
   • Download changes only Local: ideal for saving data from your NAS on a kDrive.

This guide explains how to store the database Joplin on your kDrive Infomaniak and connect your different devices via protocol WebDAV You keep your notes in a safe place in a storage medium located in Switzerland.

Preamble

• Joplin is a free and open source note-taking tool that allows you to organize all your notes within folders and access them from any medium (computer, mobile device, etc.)
• Joplin will store several of its configuration files, so not to pollute your kDrive directories it is advisable to create a dedicated folder in your personal tree on kDrive, with a simple folder name like "joplin" e.g., then specify it at the end of the WebDAV link in point 7 below:
  

Configure Joplin to use kDrive by WebDAV

Prerequisites

• Download Joplin
• Know your kDrive ID ( kDrive ID).

The example below is substantially the same with all versions of Joplin:

1. Open the Joplin app.
2. Press the menu at the top left:
   
3. Press Configuration:
   
4. Press Synchronization.
5. Press the menu to select a target.
6. Choose Mode WebDAV:
   
7. For account settings, use the following information:
   1. Server Address: https://IDkDrive.connect.kdrive.infomaniak.com/joplin (or /folder name — read the preamble above)
   2. Username: e-mail address to the Infomaniak user account
   3. Password: application password in the case of dual authentication enabled or ‍that of your Infomaniak user account if you did not activate the 2FA
8. Press the synchronization test and wait for the connection confirmation below:
   
9. Press the top left to return to the previous menu and press Synchronize to create files on kDrive:
   
10. Return to the notes to start working.

This guide details the Lite Sync option of the desktop app kDrive (desktop application on Windows).

Preamble

• Lite Sync saves space by virtually storing your kDrive files on your computer, downloading them only when necessary.
• Files are always accessible from the web app kDrive (online service) kdrive.infomaniak.com) but locally they are present in a "dehydrated" way, requiring a loading time to be fully accessible.
• This allows you to view, complete and synchronize the contents of kDrive without saturating the hard drive.
• Lite Sync always works:
  • on a specific kDrive (in case you synchronize several on the application).
  • and on the fullness of the kDrive (or the fullness of an advanced synchronization).
  • and via a specific kDrive app (another user of the same kDrive can make a Lite Sync choice different from yours).

Enable Lite Sync option

Prerequisites & scope of use of Lite Sync

• OS Windows version ≥ 10 (21h2)
• not available with Linux
• 64-bit processor (ARM64 compatible)
• NTFS file storage system
• App kDrive Windows version ≥ 3.4

The Lite Sync option can be enabled when installing the application (this is offered to you) or later:

1. Click left on the app icon in the notification area of your computer (bottom right on Windows).
2. Click on the action menu to the right of the kDrive window.
3. Select KDrive Settings.
4. Click the button in the part Synchronization to activate the Lite Sync.

Cloud icon will appear to the right of the synchro name on the application, indicating that the Lite Sync is enabled. If the cloud icon barred displays, this means that the Lite Sync is not activated:

Always keep on this device

Once the Lite Sync is activated, you can still make a folder and its subfolders available locally or only one or more subfolders:

1. From Windows Explorer, place on a folder synchronized with kDrive and right-click.
2. Select the Always keep option on this device under kDrive:
   

Free from space

Conversely, once the Lite Sync is activated, you can free space in a folder and its subfolders or only in one or more subfolders.

1. From Windows Explorer, place on a folder synchronized with kDrive and right-click
2. Select the Free Space option under kDrive:
   

Example of use #1 (storage space required)

If you activate Lite Sync, the occupied space (e.g. 900GB) on the Infomaniak server will be released on your hard drive but the opposite is also true (e.g. 900GB free space required on your hard drive if the Lite Sync option is activated on the way).

"Dehydration" of files

As explained in the preamble, a dehydrated file is a kDrive file whose full version is not present on the hard drive and instead it is a 1-K shortcut that appears, normal behavior when Lite Sync is enabled.

In some cases (e.g. if you copy files from your hard drive while Lite Sync is enabled, and you start syncing to a new kDrive) the application will block the import of this type of file. To resolve these errors you can download the full file from the web app kDrive (online service) kdrive.infomaniak.com).

Example of use #2 (summary of icons)

Hard drive files synchronized with Lite Sync option, everything is in the cloud (on your remote kDrive online):

Disabling the LiteSync option, the "physical" synchronization starts:

Synchronization completed, the files have been downloaded to your computer and then have the appropriate icon:

To sum up, here are the status icons that are used in your Windows Explorer:

Status icons	Files	Folders
= in line	The file exists on online kDrive and is only virtually on your hard drive; to view it locally you will need to download it	The folder contains at least one file or subfolder not physically present
= Off line	Lite Sync does not work properly (contact support)	Lite Sync does not work properly (contact support)
= always available	The file exists on kDrive online and also physically on your hard drive	The folder contains only files and subfolders without Lite Sync
= available on this device	The file exists on online kDrive and is only virtually on your hard drive for reasons decided by Windows (e.g. lack of space)	The folder contains local and temporary files and subfolders
= synchronization	Synchronization is ongoing or pending	Synchronization is ongoing or pending
= download in progress	The progress bar indicates an ongoing download	The progress bar indicates an ongoing download

Disable Lite Sync option

To this end:

1. Click left on the app icon in the notification area of your computer (bottom right on Windows).
2. Click on the action menu to the right of the kDrive window.
3. Select KDrive Settings.
4. Click the button in the part Synchronization to disable the Lite Sync.
5. There are two possible situations:
   1. If there is enough space on your computer a message confirming deactivation is displayed, just click Continue.
   2. If there is not enough space on your computer, a message will indicate the missing space to enable the Lite Sync to be deactivated; the synchronization of your kDrive will be paused for the time to select the files to synchronize on your computer.

This guide gives instructions to connect to kDrive using WebDAV connection protocol.

Preamble

• Connecting with WebDAV allows you to...
  • ... to use the WebDAV app of your choice instead of the official kDrive application (only solution if not available on your OS, e.g. macOS 10.14.6)
  • ... to use kDrive as a synchronization base for a tool that would allow this by WebDAV (Joplin e.g.).
  • ... to access kDrive from the file manager of your operating system.

Get ID (ID kDrive)

To know your kDrive ID:

1. Click here to access the web app kDrive Infomaniak (online service) kdrive.infomaniak.com).
2. The kDrive tree appears in the left side menu.
3. The URL addresshttps://kdrive.infomaniak.com/app/drive/123456 displayed at the top of your browser contains a number:
   

This number (in the example 123456) is your kDrive ID ( IDkDrive).

So we'll have to write https:// IDkDrive‍.connect.kdrive.infomaniak.com Whenever necessary (https://123456.connect.kdrive.infomaniak.com e.g. as WebDAV address).

Connect to kDrive via WebDAV...

... on Windows

To this end:

1. Open it File Explorer from the Taskbar or Start menu.
2. Select This PC in the left flap.
3. In the tab Computer, select Add Network Location:
   
4. Press Next.
5. Click on Choose a custom network location:
    
6. Press Next.
7. Enter the server address: https:// IDkDrive.connect.kdrive.infomaniak.com
8. Press Next.
9. For account settings, use the following information:
   • Server Address: https://IDkDrive.connect.kdrive.infomaniak.com (read chapter ID kDrive above)
   • Username: e-mail address to the Infomaniak user account
   • Password: application password in the case of dual authentication enabled or ‍that of your Infomaniak user account if you did not activate the 2FA
10. If desired, click on the box to hold the login information.
11. Enter a name for this connection or leave the default indication.
12. Click on Finish.
13. Two folders will appear, one containing deleted files & folders, the other with the name of your kDrive and containing your data.

... on macOS

For a computer on macOS, follow the Apple instructions, which can give this:

1. Click on the menu Come on. Since the Finder.
2. Click on Connect to the server:
   
3. Enter it server address: https://IDkDrive.connect.kdrive.infomaniak.com (read chapter ID kDrive above)
4. Click on Log in:
   
5. Confirm the connection by clicking the blue button.
6. Enter the following information:
   • Username: e-mail address to the Infomaniak user account
   • Password: application password in the case of dual authentication enabled or ‍that of your Infomaniak user account if you did not activate the 2FA
7. If desired, click on the box to hold the login information.
8. Click the blue button to connect:
   
9. That's it, the kDrive content appears on the Finder:
   

... on Linux (Gnome)

To this end:

1. Open Files.
2. In the sidebar, click on Other location.
3. In the field Connection to the server, enter davs://IDkDrive.connect.kdrive.infomaniak.com
4. Click on Connect.
5. For account settings, use the following information:
   • Server Address: https://IDkDrive.connect.kdrive.infomaniak.com (read chapter ID kDrive above)
   • Username: e-mail address to the Infomaniak user account
   • Password: application password in the case of dual authentication enabled or ‍that of your Infomaniak user account if you did not activate the 2FA
6. Click on Connection.

... with Windows software

Use the software RaiDrive for quick access to your hosted data. Complete the fields as shown in the picture below:

... with Windows / macOS software

Use the software Cyberduck for quick access to your hosted data:

1. Open Cyberduck.
2. In the software menu, go to Bookmark then on New bookmark.
3. Choose protocol WebDAV (https).
4. Provide the following information:
   • Server Address: https://IDkDrive.connect.kdrive.infomaniak.com (read chapter ID kDrive above)
   • Username: e-mail address to the Infomaniak user account
   • Password: application password in the case of dual authentication enabled or ‍that of your Infomaniak user account if you did not activate the 2FA
   • Download folder: the folder where the downloaded files will be stored

WebDAV Direct Connection URL to the Folder

A very simple tip to allow a direct connection via WebDAV to the folder of your choice is to use the following URL:

https://XXXXXX.connect.kdrive.infomaniak.com/Common documents/Nom du dossier

This guide explains how to remove one of the users from your Organization in the Infomaniak Manager.

Prerequisites

• Be an Administrator or Legal Representative‍ within the Organization.
• Know your login password; it will be requested during the process.

Remove a User from your Organization

To remove one of the Organization's users:

1. Click here to access the Organization's user management in the Infomaniak Manager (need help?).
2. Click on the action menu ⋮ to the right of the concerned user.
3. Click on Remove from Organization:
   
4. Click on the blue Continue button:
   
5. Enter your Manager login password.
6. Check the confirmation box.
7. Click on the red Remove this user button
   

If the user had access to kDrive or was invited to view a third-party email address, several intermediate steps will ask you what actions to take with their data and will inform you about what happens to calendars and address books:

This guide details the option Lite Sync from the desktop app kDrive (office application on macOS).

Preamble

• Lite Sync saves space by virtually storing your kDrive files on your computer, downloading them only when necessary.
• Files are always accessible from the web app kDrive (online service) kdrive.infomaniak.com) but locally they are present in a "dehydrated" way, requiring a loading time to be fully accessible.
• This allows you to view, complete and synchronize the contents of kDrive without saturating the hard drive.
• Lite Sync always works:
  • on a specific kDrive (in case you synchronize several on the application).
  • and on the fullness of the kDrive (or the fullness of an advanced synchronization).
  • and via a specific kDrive app (another user of the same kDrive can make a Lite Sync choice different from yours).

Enable Lite Sync option

Prerequisites & scope of use of Lite Sync

• OS macOS version ≥ 10.15 — not available with Linux
• app kDrive macOS version ≥ 3.2

Lite Sync option can be enabled when installing the application (this is offered to you) or thereafter:

1. Make one left click on the app icon in the notification area of your computer (top right on macOS).
2. Click on the action menu ⋮ to the right of the kDrive window.
3. Select KDrive settings.
4. Click the button in the part Synchronization to activate the Lite Sync.

Cloud icon will appear to the right of the synchro name on the application, indicating that the Lite Sync is enabled. If the cloud icon barred displays, this means that the Lite Sync is not activated:

Always keep on this device

Once the Lite Sync is activated, you can still make a folder and its subfolders available locally or only one or more subfolders:

1. From Finder macOS, place on a folder synchronized with kDrive and right-click.
2. Select option Make always available locally Under kDrive:
   

Free from space

Conversely, once the Lite Sync is activated, you can free space in a folder and its subfolders or only in one or more subfolders.

1. From Finder macOS, place on a folder synchronized with kDrive and right-click.
2. Select option free from local space Under kDrive:
   

Example of use (storage space required)

If you activate Lite Sync, the occupied space (e.g. 900GB) on the Infomaniak server will be released on your hard drive but the opposite is also true (e.g. 900GB free space required on your hard drive if the Lite Sync option is activated on the way).

"Dehydration" of files

As explained in the preamble, a dehydrated file is a kDrive file whose full version is not present on the hard drive and instead it is a 1-K shortcut that appears, normal behavior when Lite Sync is enabled.

In some cases (e.g. if you copy files from your hard drive while Lite Sync is enabled, and you start syncing to a new kDrive) the application will block the import of this type of file. To resolve these errors you can download the full file from the web app kDrive (online service) kdrive.infomaniak.com).

To sum up, here are the status icons that are used:

Status icons	Files	Folders
= in line	the file is only on the kDrive "in the cloud", to view it locally you will need to download it	the folder contains at least one file or subfolder present on kDrive online
= always available	the file is always available locally and synchronized with the online version	the folder contains only local files or subfolders synchronized with their online version
= synchronization conflict	kDrive encounters a synchronization conflict with the file	kDrive encounters a synchronization conflict with the folder
= error when transferring	an error occurred during the transfer of the file and the file was interrupted	an error occurred during the transfer of the file and the file was interrupted
= download in progress	the progression circle indicates an ongoing download	the progression circle indicates an ongoing download

Disable Lite Sync option

To this end:

1. Make one left click on the app icon in the notification area of your computer (top right on macOS).
2. Click on the action menu ⋮ to the right of the kDrive window.
3. Select KDrive settings.
4. Click the button in the part Synchronization to disable the Lite Sync.
5. There are two possible situations:
   1. If there is enough space on your computer a message confirming deactivation is displayed, just click on Continue.
   2. If there is not enough space on your computer, a message will indicate the missing space to enable the Lite Sync to be deactivated; the synchronization of your kDrive will be paused for the time to select the files to synchronize on your computer.