Archive - Sharing data using the Moneydance 2017 syncing engine

This is an archived document. Please refer to the more recent knowledge base articles on this page

Moneydance 2017 allows you to sync your files seamlessly and efficiently across computers and mobile devices using our fully encrypted incremental syncing engine. Moneydance can now use any shared folder (such as Dropbox) to quickly sync your financial data conflict-free, using end-to-end encryption to maintain your privacy.

What should I know before following the steps -

If you're sharing your data between systems -

You should make sure you're running the same version of Moneydance 2017 on both systems. This syncing engine is not available in earlier versions of the program. You can check the version number by navigating to Help --> About Moneydance (or Moneydance menu --> About Moneydance on a Mac).

Please ensure that the data files you'd like to share are not already located in any shared folder (like Dropbox, Network Share, etc) before following the steps below.

If you're syncing with a mobile device -

Please be aware that syncing with an iOS or Android device via Dropbox is not a replacement for backing up your data, as your iOS or Android data needs to by synced with your main desktop data set to function properly. You should make sure to be backing up your main desktop data set with whatever backup method you use to protect your financial information.

How can I share my data? -

Open the Moneydance data set that you'd like to share, and navigate to File --> Syncing. You can choose from three options -

Dropbox Folder - Sync using the Dropbox folder on this computer. This will allow Moneydance to process synced data even if you're not connected to the Internet at the time.

Dropbox Connection - Sync by connecting to your Dropbox account. Moneydance will communicate with the Dropbox service if you authorise it to access your files.

Shared Folder - Sync using a folder that you specify that is shared across computers or devices

Syncing data with a mobile device -

• To share your data with a mobile/iOS/Android device, you'll need to ensure you select either Dropbox Folder or Dropbox Connection as the sync method. You'll then be prompted to create an encryption password if you haven't already.
• The next step is to install the free app on your mobile device from the iTunes Store if you're using and iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, or the Google Play Store if you're using Android.
• Once installed, open the app and tap “Dropbox". Then tap "Connect to Dropbox" (if you're already connected to Dropbox on your mobile app, this step and the next may be done automatically)
• You'll be taken to Dropbox's website to give the Moneydance app permission to access your Dropbox.
• If you have more than one file enabled to sync via Dropbox, choose the file you'd like to sync.
• Enter the Encryption Password that you created earlier.

It may take a few moments for the initial sync to complete and for your account information to be displayed, and then you're all set!

Sharing data between systems -

• After following the steps above to select the sync method on the first computer - on your second system you should run Moneydance and navigate to File --> New.
• Then select "Open Synced File" and proceed to select the same sync method as selected on the first system. You'll then be prompted to select the data set you'd like to sync.
  
• Enter the same encryption passphrase on the second computer in order to start syncing with the file.
  

Please note - After completing the last step of the sync setup process, the program appears to freeze. Please wait for the syncing to complete and do not close or force quit the program. We will be adding a progress bar so its clear the program is syncing with your file during this time.

Customers who have bought Moneydance from the Mac App Store, are now also able to share data between systems. In previous versions of Moneydance, sandboxing restrictions enforced by Apple meant that this feature was not available. Please ensure you select the Dropbox Connection sync method if you've purchased Moneydance from the App Store.

Encryption Password -

Please be aware that the encryption password should be a unique password and something you should choose. It is not your Dropbox account password, and should not be the same as any other passwords for your own security.