Deja Dup
Simple GNOME backup tool that encrypts and stores files locally or in the cloud.
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What is Deja Dup?
Deja Dup is an open-source backup tool designed for GNOME desktop environments, prioritizing simplicity and user-friendly recovery from accidental data loss. It abstracts complex backup processes by leveraging Restic, a backend tool that handles encryption, compression, and incremental backups. The application supports local storage, cloud services like Google Drive, and remote servers, enabling users to secure data against hardware failure, human error, or malware. Ideal for individuals and small teams, Deja Dup addresses the challenge of maintaining reliable backups without requiring technical expertise. Its focus on ease of use makes it accessible to non-technical users while offering features like scheduled backups and encrypted storage. The tool is particularly suited for personal files, documents, and settings rather than full system imaging, which is better handled by specialized tools.
How it works
Deja Dup is a GNOME-based backup utility that simplifies data protection by automating encryption, compression, and incremental backups. It integrates with Restic to ensure secure, efficient storage of files across local, remote, or cloud destinations. The primary purpose of Deja Dup is to prevent data loss through accidental deletion, hardware failure, or corruption. It users to recover specific files or versions without manual intervention, making it ideal for personal and small-scale use cases. Deja Dup supports encrypted backups using AES-256, ensuring data privacy. It compresses files to save storage space and employs incremental backups to minimize data transfer. Users can schedule regular backups and restore files via a graphical interface, with options to back up to Google Drive, network servers, or local drives.
How to use it
- 1Install Deja Dup via your GNOME software repository or Flathub. 2. Launch the application and select backup locations (local, cloud, or remote servers). 3. Choose specific folders to include in backups, such as Documents or Photos. 4. Configure backup schedules and enable encryption for sensitive data. 5. Initiate the first backup and verify its completion in the backup history. Practical tips: Use encryption to protect sensitive files, test restoration by copying a sample file from a backup, and ensure sufficient storage space for encrypted archives. Avoid including system directories unless explicitly needed.
What it can do
- backup tool
Use cases
Assumptions and limitations
Assumptions
- source: https://gitlab.gnome.org/World/deja-dup
- license: GPL-3.0 — free to use
- privacy: Self-hosted — you control your data
Limitations
- Does not support full system imaging or disk-level backups
- Limited advanced customization options for backup workflows
- Requires GNOME integration, restricting cross-desktop compatibility
- Depends on Restic for core functionality, which may introduce complexity
- No built-in version control for individual files
Understanding the result
Simple GNOME backup tool that encrypts and stores files locally or in the cloud.
Tool details
- Clearly flagged when a network request is needed.
- No account, no sign-up, and no tracking of your content.
- Powered by (GPL-3.0).
- Built with
- (https://gitlab.gnome.org/World/deja-dup)
- License
- GPL-3.0
- Runs locally
- No — requires a network request
- Verification
- Not yet verified
- Input
- Query
- Output
- Text
Built with https://gitlab.gnome.org/World/deja-dup. OpenToolVault provides the discovery and browser interface while crediting the original project maintainers.
- Built with
- License
- GPL-3.0
Open-source project
OpenToolVault is an independent directory. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by this project.
References
- / — GitHub Repository
Upstream project · GitHub
- GPL-3.0 License
Upstream project
Frequently asked
What is Deja Dup and how does it differ from other backup tools?
Deja Dup is a GNOME-specific backup tool that simplifies data protection through encrypted, incremental backups managed by Restic. Unlike full system imaging tools like Timeshift, it focuses on user files and settings rather than entire operating systems. It differs from cloud storage services by automating backup workflows and offering local encryption, while still supporting direct cloud integrations like Google Drive.
How does Deja Dup ensure data security during backups?
Deja Dup secures data through AES-256 encryption, which is applied to backups before storage. Users set a password that decrypts archives, and all data is compressed to reduce size. Backups stored in the cloud or on remote servers are protected by both the encryption and the security measures of the underlying storage service. The tool does not store passwords or keys outside the user's control.
How do I restore a single file from a Deja Dup backup?
Open the backup archive in your file manager, navigate to the desired file, and copy it to its original location. For cloud backups, use the 'Copy to' option in the file manager to download the file. If the backup is stored locally, directly access the archive folder. Ensure the backup is recent enough to contain the file you need.
How does Deja Dup compare to alternatives like Borg or rsync?
Deja Dup abstracts the complexity of tools like Borg or rsync by using Restic as its backend. While Borg offers more granular control over deduplication and storage, Deja Dup prioritizes ease of use with pre-configured options. Rsync is a lower-level tool requiring manual setup, whereas Deja Dup automates scheduling, encryption, and incremental backups. It is less flexible for advanced users but more accessible for general data protection.
What should I do if Deja Dup fails to back up my files?
Check that the selected backup location has sufficient space and is accessible. Verify network connectivity for cloud or remote backups. Ensure no files are locked or in use during the backup. If encryption is enabled, confirm the password is correct. Review the backup log for error messages, and reinstall the tool if the issue persists. Test restoring a small file to validate the backup's integrity.