Copy a folder with progress and metadata
Build a paste-ready command, then review its compatibility and effects before running it.
rsync -avh --progress <source> <destination>Complete required fields to copy the generated command.
Compatibility
Linux + macOSVerified for Linux, macOS using posix, bash, zsh syntax.
Operational knowledgereview due 2027-01-19
Requirementsrsyncrsync must be installed and available on PATH.
Version supportrsync Current supported releasesVerified for linux, macos using posix, bash, zsh syntax; consult compatibility notes for platform-specific differences.
Expected signalssending incremental file listRepresentative successful output; values vary with the selected target and system state.
Known errorsrsync: command not foundrsync is missing or is not available on PATH.
Verifyrsync -avh --progress {{source}} {{destination}}Re-run the corresponding read-only inspection and confirm the intended state.Rollback noteNo universal automatic rollback is available. Capture the current state and use the tool-specific recovery procedure before applying changes.
Command breakdown
01rsyncFile synchronizerCopies and synchronizes files efficiently.
02aArchive modeRecurses while preserving common metadata such as permissions and timestamps.
03vVerbosePrints the files and operations being processed.
04hHuman-readableFormats sizes with readable units.
05--progressTransfer progressShows progress for the current file.
06source/ → destination/Source and destinationThe trailing slash copies the source directory’s contents into the destination.
The a, v, and h flags are combined in the single option -avh.
Example input
rsync -avh --progress photos/ backup/photos/
Example output
sending incremental file list
summer/photo-042.jpg
8.24M 100% 74.20MB/s 0:00:00
sent 8.25M bytes received 42 bytes
Illustrative output — exact values vary by system and data.
Official sources