Setting Up Folder Synchronization (Monitored Folders)

If you frequently download new videos or desktop backgrounds, you can configure Canvas to monitor a specific folder on your Mac. The moment you save or drag a video or photo into that folder, Canvas will automatically ingest it and add it to your library!

How to Configure Folder Sync

1. Open Preferences (Cmd + ,) and click the General tab.
2. In the Monitored Folder Sync section, click Choose...
3. Select any local directory on your Mac (such as your Downloads folder, or a dedicated "Wallpapers" folder) and click Open.
4. Canvas will request a secure sandbox folder bookmark to verify permission.

How It Works in Real-Time

• Canvas establishes a background file-system observer (FolderMonitor).
• Whenever a new .mp4, .mov, .gif, .heic, .png, or .jpg is dropped into that folder, Canvas detects it immediately and appends it to your visual library catalog.
• If you delete a file from your monitored folder, it will cleanly remove it from your Canvas catalog too!

Troubleshooting Permission Denials

Because Canvas complies with standard macOS App Sandbox guidelines, it requires folder authorization bookmarks:

If syncing stops, open Preferences, click Clear next to the monitored folder directory, and click Choose... to re-select and re-authorize access to the directory.