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Short answer
Use Safe Merge to combine two folders into a new collection. It is a one-time result: editing either source later does not update the merged folder. If you need later changes to travel between folders automatically, this workflow does not do that.
This guide covers Safe Merge. Check requirements and download options before you begin.
Before you start
- A clear choice between a one-time combined result and ongoing synchronization.
- For Safe Merge, Windows 11 24H2 or later, x64, with an active Store license; two distinct supported local NTFS source folders, with neither inside the other; and a separate folder to contain the result, outside both sources. Allow enough space for the new collection.
Start here
Choose the outcome you need
For two photo collections or project folders that you want together, use a merge. If you need ongoing copies of later edits, do not expect the merged result to keep itself up to date.
Set up the merge
In Safe Merge, choose First folder and Second folder. Enter the result name under Merged folder and use Choose location to select the folder that will contain it, outside both sources.
Preserve the source collections
Leave Keep both selected and Recycle originals after merging unchecked. Select Merge Folders.
Check the result and choose where to work
Open the merged folder and read Merge Summary. Choose which collection you will edit from now on. For example, adding a photo to a source folder tomorrow will not add it to this result.
Check your result
- The new result contains the intended combined collection.
- You know which folder you will use for future work.
- You understand that later changes in either source will not update the merged result.
Synchronization direction changes the outcome
Two-way synchronization can carry changes in both directions. Mirroring makes a target match a source and can remove target items that are absent from the source. These are different outcomes from making a separate combined collection.
A merged result is not a backup plan
A separate result can help you consolidate files, but Safe Merge does not schedule backups or retain earlier content versions. Keep an appropriate backup of the collection you continue working on.