Beam 1.2.0 can synchronize project settings through your private iCloud database. Server credentials can be stored as synchronizable iCloud Keychain items when iCloud Keychain is enabled.

Choose iCloud during setup

For the first project, choose iCloud on the Save projects step. Beam creates the project in iCloud after you complete the website and server setup.

Choose Only this Mac when the project must remain local. Local project settings are stored under ~/Library/Application Support/Beam.

Move existing local projects to iCloud

  1. Open Beam → Settings → Sync.

  2. Choose Move projects to iCloud.

  3. Keep Beam open while it creates a local backup, transfers the projects and credentials, and verifies the result.

  4. Wait until iCloud Sync is active appears.

Former folder-based sync can also be migrated. Beam retires the old folder sync only after the iCloud transfer has been verified.

Set up another Mac

Projects appear automatically when the second Mac uses the same iCloud account. Beam may show them while synchronization continues in the background.

For every synchronized project:

  1. Choose the corresponding local export folder on that Mac.

  2. Confirm that the website export is current.

  3. Enable Hotfolder only if this Mac should publish automatically.

  4. Run Test Connection before the first publish from the new Mac.

The local export folder and Hotfolder activation are device-specific. Project name, website address, server configuration, filters, transfer settings, and release preferences synchronize.

If iCloud needs attention

  • Checking iCloud…: wait while Beam checks the private database.

  • Syncing with iCloud…: avoid editing projects until synchronization completes.

  • iCloud is unavailable: check the internet connection and iCloud status, then choose Retry iCloud.

  • iCloud account changed: choose whether to use the current iCloud account or keep projects local. Beam never merges projects across accounts automatically.

  • Missing credentials: make sure iCloud Keychain is enabled, or enter the server credentials on this Mac.

Use Sync now when you want Beam to send and receive changes immediately.