Frequently Asked Questions

Backup Safety & Verification

Yes. PurrfectBackup automatically ejects the connected storage device and card after the backup operation.

You can safely disconnect the card reader or SSD/HDD once the operation has completed.

Yes. Restart the backup operation and PurrfectBackup will resume from where it stopped.

Yes. Press Left on the joystick and confirm that you want to stop the backup.

Reconnect the storage device and restart the backup. PurrfectBackup will resume from where the operation stopped.

Reconnect the memory card and restart the backup. PurrfectBackup will resume from where the operation stopped.

You can restart the copy operation. A failed backup can sometimes be caused by a loose cable, power interruption, or an issue with the memory card or storage device.

You can also use the Disk Check feature to check supported storage media for errors.

No. PurrfectBackup does not delete your original photos or videos from the memory card.

No. PurrfectBackup only reads data from your memory card. It does not perform write operations on the source card.

Use the WebUI's Validate Data feature to browse and verify the files on your destination drive before formatting your memory card.

You can browse folders, preview supported images, and verify that the expected files are present.

Yes. PurrfectBackup verifies the copied data to help confirm that the backup completed successfully.

You can check your backup using Copy History on the PurrfectBackup display or use the WebUI to validate the backup in more detail.

Basic Operation

PurrfectBackup is a standalone backup device designed for photographers. Connect your camera memory card using a compatible card reader and connect your SSD or HDD to the other USB port. The OLED screen guides you through the backup process.

You can back up your photos, videos, and other files without a computer, phone, internet connection, or subscription.

Camera & File Support

Yes. You can connect different memory cards one after another and back them up to your storage device.

Yes. You can back up photos from multiple cameras during a shoot.

Yes. Video files can be backed up along with photos and other files.

Yes. Sony ARW RAW files are supported.

Yes. Nikon NEF RAW files are supported.

Yes. Canon CR2 and CR3 RAW files are supported.

Yes. PurrfectBackup can back up RAW, JPEG, and other image files together.

Yes. Compatible USB card readers can be connected to PurrfectBackup to read camera memory cards.

Yes. Any compatible camera memory card can be used when connected through a suitable card reader.

PurrfectBackup supports camera media such as microSD, SD, CFexpress, XQD, and other camera memory cards when used with a compatible card reader.

It can be used with media from cameras, video cameras, drones, action cameras, and other compatible devices.

Copy Modes

What's the Difference Between Dated Copy and Just Copy?

Dated Copy automatically organizes files into folders based on the creation date of each file. For example, a file from November 5, 2024 can be stored in dated-backup/11-05-2024.

Just Copy copies files into the just-backup folder while preserving the original folder structure from the memory card.

Initial Backup

First, the system copies all 1000 photos to your selected backup folder (just-backup or dated-backup).

Subsequent Backup

When you add 500 more photos, PurrfectBackup intelligently skips the already-backed-up 1000 files. It only copies the new 500 photos while automatically verifying your existing backups, saving you considerable time.

The Challenge

Yes, common file names like IMG_1234.CR3 will repeat when cameras reset their numbering.

Smart Solution

PurrfectBackup checks both file size and date:

  • If identical → skips copying
  • If different → renames existing file with timestamp and saves the new version

Example Protection

Original: IMG_1234.CR3 (June 12, 2025, 10:30 AM)
New: IMG_1234.CR3 (June 15, 2025, 9:10 PM)
Result:
- Original becomes IMG_1234-06-12-2025-10-30.CR3
- New file keeps its original name

Copy Modes & File Organization

No. The standard Just Copy and Dated Copy modes use their predefined folder names.

If you need custom folder names, use WebUI Copy to create a custom destination folder.

Yes. PurrfectBackup can safely handle more than 10,000 photos.

If your camera resets its filenames after 9999 shots, PurrfectBackup can identify duplicate filenames and preserve different files by adding the creation time when necessary.

No. PurrfectBackup does not overwrite a different file simply because it has the same filename.

If two different files with the same name need to be stored in the same date folder, the newer file is saved with its creation time added to the filename.

For example:

IMG_1234.CR3

can become:

IMG_1234-06-12-2025-21-45.CR3

Both files remain safely stored.

The Challenge

Yes, common file names like IMG_1234.CR3 will repeat when cameras reset their numbering.

Smart Solution

PurrfectBackup checks both file size and date:

  • If identical → skips copying
  • If different → renames existing file with timestamp and saves the new version

Example Protection

Original: IMG_1234.CR3 (June 12, 2025, 10:30 AM)
New: IMG_1234.CR3 (June 15, 2025, 9:10 PM)
Result:
- Original becomes IMG_1234-06-12-2025-10-30.CR3
- New file keeps its original name

Yes. You can safely run the same backup again. PurrfectBackup skips files that have already been copied and continues with files that are not already backed up.

PurrfectBackup skips files that are already present at the destination and copies any new files.

Dated Copy uses the creation date of the photo or video file, not the date on which you perform the backup.

Dated Copy creates date-based folders inside the dated-backup folder.

For example:

dated-backup/11-05-2024

Use Just Copy when you want to mirror the folder structure from your memory card onto your SSD or HDD.

Dated Copy is recommended if you want your photos and videos automatically organized into folders based on when they were created.

This makes it easier to find files from a particular shooting date.

Copy Speed & Storage

PurrfectBackup organizes your backups according to the copy mode you select.

Just Copy: Files are stored in the just-backup folder while preserving the original folder structure from your memory card.

Dated Copy: Files are stored in the dated-backup folder and organized according to the creation date of each file.

Built-in SSD Offload: Files are stored in the ssd-offload folder and organized according to the creation date of each file. Only for PRO Models

As a rough guide, 250GB of data could take approximately 25–30 minutes under good conditions.

Actual copy time depends on the memory card, card reader, destination SSD or HDD, file sizes, and other factors.

With suitable high-speed hardware, such as a fast CFexpress card and NVMe SSD, 100GB may take approximately 10 minutes.

Actual performance varies depending on the card, card reader, SSD/HDD, and files being copied.

How Fast Does Data Copy From My Card to Storage?

Each PurrfectBackup USB port supports up to 5Gbps data transfer. This is approximately 500MB/s under ideal conditions.

Actual copy speed depends on:

  1. The speed of your card reader
  2. The speed of your memory card
  3. The performance of your destination SSD or HDD
  4. The size and number of files being copied

In real-world use, speeds during a large sustained copy will typically settle around 100–200 MB/s, depending on the source media, file sizes, and storage device.

Getting Started

Yes. PurrfectBackup works fully offline. An internet connection or subscription is not required for backups.

Yes. PurrfectBackup is designed for photographers who want to back up their photos and videos without carrying a laptop or relying on a phone or internet connection.

  1. Power on PurrfectBackup using a USB-C power bank or the supplied power adapter.
  2. Connect your memory card reader to a USB port.
  3. Connect your external SSD or HDD to the other USB port.
  4. Follow the instructions shown on the OLED screen.

PurrfectBackup is a standalone backup device designed for photographers. Connect your camera memory card using a compatible card reader and connect your SSD or HDD to the other USB port. The OLED screen guides you through the backup process.

You can back up your photos, videos, and other files without a computer, phone, internet connection, or subscription.

Menu & System Updates

  1. Download the latest update file, such as backup-data.tar.vX.X.gpg, from the official PurrfectBackup website.
  2. Copy the update file to the root directory of your SSD or HDD. Do not place it inside a folder.
  3. Connect the drive containing the update file to PurrfectBackup.
  4. Navigate to Settings > Update on the OLED screen.
  5. Follow the on-screen instructions.
  6. PurrfectBackup will automatically reboot when the update is complete.

Important:

  • Make sure only one .gpg update file exists on the drive.
  • Do not unplug PurrfectBackup during the update.
  • The update process typically takes approximately 2–3 minutes.

More info here in Knowledge base : KB Article to update PurrfectBackup

The main menu provides access to the following functions:

1. Just Copy: Fast and simple backup to just-backup.

2. Dated Copy: Organizes files by creation date in dated-backup.

3. Bilt-in SSD: Available only on PRO to manage built-in SSD

4. WebUI Backup: Enables access to the WebUI and advanced backup features.

5. Utility: View recent backup operations, disk check and info along with export logs for troubleshooting

7. Settings: Configure system preferences and access system functions such as updates.

Power & Portability

Yes. PurrfectBackup is designed for use while traveling and on location. Its compact size allows it to fit in a compartment of a camera bag.

Yes. You can use a USB-C power bank when working in the field.

For reliable operation, use a power bank capable of delivering more than 20W.

PurrfectBackup includes a 27W, 5V power adapter designed for its power requirements. The supplied power adapter supports 110–240V input.

Battery life depends on the power bank and the devices connected to PurrfectBackup.

As a general guide, a 10,000 mAh power bank can provide approximately 2–3 hours of operation.

Yes. PurrfectBackup can be powered using a USB-C power bank.

When using high-speed NVMe storage and CFexpress cards, the power demand can sometimes be high enough to cause PurrfectBackup to restart. If this happens, use the supplied power adapter.

PurrfectBackup Standard & PRO

PurrfectBackup PRO can provide higher sustained copy speeds because the internal NVMe SSD does not rely on an external USB storage enclosure.

However, overall backup speed is still limited by the USB 3.0 Speeds, source memory card and card reader connected to PurrfectBackup.

No. Use the heatsink supplied with PurrfectBackup PRO. The enclosure is designed to accommodate the supplied heatsink.

  1. Use a Philips screwdriver to remove the two screws at the back of the PRO model.
  2. Slide out the access plate.
  3. Install the NVMe SSD into the internal connector.
  4. Install the supplied heatsink and mounting screws.
  5. Replace the access plate.

The heatsink and mounting screws are included with PurrfectBackup PRO.

Yes. The internal NVMe SSD can be replaced or upgraded later.

Yes. You can install your own compatible NVMe SSD.

Compatible M.2 NVMe SSDs from 128GB to 4TB are supported.

A DRAM-equipped NVMe SSD is recommended for better sustained performance.

No. PurrfectBackup PRO can use an internally installed NVMe SSD as its destination storage.

PurrfectBackup Standard uses its two USB 3.0 ports for connecting your card reader and external storage.

PurrfectBackup PRO works in the same way but also provides an internal M.2 NVMe slot, allowing you to install a high-speed NVMe SSD inside the device.

This means you can use internal storage without carrying a separate external SSD or HDD.

Storage Management

PurrfectBackup currently allows the built-in NVMe SSD in the PRO model to be formatted.

Formatting options for external SSDs, HDDs, and memory cards are not currently provided because accidental formatting could result in data loss.

You cannot delete the standard backup folders using the PurrfectBackup display.

You can manage and delete folders through the WebUI.

No. The standard Just Copy and Dated Copy modes use their predefined folder structures.

For custom organization, use WebUI Copy to create your own destination folders.

Yes. You can create and delete custom folders through the WebUI.

To create a folder:

  1. Connect to the WebUI.
  2. Open the folder management or WebUI Copy section.
  3. Create a new destination folder.
  4. Select the source and destination as required.
  5. Begin copying.

To delete a folder:

  1. Click the delete icon next to the folder.
  2. Enter the exact folder name when prompted. The name is case-sensitive.
  3. Confirm the deletion.

Important: Deleted folders cannot be recovered, so double-check the folder before confirming deletion.

Yes. Custom folders can be created using WebUI Copy.

The standard Just Copy and Dated Copy modes use their predefined folder structures.

PurrfectBackup calculates how much new data needs to be copied and compares it with the available space on the destination drive.

If there is not enough space, PurrfectBackup will not allow the backup to start.

On the PurrfectBackup display, go to Utility > Disk Info to view storage information and available space.

Yes. You can use a storage drive that already contains other files. PurrfectBackup stores its backups within its own folder structure.

There is no fixed storage capacity limit imposed by PurrfectBackup. The practical limit depends on the capacity of the memory card and the SSD or HDD being used.

Yes. You can connect the storage drive to your computer after backing up.

FAT32, NTFS, and exFAT are supported, with exFAT recommended for general use.

PurrfectBackup can copy files regardless of their file format. The backup process does not require the files to be in a particular format.

PurrfectBackup supports one source device and one destination storage device at a time.

For example, connect your card reader to one USB port and your SSD or HDD to the other USB port.

PurrfectBackup PRO also provides an internal NVMe SSD option.

Yes. You can use an external SSD, spinning HDD, or NVMe SSD installed in a compatible enclosure.

Use the included USB-A to USB-C cable to connect your external storage device.

System & Updatess

FAQs coming soon

WebUI & Advanced Features

Yes. The WebUI can display the storage capacity and available space of the connected drive.

Use the Compare view in Copy History > Dashboard

The comparison provides:

  • All Files: Shows all files involved in the operation.
  • Same: Shows files present in both source and destination.
  • Missing: Shows files present on the source but missing from the destination.

Files can be sorted by Name or Date.

Each backup operation provides several views, including:

Dashboard:

  • Thumbnails showing the first two and last two photos from the backup
  • Number of photos, videos, and total files
  • Verification status
  • Source and destination disk labels
  • Links to Source List, Destination List, and Compare views

Thumbnails remain available even if the source memory card has been disconnected.

Source:

  • Complete list of files on the source disk at the time of the copy
  • File names, locations, sizes, and modification dates
  • Sorting by name or date

Destination:

  • Complete list of files on the destination disk
  • File names, locations, sizes, and modification dates
  • Sorting by name or date

Compare:

  • File-by-file comparison
  • Files present in both source and destination
  • Files present on the source but missing from the destination

Yes. Copy History displays detailed information about recent backup operations.

The history includes the last 20 copy operations from:

  • Just Copy
  • Dated Copy
  • WebUI Copy

You will be presented with Dashboard - which also shows you first two and last two photos from SSD / Hard drive when last copy operation was done

Yes. You can safely disconnect Wi-Fi while copying. The copy operation continues on PurrfectBackup, and you can reconnect later to check the progress.

Yes. New destination folders can be created using the Add Folder box while in WebUI Copy page

  1. Open WebUI Copy from the WebUI home screen.
  2. Select the source disk, such as your SD card.
  3. Select the destination disk, such as your SSD or HDD.
  4. Click Load Disks.
  5. Select the source and destination folders.
  6. Click Start Copy.

If the disk dropdowns are greyed out, make sure the required disks are connected and refresh the page.

A progress bar shows the completion percentage and the last five files copied.

Yes. WebUI Copy allows you to copy files between a source disk, such as an SD card, and a destination disk, such as an SSD or hard drive.

Yes. The WebUI's Validate Data feature allows you to browse your backed-up files and preview supported RAW images.

Supported RAW formats include:

CR2, CR3, NEF, NRW, ARW, ORF, RAF, SR2, SRF, PEF, DNG, RW2 and others

  1. Open the WebUI.
  2. Click Validate Data from the WebUI home screen.
  3. Select the drive you want to check from the dropdown menu.
  4. Click Mount Drive.
  5. Browse folders and files.
  6. Preview supported images.
  7. Download files if required.
  8. Use Go Back to navigate up one folder level.

Note: Only image files can currently be previewed, including supported RAW formats.

Yes. The Validate Data feature allows you to mount a drive and browse its contents directly in your browser.

You can browse folders, preview supported images, download files, and verify your backup.

No. The WebUI works through PurrfectBackup's local Wi-Fi connection and does not require internet access.

Yes. You can use the WebUI from a tablet or computer as long as it has Wi-Fi and a web browser.

Yes. You can access the WebUI from a phone connected to PurrfectBackup's Wi-Fi network.

The WebUI lets you access and manage PurrfectBackup from a phone, tablet, or computer connected via Wi-Fi.

It provides tools for:

  • Copying files
  • Browsing backed-up data
  • Validating files
  • Checking storage
  • Viewing backup history
  • Managing custom folders
  • Preview RAW photos
  • Download individual files

Press the WebUI button on PurrfectBackup and follow the connection instructions shown on the device.

For detailed connection instructions, see the WebUI guide in the PurrfectBackup Knowledge Base.

  1. Select WebUI Backup on the PurrfectBackup OLED screen.
  2. Connect your phone, tablet, or computer to the PurrfectBackup Wi-Fi network.
  3. Use the QR code shown on the PurrfectBackup screen or open the WebUI address in your browser.