Copy Modes
HDClone offers several copy modes in order to transfer data directly from one disk to another.
FullCopy (physical copy) is a universal copy mode. It creates an exact clone of all partitions of a disk and optionally also the sectors inbetween. Partitions are cloned in their entirety, regardless of the actual utilization of their sectors. This allows cloning of arbitrary file systems.
With SmartCopy (logical copy), HDClone only takes those areas of storage media that are occupied by the operating system and other files. Any unused areas will not be copied. Since in most cases only a part of the total capacity of storage media is occupied, and depending on the amount of data stored, SmartCopy saves some of the time needed for a FullCopy. Therefore, SmartCopy is usually many times faster than FullCopy.
| Important: Only use SmartCopy with sound media and sound file systems. Otherwise, creating a FullCopy or BitCopy is strongly recommended. If you are not absolutely certain of the file system's health, we strongly recommend checking the file system health prior to cloning. |
SmartCopy mode can be applied to entire disks or other media, as well as to single partitions. SmartCopy supports the file systems NTFS, FAT, HFS+, ext2/ext3, Btrfs and APFS. Partitions with other file systems will be copied in FullCopy mode, even if the SmartCopy option is activated.
| Note: SmartCopy evaluates the file system and it is dependent on consistent file system data that is free of errors. Otherwise, the copy may contain errors as well. If you are unsure if errors are present, you may check the source with chkdsk /f prior to cloning. |
SmartCopy also creates an exact clone, yet in contrast to FullCopy, it only copies the used areas of the media. For many uses, this mode is preferable since it delivers the same result in less time.
| Hint: Since it is a clone, when in doubt you can always try SmartCopy mode first. If this reveals itself to be insufficient for your individual case of use, you may still create a FullCopy. |
BitCopy (bit-exact physical copy) creates a complete or partial clone of a storage media. This clone is bit-by-bit identical with the source, as each sector of the source is copied to the exact same sector on the target. This differentiates a BitCopy from a FullCopy.
