Backup Specific files, not Folders and include instead of exclude

I want my backup to include a certain type of file. (Adobe project files, Word, .pdf ect.) I don’t need backups of my 5TB of pictures, videos and every single meme I save on my desktop.

Is it possible to have the backup only select certain file extensions? I remember to be able to do that in the past. It that still somewhere? I can’t find it anymore. I don’t want to uncheck every new folder every single time I set it up. It completely used up all space by uploading everything in a folder called “Archive”, which holds everything I produced for my clients in the last 10 years. I uploaded some (!) of the files from my thunderbird App, which is useless if it’s just parts of it. I need my cloud backup to save files that change more than once a month and I want to tell it the 5 folders it should backup, instead of telling it the 10.000 it shouldn’t.

Any recommendation?

I’m not aware how to filter Norton 360 Cloud Backup by file type/extension.
Users may Add file/folder.

=============================================

For Norton 360 (v24.x and later):

  1. Open your Norton product and click Security on the left pane .
  2. In the Cloud Backup tile, click Open .
  3. Click Manage/Manage Files next to the backup set you wish to update .
  4. Under the Files tab, click Add and navigate to the specific Adobe project files or folders you want to include .

===

Create a “Backup Dedicated” Folder
Because Norton automatically backs up everything inside a folder you’ve added , you can “force” a filter manually:

  1. Create a new folder on your computer named “Cloud Backup Folder.”
  2. Move or copy only the specific Adobe, Word, and PDF files you need into this folder.
  3. In Norton, go to Manage Backup Sets > What tab > Add or exclude files or folders .
  4. Choose Include Folder and select your new “Cloud Backup Folder.”
  5. Turn OFF all the standard categories (like Pictures or Music) to ensure Norton only looks at your hand-picked folder.

===

In Norton 360 v24+, “Common File Types” refers to standard media and document formats that the software automatically includes to simplify the backup process. While Norton does not provide a public exhaustive list of extensions, these are generally recognized as the following:

  • Pictures: Common formats such as .jpg, .jpeg, .png, .bmp, .gif, and .tif .
  • Music/Audio: Standard files like .mp3, .wav, .wma, .m4a, and .aac .
  • Video: Formats including .mp4, .avi, .mov, .wmv, and .mpg .
  • Documents: Standard office files such as .pdf, .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, and .pptx .

Special File Types
In addition to common files, v24+ includes a separate category for Special File Types, which are often excluded by default unless toggled on :

  • Sensitive Files: Items containing addresses, bank details, or passwords .
  • Notes and Contacts: Saved contact lists and digital notes stored on your device .

Important for Your Adobe Files
Adobe project files (like .aep, .prproj, or .psd) are not typically considered “Common File Types” in these broad categories . To ensure they are backed up, you must manually add the specific files or their containing folders using the Manage Files option in your Cloud Backup settings

AI sourced content may make mistakes

==============================================

Several dedicated backup and synchronization tools are designed to do exactly what Norton 360 cannot: scan and filter by specific file extensions while running on an automated schedule.

Top Tools for Automated File-Type Filtering

  • Duplicati (Open Source & Free): This is one of the most powerful options for your specific needs. It allows you to create highly granular “Include” filters using wildcards or regular expressions (e.g., +*.pdf, +*.docx, +*.prproj) . It is a “set-it-and-forget-it” tool that runs encrypted, incremental backups on a schedule you define .
  • SyncBackFree / SyncBackPro: Widely considered one of the best for Windows users who need deep customization . It features a robust “Filter” system where you can explicitly include or exclude file masks . The Pro version can sync directly to major cloud services like Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox .
  • GoodSync: A professional-grade tool that excels at real-time or scheduled synchronization . It supports complex filters and can connect to almost any destination, including NAS, SFTP, and various cloud providers .
  • FBackup (Free): A simpler, user-friendly alternative that still supports automated scheduling and file filters . It is ideal if you want a basic interface but still need to target specific file types for a mirror or full backup .
  • AOMEI Backupper Standard (Free): A feature-rich tool that supports batch and scheduled syncing . It is often recommended as a modern alternative to older tools like SyncToy and offers reliable automation for Windows users .

Comparison of Key Features

Tool Automation Custom Filters Target File Types
Duplicati Built-in Scheduler High (Regex/Wildcards) PDF, Word, Adobe, etc.
SyncBack Built-in Scheduler High (File Masks) PDF, Word, Adobe, etc.
GoodSync Real-time & Scheduled High PDF, Word, Adobe, etc.
FBackup Scheduled Moderate PDF, Word, etc.

AI sourced content may make mistakes

=============================================

Maybe, you can run FreeFileSync: synchronization tool that includes a filter configuration window for adding or removing specific file types from a sync task…and then Add that folder…to your backup set.

Hello @Robin23
Care to share your progress

First of all, thank you for your input!

I set up a new Backup, only with some dedicated folders. The Backup took very long and seems to crash and not resume when I restart my computer. The app says it’s synchronizing, but when I open the Backup-Tab it show’s no backups at all. I have to make a secure restart of Windows and start from scratch.

fwiw ~ my boiler plate:
If your Norton is not working as expected and you’ve tried Troubleshooting → Reset to Default &or Repair Norton & clean re-install Norton 360…then…may be best to document/report your issue via Norton support.
Note: Reset to Default resets Cloud Backup

Download and run the Norton 360 Remover tool for Windows here

1 Like

Thank you, that worked!

1 Like