.sparsebundle vs .dmg

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Level 1

4 points

.sparsebundle vs .dmg

Its the there a difference between an encrypted folder with a .sparsebundle file name extension and an encrypted folder with a .dmg file name extension.

Some years ago I created an encrypted folder and got a .sparsebundle file name extension. I still use it. Today I created another encrypted folder and got a .dmg file name extension. Are the two encrypted folders basically the same?

Posted on Jun 7, 2016 3:42 PM

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Answer 1

macjack

Level 10

111,242 points

Jun 7, 2016 3:52 PM in response to Nante

Here is a good explanation of the difference

https://bombich.com/kb/ccc4/backing-up-disk-image

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Answer 2

theratter

Level 4

3,961 points

Jun 8, 2016 8:23 AM in response to Nante

No and yes. A sparse bundle is a special form of disk image that has the ability to increase in size as needed so the initial size may be made smaller than may eventually be needed. DMG images are created for a specific size and cannot be increased or decreased. The main use of the sparse bundle image on Macs is for Time Machine backups.

Sparse bundles defined - The X Lab

Apple Disk Image - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

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