Table of Contents
Introduction
UJAM plugins often use large .blob files to store essential plugin data. Over time, these files cumulatively can grow to consume substantial space on your system drive, leading to performance issues. While UJAM provides internal methods to move .blob files, some plugins like Usynth series, Virtual Pianist series, and Subcraft may not always support these methods, leaving users looking for an alternative solution.
This article provides a detailed guide on how to use symbolic links (symlinks) on macOS to move .blob files to external or secondary drives without affecting plugin performance. We will cover both terminal-based and graphical solutions to create symlinks, and we will clarify legal considerations and best practices.
What Are Symbolic Links (Symlinks)?
A symbolic link (or symlink) is a file that points to another file or directory in the system. It functions like an alias or shortcut but is more powerful because it operates at the system level and works seamlessly with both applications and command-line tools. When you create a symlink, macOS treats it as if the target file is still in its original location, even though it may have been moved to a new location, such as an external drive.
Key Points:
- A symlink is not the actual file but a reference (or "pointer") to it.
- Symlinks are used by many advanced users and developers to manage large files without impacting system performance.
- Unlike aliases, symlinks are recognized by all applications on macOS, including command-line utilities.
Example: Let's say that you have a VG-SILK.blob file in /Users/YourName/Library/Application Support/UJAM/ that you want to move to an external drive.
(We are assuming that you are moving a file named “VG-SILK.blob” to a Folder named “UJAM” located inside the External Drive called “ExternalDrive”.)
Creating a symlink allows you to move the .blob file to /Volumes/ExternalDrive/UJAM/ while maintaining plugin functionality as if the file is still in its original location.
When using symbolic links, certain aspects must be considered to avoid issues related to data integrity, software licensing, and user agreements:
- Data Integrity: UJAM is not liable for any data corruption, loss, or system malfunction caused by improper symlink configurations. Users are responsible for ensuring they correctly follow the instructions when creating and managing symlinks.
- Backup and Liability: Before manipulating critical files, it is advised to back them up to prevent data loss. UJAM recommends that users always keep copies of important files in a secure location.
How to Create Symbolic Links on macOS
Method 1: Using the Terminal (Command-Line)
For users comfortable with command-line interfaces, Terminal offers a quick and efficient way to create symlinks.
Step 1: Open Terminal
- Navigate to Finder > Applications > Utilities > Terminal, or press Command + Space and type "Terminal."
Step 2: Move the .blob File
- Move the .blob file from its original location to the external drive or desired new location. Use the mv command or manually move the file in the Finder. Example:
(In this example, you are moving a file named “VG-SILK.blob” to a Folder named “UJAM” located inside the external drive named “ExternalDrive”.)
mv "/Users/YourName/Library/Application Support/UJAM/VG-SILK.blob" "/Volumes/ExternalDrive/UJAM/"
This command moves the .blob file to the external drive.
Step 3: Create a Symlink
- After moving the file, create a symbolic link that points to the new file location. The command is:
ln -s "/Volumes/ExternalDrive/UJAM/VG-SILK.blob" "/Users/YourName/Library/Application Support/UJAM/VG-SILK.blob"
- The first path is the new location of the .blob file (on the external drive), and the second path is where you want to create the symlink (in the original location).
Step 4: Verify the Symlink
- Navigate back to the original location (/Users/YourName/Library/Application Support/UJAM/) to ensure that a symlink has been created. The symlink should behave like the original file, allowing the plugin to access the .blob data without issues.
Note: If you attempt to move files to system-protected directories, System Integrity Protection (SIP) in macOS may block this action. However, this should not affect most UJAM-related files, which are stored in user-accessible directories.
Method 2: Using Automator (Graphical Interface)
If you prefer not to use Terminal, macOS includes Automator, a graphical tool that allows you to automate tasks, including creating symlinks.
Step 1: Open Automator
- Go to Finder > Applications > Automator. Select New Document and choose Quick Action as the document type.
Step 2: Set Up Workflow
- Configure the workflow to receive "files or folders" as input.
- In the Actions library, search for Run Shell Script and drag it into the main workflow area.
Step 3: Add Shell Script for Symlink Creation
- In the Run Shell Script section, input the following script:
for f in "$@"
do
ln -s "$f" "$f-symlink"
done
This script creates symbolic links for any selected files or folders in the Finder.
Step 4: Save and Use
- Save the Automator workflow with a name like Create Symlink.
- You can now right-click on any file or folder in the Finder and choose Create Symlink from the Quick Actions menu.
Method 3: Using SymbolicLinker (Third-Party Utility)
If you prefer a simpler, graphical way to create symlinks without using Terminal or Automator, you can use the SymbolicLinker app.
Step 1: Download and Install SymbolicLinker
- Download the SymbolicLinker app from its official GitHub page.
- Once downloaded, open the .DMG file and drag the SymbolicLinker.service file into ~/Library/Services.
Step 2: Enable SymbolicLinker
- Open the ~/Library/Services folder and double-click SymbolicLinker.service to enable it.
Step 3: Create a Symlink
- Once installed, right-click on any file or folder in the Finder, and you will see a new option under the Services menu called Make Symbolic Link. Selecting this option creates a symlink for the selected item.
Advantages:
- User-Friendly: No need to use Terminal.
- Integrated with Finder: The option is conveniently accessible from the Finder’s right-click menu.
Limitations: SymbolicLinker only works for creating symbolic links and does not manage advanced linking or provide the same flexibility as the command line.
Symlinks vs. Aliases: Why Symlinks Are Superior
While macOS also supports aliases, symlinks are the better choice for advanced file management:
- Aliases are user-interface-level shortcuts and are only recognized by macOS Finder and some applications. They do not behave like real files in command-line tools or across the entire system.
- Symlinks, on the other hand, are recognized at the system level by all applications, including command-line utilities and low-level operations. Symlinks allow you to seamlessly move files across different locations while maintaining application functionality.
- In short, symlinks provide much more flexibility and power compared to aliases.
Best Practices for Symlinking:
- To make sure your symlinks remain functional and efficient during software updates or new installations, it's recommended to symlink entire folders rather than individual files. When you symlink a folder, any updates or new files that are introduced during an update process, whether through the UJAM app or direct downloaders, will also follow the symlink. This ensures that the new files are saved to the symlinked directory automatically, keeping everything in one place without breaking the link. By symlinking a folder, you create an "update-safe" environment, as the symlink continues to handle the new or modified files without requiring manual intervention.
How to Delete Symlinks
Deleting a symlink is simple and does not affect the original file it points to.
In Finder:
- Right-click on the symlink and select Move to Trash.
In Terminal:
- Use the rm command to remove the symlink:
rm "/Users/YourName/Library/Application Support/UJAM/VG-SILK.blob"
This removes only the symlink, not the actual .blob file stored on your external drive.
FAQ Section
Q1: Will symlinks affect plugin performance?
- No, symlinks simply redirect file access. However, performance could be affected if you store the .blob file on a slow external drive (e.g., USB 2.0).
Q2: Can symlinks be created on network drives?
- Yes, symlinks can point to files on network drives, but performance may depend on network stability and speed.
Q3: What happens if I delete the symlink?
- Deleting a symlink does not delete the original file. You can always recreate the symlink if necessary.
Q4: Will System Integrity Protection (SIP) interfere with symlink creation?
- SIP only affects system-critical directories, so it will not prevent you from creating symlinks in user-accessible locations such as those used by UJAM plugins.
Q5: What should I remember when symlinking to external drives?
-
- When using symbolic links to point to files stored on external drives, it’s crucial to ensure that the external drive is mounted during system boot or connected before booting your macOS. If the drive isn’t mounted or connected, macOS won’t be able to find the symlinked files, which could result in errors or missing data when using the linked applications. To avoid this, always ensure that your external drives are accessible at the time of boot to maintain seamless access to your symlinked data.
Conclusion
Symbolic links offer a powerful, flexible solution for managing large .blob files on macOS. Whether you use Terminal, Automator, or SymbolicLinker, symlinks can help free up system drive space while ensuring that UJAM plugins continue to function without interruption. However, be cautious when creating symlinks to avoid data loss, and always ensure you comply with legal and technical guidelines.
Here are a few videos that will also help you understand Symlinking on macOS.
For further assistance, contact UJAM support.
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