Creating Ptar Files

The plakar ptar command creates portable .ptar archives from one or more data sources. You can include existing Kloset Stores, filesystem paths, or both when creating a single archive.

Basic Syntax

plakar ptar [options] -o output.ptar [sources]

Required

• -o output.ptar - Destination file path
• At least one source:
  • -k location to include a Kloset Store
  • path ... to include a filesystem paths

Common options

• -plaintext - Disable encryption (not recommended)
• -overwrite - Allow overwriting existing Ptar files

Creating from Filesystem Paths

The simplest way to create a Ptar archive is directly from filesystem directories:

# Single directory
plakar ptar -o documents.ptar /home/user/Documents

# Multiple paths
plakar ptar -o important.ptar \
    /home/user/Documents \
    /home/user/Pictures

This creates a new Ptar archive without needing an existing Kloset Store.

Creating from a Kloset Store

Export a Single Kloset Store

Export an existing Kloset Store to a portable Ptar file:

# Export local Kloset Store
plakar ptar -o backup.ptar -k $HOME/backups

# Export configured store (using alias)
plakar ptar -o backup.ptar -k @s3-backups

Export Multiple Kloset Stores

Combine multiple Kloset Stores into a single Ptar archive:

plakar ptar -o combined.ptar \
    -k $HOME/backups \
    -k @s3-backups \
    -k @proton-drive-backups

This creates a single deduplicated archive containing all snapshots from all specified stores.

Combining Sources

You can mix Kloset Stores and filesystem paths in a single archive:

plakar ptar -o comprehensive.ptar \
    -k $HOME/backups \
    /home/user/NewDocuments \
    /home/user/RecentPhotos

This is useful for creating archives that include both historical snapshots and fresh filesystem data.

Encryption and Passphrases

Interactive Prompt (Default)

If no passphrase is provided, you’ll be prompted to enter one:

$ plakar ptar -o backup.ptar -k $HOME/backups
Enter passphrase: 
Confirm passphrase:

Environment Variable

Set the passphrase via environment variable to avoid prompts, useful for automated scripts:

export PLAKAR_PASSPHRASE="your-secure-passphrase"
plakar ptar -o backup.ptar -k $HOME/backups

Using a Different Passphrase

Each Ptar file can have its own passphrase, independent of the source Kloset Stores:

$ plakar ptar -o offsite.ptar -k $HOME/backups
source repository passphrase: # passphrase for source store
repository passphrase: # new passphrase for Ptar file
repository passphrase (confirm): # confirm new passphrase

Plaintext Archives

To create an unencrypted archive (not recommended for sensitive data):

plakar ptar -plaintext -o unencrypted.ptar -k $HOME/backups

Encryption Best Practices

Always use encryption unless you have a specific reason not to. Plaintext archives offer no protection if intercepted or accessed by unauthorized parties.

Overwriting Existing Files

By default plakar ptar prevents overwriting existing Ptar files:

$ plakar ptar -o existing.ptar -k $HOME/backups
plakar: ptar archive existing.ptar already exists, use -overwrite to overwrite it

Explicitly allow overwriting:

plakar ptar -overwrite -o existing.ptar -k $HOME/backups