How do I convert my volumes between AppleRAID and SoftRAID?

SoftRAID can convert volumes between AppleRAID (Apple’s built-in RAID system in Disk Utility) and SoftRAID formats. This conversion is fast and non-destructive.

Important limitations:

• HFS+ volumes only - SoftRAID does not currently support converting APFS volumes
• RAID 0 and RAID 1 only - Conversion only works with these RAID levels
• Single volume per disk set - Conversion from SoftRAID to AppleRAID is not supported if more than one volume is present on your disks
• Back up your data first - While conversion is designed to preserve data, always maintain current backups before any RAID operation

Automatic conversion prompt: If you connect an AppleRAID volume while SoftRAID is running, SoftRAID will prompt you to convert to SoftRAID. Do not accept this prompt if the volume is formatted as APFS.

Convert AppleRAID to SoftRAID

• Ensure your AppleRAID disks are connected and backed up
• Launch SoftRAID
• Select your AppleRAID volume tile from the right column
• Choose Volume menu → Convert
• Follow the directions in the dialog box

Conversion takes approximately 10 seconds.

Convert SoftRAID to AppleRAID

• Yes, you can also convert SoftRAID volumes to Apple RAID volumes
• Ensure your SoftRAID disks are connected and backed up
• Launch SoftRAID
• Select your SoftRAID volume tile from the right column
• Choose Volume menu → Convert
• Follow the directions in the dialog box

Conversion takes approximately 10 seconds.