Pluton is a web-based tool designed to simplify the use of two powerful command-line backup utilities: restic and rclone. These tools allow users to back up data securely, encrypt files, and store them on various platforms such as local hard drives, cloud services like Google Drive, and specialized storage solutions like Backblaze B2 or Amazon S3. Pluton automates much of this process by generating the necessary commands behind the scenes, making it easier for users to set up and manage encrypted, incremental backups. It also supports the 3-2-1 rule of backups—keeping three copies of data on two different storage types, with one stored offsite—for added reliability. Setting up Pluton requires a Docker environment, which is managed through a file called docker-compose.yml. This file defines how the application should run, including the storage locations and configuration settings. A separate .env file holds sensitive information like encryption keys and login credentials, which must be created securely. The encryption key is especially important because if it's lost, the backups become inaccessible. Once installed, users can create backup plans through a guided four-step process, where they choose the source files, select destinations, set backup frequencies, and define how long backups should be kept. Pluton’s interface offers features like a "Browse" option, which allows users to explore past backups as if they were files on a computer. From here, they can download or restore individual files. The restore process includes an assistant that helps users choose where to restore files, how to handle existing files in the destination, and whether to run a dry run first to preview changes. This makes it easier for users to manage backups without needing to understand the underlying command-line tools. The free version of Pluton is limited to use on a single machine, while managing backups across multiple devices requires a Pro subscription, which costs $59 per year. Other tools in the same space include Zerobyte, which offers similar functionality. Users on macOS might face challenges with Docker Desktop, as restic can sometimes fail to access mounted folders, causing errors. In such cases, using the desktop installer is recommended to ensure smoother operation. Verification of backups can be done using restic commands inside the Docker container, ensuring that data is both encrypted and recoverable.