> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.couchdrop.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.couchdrop.io/managed-file-transfer/ftp-and-ftps/create-ftp-ftps-users.md).

# Create FTP/FTPS Users

Learn how to create external users for Inbound FTP

To access Couchdrop over FTP, each person, partner, or system needs a Couchdrop FTP user account.

FTP users are separate from Couchdrop Administrators and can be given access to a specific folder location. This lets you provide FTP access without exposing administrative access to your Couchdrop tenant.

{% hint style="danger" %}
We do not recommend using your owner account as they have elevated permissions to Couchdrop. General FTP users with limited access can be shared with external systems and providers. 
{% endhint %}

## How to create a new FTP user

Creating a new Inbound FTP/S user is done in the management dashboard from Couchdrop.

{% hint style="warning" %}

#### Before you start

To create a new FTP/S user, you will need:

* A username and password - the username needs to be unique in Couchdrop.
* A folder location where that user will be isolated to. 
* Permissions to create new external users in Couchdrop
  {% endhint %}

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

### Create an FTP user

In Couchdrop, select **SFTP & FTPs Users**, then click **Create New**. Select **FTP User** and continue.

If you do not see this option, contact your Couchdrop administrator.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Configure the user

Configure the new user by setting a **username**, selecting their [**home/root directory**](/administration/user-and-group-management/root-directory.md), and choosing an authentication method.

You can use an **autogenerated password** or set a **custom password.**

If [**Transfer Shield**](#transfer-shield) is enabled, you can select a **content rule group** to surface or block unexpected, non-compliant, or malicious files uploaded by this user.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

### Save your new FTP user credentials

Once the user has been created, Couchdrop will display the user credentials and provide the option to download credentials or share them directly from the platform. Sharing from Couchdrop is done via email from <noreply@couchdrop.io>.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

## User Settings

After creating a user, you can configure additional permissions, access and security controls, and Transfer Shield DLP from the user's settings.

### General User Settings

<table><thead><tr><th width="268.83984375">Setting</th><th>Description</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Email Address</strong></td><td>Set or update the email address associated with the user. Optional.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Password</strong></td><td>Set or update the user's password, with optional user must creawte password at next sign-in.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Set the home/root directory for this user</strong></td><td>Change the user's home/root directory.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Global filesystem permissions for this user</strong></td><td>Change global permission level between Read-only, Write-only, and Read/Write access. </td></tr><tr><td><strong>Delete allowed</strong></td><td>Allow the user to delete files</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Delete User</strong></td><td>Permanently remove the user</td></tr></tbody></table>

### Access Controls

<table><thead><tr><th width="272.5">Setting</th><th>Description</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Features and Services</strong></td><td>Add or restrict feature usage such as SFTP, Upload portals, and the <a href="/storage/file-browser.md">web portal</a>. </td></tr><tr><td><strong>Network ACLs</strong></td><td>Restrict a user so they can only connect from approved IP addresses or networks.</td></tr></tbody></table>

### Security Settings

<table><thead><tr><th width="273.9140625">Setting</th><th>Description</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Expiry</strong></td><td>Controls whether the user expires. Select <strong>Never Expire</strong> or configure the user to expire after a specified period.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Transfer Shield</strong></td><td>Define what type of content you expect to upload with this user. Block or surface files for approval with content that does not match what you expect.</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Delete allowed</strong></td><td>Allows the user to delete files within locations they can access.</td></tr></tbody></table>

### Advanced Options

<table><thead><tr><th width="278.74609375">Setting</th><th>Description</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Notes</strong></td><td>Create notes about the user</td></tr><tr><td><strong>User active</strong></td><td>When unchecked, the user loses access to the platform until reactivated. </td></tr></tbody></table>

***

## How to bulk create FTP users

If you need to provision multiple FTP users, you do not need to create each user individually.

Couchdrop supports bulk and automated user provisioning for larger deployments. Depending on your environment, you can use:

* **Bulk import** - [create multiple users in one operation](/administration/user-and-group-management/creating-users.md#bulk-creating-users).
* **SCIM provisioning** - automatically provision and manage users from a [supported identity provider](/administration/scim-and-sso.md).
* **API** - automate user provisioning using the [Couchdrop API](https://developers.couchdrop.io/administration/managing-users#create-or-modify-a-user) from your own systems.

For ongoing identity lifecycle management, use SCIM rather than manually creating users.

***

## Frequently asked questions

<details>

<summary>Can different FTP users access different folders?</summary>

Yes. Each user can be configured with access to specific folders and storage locations.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I use my own storage?</summary>

Yes. Most Couchdrop customers connect their existing cloud or on-premises storage rather than using Couchdrop hosted storage exclusively.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I bulk create FTP users?</summary>

Yes. Couchdrop supports bulk import via CSV, SCIM provisioning, and automated user creation via the [Couchdrop Management API](https://developers.couchdrop.io).&#x20;

</details>