How to use SFTP with FileZilla

Learn how to connect to an SFTP server with Filezilla in this simple walkthrough

FileZilla is a popular open-source SFTP client used for transferring files between a client and a server over the internet. It has full support for FTP, FTPS (FTP over SSL/TLS), and SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol).

FileZilla is available for various operating systems including Windows, macOS, and Linux. It provides a user-friendly interface for managing file transfers, directory listings, and remote file editing.

FileZilla is widely used by web developers, system administrators, and anyone who needs to transfer files securely over the internet.

Using FileZilla with SFTP

Using FileZilla with SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) is quite straightforward. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

1. Download and Install FileZilla:

   • Visit the official FileZilla website (https://filezilla-project.org/) and download the appropriate version for your operating system.

   • Follow the installation instructions to install FileZilla on your computer.

2. Open FileZilla:

   • After installation, launch FileZilla.

3. Connect to a Server:

   • In FileZilla, navigate to "File" > "Site Manager" or use the shortcut Ctrl+S (Windows/Linux) or Cmd+S (Mac) to open the Site Manager.

   • Click on the "New Site" button and give your site a name.

   • In the "Protocol" dropdown menu, select "SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol".

   • Enter the hostname (or IP address) of the server in the "Host" field.

   • Enter the port number if it's different from the default (22 for SFTP).

   • Choose "Normal" as the Logon Type.

   • Enter your username and password in the respective fields.

   • Click on "Connect" to save the settings and establish the connection.

4. Transferring Files:

   • Once connected, you will see the local files on the left side and remote files on the right side of the FileZilla interface.

   • Navigate through the directories to find the files you want to transfer.

   • To upload files from your local machine to the server, simply drag them from the local pane to the remote pane.

   • To download files from the server to your local machine, drag them from the remote pane to the local pane.

5. Managing Files:

   • You can create, delete, rename, and move files and directories directly from within FileZilla.

6. Disconnecting:

   • Once you're done with your file transfers, you can disconnect from the server by clicking on the "Server" menu and selecting "Disconnect".

7. Close FileZilla:

   • Finally, you can close FileZilla when you're finished with your transfers.

That's it! You've successfully used FileZilla with SFTP. Remember to always secure your login credentials and use SFTP for encrypted file transfers.

Using FileZilla with Couchdrop

Couchdrop supports FileZilla via SFTP and FTP. When configuring your server connection in the Site Manager, use the hostname, username and password provided in the Couchdrop admin interface.