FileZilla is an FTP client with a long and distinguished history. Featuring an intuitive user interface that supports most operating systems and comprehensive documentation, FileZilla makes an excellent choice for both beginner and experienced users looking to make the most of the program.
Right-clicking files opens up various management options for both local and remote content. Sometimes an “Operation Timeout” error may arise due to an improper server connection.
File Transfer
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is the standard way of exchanging files across networks and between computers, offering fast and secure transfer. FTP allows you to easily send large files while improving workflows and increasing productivity.
FTP allows you to securely connect to a remote server, browse its directories and files, upload or download data as necessary and transfer between servers with FileZilla making this process seamless and user friendly.
After opening FileZilla and entering the host name and password for the server you wish to connect to, click on the Quickconnect bar in the top-right area near the arrow. Choose either FTP (unencrypted server) or SFTP (using security measures like SSL/TLS) before specifying any port numbers specific to that server.
Upload or download individual files by right-clicking them and choosing either Upload to Server or Download to Computer from the drop-down list. Alternatively, multiple files and folders can be selected by holding down Control (PC) or Command (Mac) while dragging.
FileZilla stands out as an invaluable tool because of its ability to offer multiple FTP sessions – one to browse the server while the other for file transfer – simultaneously. This feature can come in particularly handy if working with large files that require upload or download processes to complete.
File Management
File Management features an easy-to-use graphical user interface, featuring a menu bar with icons indicating file operations on the left of your screen and a directory tree and listing in the main window. In each column, files and directories on local computers and remote servers can be seen; on either side can also appear an inactive list for comparison.
FileZilla supports multiple transfer protocols, with FTP being its default service. However, there is also support for SFTP and Storj (an alternative storage and transfer protocol using decentralized servers instead of cloud services) allowing users to encrypt files before sending them off for sending.
The Quickconnect section of the interface makes entering host server credentials into fields on the main screen easier; however, this feature only supports FTPS connections – other types must use Site Manager instead.
Site Manager allows you to keep an eye on all of your transfer activities. Queued files displays files which have not yet completed upload or download processes while Successful transfers show completed transfers. The Failed transfers tab displays any files that were either successfully uploaded or downloaded but failed, along with an explanation as to why. FileZilla settings offer options to enable and disable features that you don’t want, like autodetect charset (which, as discussed previously, helps ensure filenames display correctly on your computer). A separate panel enables you to tailor site manager by specifying shortcuts, hiding folders from view and other elements that might be hidden by default.
Backup
FileZilla is an excellent way to backup both remote and local files and folders using its manual backup solution, FileZilla Transfer Manager. By letting you select which files and folders need transferring and then download them directly onto your PC, FileZilla’s manual backup method usually meets user expectations well enough.
FileZilla generally transfers files in text or raw data formats, depending on what file type you’re uploading or downloading. After each transfer is made, FileZilla keeps track of it within its Transfer Queue area at the bottom of its interface; failed or queued transfers also appear here for easy identification and resolution.
FileZilla window’s lower section features more than just its Transfer Queue; for instance, using its fourth quick key (which looks like two arrows pointing in opposite directions) to toggle display of Transfer Queue can help keep an eye on pending and failed transfers without cluttering up its main interface.
Other buttons on the quick-access bar enable you to change transfers currently in progress or servers connected. For example, you can cancel connections, disconnect from current servers, or auto reconnect back into previous ones. Furthermore, there’s an option that lets you limit simultaneous connections for added protection against overloading either your Internet connection or host’s server.
Sync
The Sync feature makes file transfer between local sites and servers automatic and vice versa using FTP or SFTP (if your host supports it).
FileZilla makes setting up transfers easy: all it requires to get going is entering your host information in the Quickconnect bar at the top, as well as providing your username and password in the User ID field at the bottom.
Once connected, FileZilla shows both local folders and those on the server. You can drag-and-drop to move one between locations, but also open files for viewing or editing remotely – an effective way of troubleshooting programming errors or changing web page designs without disrupting live websites.
FileZilla transfers files automatically, exchanging text or raw data formats as they’re transferred between computers. Alternatively, FileZilla also provides the ability to synchronize directories: this means comparing contents on both sides and only uploading/downloading those that differ.
Once a synchronization is underway, you can keep an eye on it using the tabs at the bottom of FileZilla’s screen. Completed transfers appear under Successful Transfers while any that haven’t completed are displayed under Queued Files.