Documentation

Everything you need to get started with GlideFile

Introduction

GlideFile is a modern FTP/SFTP client designed for developers and web professionals. It supports FTP, FTPS (FTP over TLS), and SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) connections.

Key features include:

  • Apps for macOS, Windows, Linux and Android
  • End-to-end encrypted credential storage
  • Encrypted sync of your servers across devices
  • SSH console and Node.js dashboard for SFTP servers
  • Keyboard shortcuts in the file browser
  • Dark and light themes

Installation

macOS

Download the DMG from our website, or get GlideFile on the Mac App Store. Requires macOS 13 Ventura or later, on Intel or Apple Silicon.

Windows

Download the installer from our website. Requires Windows 10 or later (64-bit).

Linux

Download the AppImage, the .deb package or the .tar.gz archive from our website. Requires Ubuntu 22.04, Debian 12, Fedora 35 or a newer distribution. The AppImage needs FUSE (fuse3 or libfuse2), present on most desktops; otherwise run it with --appimage-extract-and-run.

Android

Install GlideFile from Google Play. Requires Android 7.0 or later. The iOS version is on its way.

First Connection

  1. Open GlideFile and choose Add Server.
  2. Enter your server details:
    • Name: A friendly name for your server
    • Host: Server address (e.g., ftp.example.com)
    • Protocol: Auto, FTP, FTPS or SFTP. With Auto, GlideFile detects the right protocol for you
    • Port: Usually 21 (FTP/FTPS) or 22 (SFTP)
    • Username: Your login username
    • Password: Your password, or an SSH key for SFTP (see SSH Keys below)
  3. Click Test Connection to check your settings, then save. Open the server to connect: on the first connection, GlideFile shows the server's fingerprint (SFTP) or certificate (FTPS). Check it, then choose Accept and connect.

Managing Servers

Each server in the list has a ⋮ menu:

  • Edit: change the name, address, protocol or credentials
  • Delete: remove the server from the list
  • Plan limit: Free holds 2 servers, Personal 5, Pro as many as you need

SSH Keys

For SFTP connections, you can use SSH key authentication:

  1. In the server settings, choose SSH Key as the authentication method
  2. Click Choose key file and select your private key (for example ~/.ssh/id_ed25519). On a phone you can also use Paste key
  3. Enter the passphrase if your key is encrypted

Note: Your private key never leaves your device. Sync only carries the key's location and its encrypted passphrase, so on another device you select the key again.

Cloud Sync

GlideFile can synchronize your server configurations across devices:

  1. Create a free GlideFile account or sign in
  2. Your servers sync automatically. Choose when in Settings → Sync, or use Sync Now
  3. Sign in with the same account on your other devices to find your servers there

Secure by Design: Passwords and private keys are encrypted on your device before being sent to our servers. We cannot read your credentials.

Transfers

Uploads and downloads go into a queue. GlideFile runs 3 transfers at a time by default; choose from 1 to 10 in Settings → Transfers.

If the connection drops, GlideFile retries on its own and resumes the file where it stopped instead of starting over. You can turn automatic retries off in the same settings.

On Android, a notification keeps your transfers running while the app is in the background.

Keyboard Shortcuts

These shortcuts work in the file browser on macOS, Windows and Linux.

Action macOS Windows/Linux
Search in the folder ⌘F Ctrl+F
Refresh ⌘R Ctrl+R
New file ⌘N Ctrl+N
File properties ⌘I Ctrl+I
Preview the selected file Space Space
Open a folder or download a file Enter Enter
Delete Delete or ⌫ Delete or Backspace
Close search or clear the selection Esc Esc
Elsewhere in the app
Image preview: zoom in, zoom out, reset + − 0 + − 0
Image preview: close Esc Esc
SSH console: previous or next command ↑ ↓ ↑ ↓

Connection Issues

Connection Timeout

If you're experiencing timeouts:

  • Verify the server address and port
  • Check your firewall settings
  • GlideFile uses passive mode for FTP: make sure your server accepts passive connections and that its passive port range is open

Authentication Failed

If authentication fails:

  • Double-check your username and password
  • For SSH keys, ensure the key is added to the server's authorized_keys
  • Verify the key passphrase is correct

FAQ

Is my data secure?

Yes. All credentials are encrypted end-to-end using AES-256. We cannot read your passwords or private keys.

Can I use GlideFile offline?

Yes, for everything that lives on your device: your servers are stored locally and do not depend on our cloud. You need internet to reach your servers, and sync catches up as soon as you are back online.

How do I transfer my license to a new computer?

Simply sign in with your GlideFile account on the new computer. Your license is tied to your account, not your device.