FileZilla: the right download and a first connection that works
FileZilla is the classic way to get files onto a server. The window is split in two: your computer on the left, the server on the right. You drag files from one side to the other and FileZilla queues and transfers them. Web hosting, a NAS at home and a client's FTP drop folder all work the same way.
Which FileZilla download?
Use the "Show additional download options" link on the FileZilla download page. It lists the plain files for every platform:
- Windows 64-bit: a setup file, marked as recommended, and a zip version that needs no installation.
- Windows 32-bit: the same pair, for 32-bit Windows.
- macOS: separate downloads for Intel and Apple Silicon Macs, for macOS 10.13.2 or newer.
- Linux: tarballs built for Debian. The project itself recommends installing FileZilla from your distribution's package manager instead.
A SHA-512 checksum file is published with every release if you want to check what you downloaded.
Two names on the site cause most of the confusion. FileZilla Server is software for running your own FTP server; to connect to someone else's server you want the Client. FileZilla Pro is a paid edition that adds cloud storage services. Plain FTP and SFTP work in the free client.
Connecting: Quickconnect or Site Manager
Your host gives you four things: a server address, a user name, a password and a port. Ask them which protocol to use if they have not said.
Quickconnect is the bar across the top. Fill in the fields and press Quickconnect. It is fine for a one-off visit. To be sure you get SFTP, type sftp:// before the address; port 22 is usual for SFTP and 21 for FTP.
Site Manager (File, Site Manager, or Ctrl+S) is better for anything you visit twice. Create an entry, choose the protocol, and for plain FTP set the encryption to require explicit FTP over TLS where your host supports it. Set the logon type to "Ask for password" if you would rather FileZilla did not keep the password at all.
Your first transfer
Browse to the folder you want on the left and to the destination on the right, then drag files across. The queue at the bottom shows progress. If a file already exists, FileZilla asks what to do, so read that dialog instead of clicking through it; "Overwrite" really does replace the file on the server.
Anything that fails ends up in the Failed transfers tab. Right-click there to try again.
Passwords and protocols
Plain FTP sends your password and files unencrypted. Use SFTP or FTP over TLS whenever the server offers them.
If you let FileZilla remember passwords, protect them with a master password. The option is in Edit, Settings, under Interface, Passwords.
Questions & answers
Is FileZilla free?
The client is free and open source under the GNU GPL. Only FileZilla Pro, with its cloud storage protocols, is paid.
SFTP or FTP: which should I choose?
Whichever your host supports, with a strong preference for SFTP. Despite the similar names, SFTP runs over SSH and is a different protocol from FTP over TLS.
Why does the connection time out?
Usually the protocol or port does not match what the server expects, or a firewall is blocking it. Check both against your host's instructions before changing anything else.
Do I need FileZilla Server?
Only if you want to host files yourself. To upload to a website or log in to a NAS, the Client is all you need.
- Best for
- Uploading website files to hosting, or moving files to and from a server you have an account on.
- Good to know
- FileZilla Server is a different program, and FileZilla Pro is the paid edition with cloud storage support.
Other file tools
Prefer a Windows-only client that leans on SFTP and SCP? Have a look at WinSCP. The rest of our transfer, search and network tools are in the files and network category.
