When you want to transfer files to or from an FTP server you can choose between several options. One of the most tempting is FileZilla, a completely free FTP client. Read this guide to find out how to use FileZilla to connect to an FTP server.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Install FileZilla
Step 1. Download the installation files
You can do it simply by connecting directly to the official website. Download a copy of the program only and exclusively from official sources. Using other sites, or other tools, could make you download viruses or malicious software. Also make sure you download the appropriate version for your operating system.
Step 2. Run the program installation
In the case of Windows, you will have to go through a few selections before the installation procedure begins. You will need to accept the terms of licensed use, manage user access, select the components to install, and decide where to install them on your computer. For most cases the default settings will do just fine.
In the case of Mac OS X, download the relevant installation file. Many Macs are based on an Intel architecture, so if you're not sure what type of hardware you're using, try this option first. The files will be extracted automatically if downloaded with the Safari browser, so you can run FileZilla simply by selecting its icon with a double click of the mouse
Step 3. Launch FileZilla
After installing, you will be able to find the link to FileZilla directly under 'Programs' in the 'Start' menu of your computer. The program will open showing you a small welcome window where you can find out the version of the program in use. When you close this window you will be able to observe the FileZilla user interface.
- The panel at the top of the window is the terminal panel, where you can read all the messages related to the connection.
- The left panel shows the contents of your computer, which you can use as if it were the Windows 'Explorer' window. The right panel instead represents the structure of files and folders on the server to which you are connected. When you access the program, in this panel you will simply find the words 'No server connected'.
- The panel at the bottom of the window shows file transfers that are active or waiting to be performed.
Method 2 of 3: Connect to an FTP Server
Step 1. Enter the information in the quick connect bar
You can find it at the top of the window, below the menu bar. It is made up of the 'Host', 'Username', 'Password' and 'Port' fields. You will need to have all this information in order to connect to a server.
The 'Port' field can be left blank, unless the server you want to connect to uses a non-standard port number for FTP connections. Otherwise, FileZilla will manage the connection port automatically
Step 2. Press the 'Quick Connect' button
After filling in the connection fields with the correct information, press the 'Quick Connect' button. You will see a series of messages about FileZilla attempts to connect to the server appear in the top panel.
When the connection is successfully established, you will see the file system of the server appear in the right pane
Step 3. Add the server to your 'Site Management' panel
The data entered in the bar for quick connection will be lost every time the program is restarted. To access regular FTP servers quickly and easily, you will need to save the connection information in the 'Site Manager'. While connected, open the 'File' menu and select the 'Copy current connection to site manager…' item. In this way the 'Site Manager' panel will appear with all the fields pre-filled with the appropriate information. Enter the connection name and close the 'Site Manager' window.
Method 3 of 3: File Transfer
Step 1. Find the file you want to transfer to the server
In the left panel, browse your computer folders for the file to send to the server.
Step 2. Browse the target file system
In the right panel, select the destination folder for your file. Based on your access permissions, you will be able to create a new folder on the target server.
- Select the folder named '..' to go up the file system one level.
- Folders that have not yet been explored will appear with a question mark. This happens because FileZilla does not know if there are subfolders inside the directory. After accessing the folder, the question mark will disappear.
Step 3. Copy the files
To start the data transfer, simply drag your file icon from the left panel to the destination folder in the right panel. You will see the file transfer appear in the bottom panel, where all queued transfers are shown. Once the file has been copied, you will be able to terminate the connection.
Step 4. Download the files from the server
Downloading data from an FTP server works the same way as the upload process explained in the previous step, but in reverse. First you will need to identify the file to download from the server in the right panel. After that you will have to drag it from the right panel to the left one. The data transfer will appear in the lower pane of the window, waiting to be performed.
Advice
- FileZilla is a program distributed under the GNU terms, therefore it is a product that can be downloaded and used for free.
- Make sure you check on the appropriate panels that the transfer was successful. FTP servers are known to generate timeout errors, especially in the case of large files.
