File Transfer from FTP Server to AWS S3 Bucket

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Updated on: March 11, 2025
Time to read: 5 minutes
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If you need to transfer files from an FTP server to an S3 bucket, this article provides simple and secure solutions. One of the easiest methods is using CloudMounter, a cloud storage manager that makes file transfers between platforms quick and easy. Keep reading to learn two straightforward ways to move files between FTP and Amazon S3.

Table of Contents

Move FTP files to Amazon S3

The standard method for transferring data from an FTP server to an S3 bucket typically involves manually downloading the files to your computer and then uploading them to the AWS S3 bucket. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Connect to the FTP server via your file manager:

  • File Explorer: This PC > Add a network location, type the FTP address, and log in.
  • Finder: Go > Connect to Server (or “Command+K”), then enter the server address and your credentials.


2. Download the desired files from FTP to your computer.

3. Open the Amazon S3 site and sign in to your account.

4. Click “Upload”, then select the files or folder you want to move to your S3 bucket.

Upload objects from AWS S3 bucket
Note: Ensure your hard disk has enough space to store the downloaded FTP files.

This method can be tedious, as it takes time and requires frequent switching between tabs and apps.

Transfer data from AWS S3 to FTP on Windows

This way works only for Windows users. To transfer files from S3 to the FTP server, follow the steps below.

  1. Open the AWS S3 website and log in with your account.
  2. Choose the files you want to transfer, click “Download”, and select a location on your computer.
  3. Connect to FTP via File Explorer: navigate to “This PC” > “Add a network location”, enter the FTP address, and log in.
  4. Upload the downloaded files from S3 to your FTP server.
Note: Finder’s FTP feature provides read-only access and lets users download files from the server but not upload them. Mac users need an FTP client to upload and manage files.

The easiest way to manage files between FTP and S3

CloudMounter is a cloud storage manager that lets you mount AWS S3 and FTP as local drives, making it easy to manage and access your files just like any other data on your computer. You can seamlessly transfer data between clouds and web services by simply dragging and dropping, without the need to download and re-upload.

How to transfer from FTP to S3 bucket with CloudMounter

Here is how to move files from FTP to S3 bucket in a few simple steps:

1. To get started, download the desktop app for macOS or Windows and install it on your device.

2. Run the application and select FTP and Amazon S3 one by one from the Connections window.

Selection FTP or AWS S3 in CloudMounter on Mac
Pick FTP or S3 in CloudMounter on Windows PC

3. Insert the required data for each connection into the corresponding fields. Amazon S3 uses access and secret keys for identification, which you can obtain from the Amazon services admin panel.

4. Press “Mount,” and the application will map your storage as drives, which will appear in your file manager.

FTP and AWS S3 in macOS Finder
FTP and AWS S3 in File Explorer

You can make any mounted Amazon S3 bucket and its contents private or public using the context menu. You can also easily share a file by copying the HTTP link.

Additional CloudMounter features

CloudMounter simplifies the management of multiple accounts from different storage providers and remote servers by consolidating them in one location. Some of its benefits include:

  • Ability to connect to your entire Amazon storage or select specific S3 buckets
  • Supports all AWS regions
  • Works with Amazon S3-compatible storage
  • Manage all your cloud files in one place
  • Add as many accounts as needed
  • Encryption for extra security of your files
  • Available on both macOS and Windows
  • Working offline with files on macOS


The app has a range of useful features, such as

  • offers a variety of cloud storage and web services,
  • allows file management on remote servers such as FTP and SFTP.

Conclusion

There are various ways to transfer files between FTP and Amazon S3, each with pros and cons. While the manual method can be slow and cumbersome, using apps like CloudMounter provides a faster and more efficient solution. These apps consolidate all your cloud storage and web services in one place and offer additional features that streamline the transfer process, making it more convenient.