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Olga Weis
Sep 4, 2023
FTP (stands for File Transfer Protocol) is a standard network protocol used to transfer files between a client and a server over a network. It is an efficient way to upload files to web servers, share files with other users, and manage websites. Using FTP on Mac is easier than you think, and in this article, you'll learn everything you need to know about this file transfer protocol. We will also provide you with the best FTP client for Mac.
Commander One is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to connect to FTP on Mac. It is an ideal file transfer protocol for Mac manager that offers a host of different features to manage files and folders, and move data where it needs to go. Plus, it offers cloud computing management as well as a Mac terminal emulator that lets you to fine-tune system processes.
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a crucial file transfer method as it’s been around for a long time, is very versatile, and has been factored into the design of all operating systems and internet browsers. It provides a simple yet effective way to send and receive files to/from a server. FTP can also be used to create web pages by uploading data to your internet service provider’s servers. Besides, FTP is really useful when it comes to transferring large files.
One of the most straightforward ways to access FTP on Mac is by using Finder. Here’s what you have to do:
Go to “System Preferences” on your Mac.
Navigate “General” and select “Sharing”.
Check the “File Sharing” box and click “Options”.
Once done, other users will be able to access shared files and folders on your computer. To access another person’s files through an FTP server, follow these simple steps:
Go to Finder menu and click “Go”.
Choose the “Connect to Server” option from the dropdown menu.
Enter the server address, including ftp://
Although the Mac FTP client built into your computer is easy to use, it is read-only. To upload, edit and manage files on the server, consider using third-party FTP clients.
Terminal is a powerful tool that gives you direct access to your computer’s command line interface. And you can use it to enable FTP on Mac. However, use it carefully, especially if you are not familiar with command-line operations.
So, here’s how to access FTP using Terminal:
Open Terminal on your Mac. You can do this in several ways: by using Launchpad, Spotlight search, or from Applications folder in Finder.
In the Terminal window, type in FTP IP Address (where IP Address is the address of the FTP you want to connect to). For example: ftp ftp.example.com. Press Enter.
Then input your username and password.
Once connected, you can navigate and work with the server’s files using standard commands:
ls: List files and folders.
cd: Change directories.
get: Download a file from the server to your Mac.
put: Upload a file from your Mac to the server.
pwd: Print the current directory.
quit: Exit the FTP session.
Commander One FTP transfer Mac tool uses encryption to ensure that all data packets are only accessible to those with the encryption keys. It’s a reliable tool that is designed to facilitate a range of different tasks, covering FTP and other major transfer protocols.
It’s got great usability thanks to a double panel design that makes it really easy to organise your transfers. It’s also compatible with a range of different devices. We highly recommend Commander One for anyone looking for a solid FTP for Mac tool.
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Access the connection manager within Commander One using any of the following ways:
Select the “FTP & SFTP” icon.
Enter the connection details: connection name, server’s address and port, your username and password. Also, specify the remote path.
Click Connect.
Many people want to know about security functions on FTP. You may be aware of SFTP, a more recent transfer protocol that was developed with increased security in mind. This is because macOS FTP is not the most secure transfer protocol around. It does provide a level of security by requiring you to use a username and password. However, these are easily hacked. On top of that, FTP does not make use of any kind of encryption or tunnelling.
The key difference between FTP vs SFTP is the level of security. Unlike FTP, SFTP provides enhanced security features and uses a secure SSH chanel to transfer data and files.
To increase the level of protection, you have to:
The Mac FTP client built into your computer has limited functionality and provides read-only access to servers. Luckily, there are third party clients that open up more options like editing, file management, etc. Here are some alternatives for your consideration:
If you want to know more about these FTP solutions for Mac, we recommend reading the article "7 Best FTP Clients for Mac in 2023". Here you will find detailed reviews of each macOS FTP client from the list, and a comparison table. You will also learn the differences between SFTP, FTP, FTPS and FTPES.
Accessing an FTP server is easy and there are quite a few ways to do it. You can use Finder or connect to FTP via Terminal. Or you can choose third-party utilities to transfer and manage files on the server more efficiently.
