Client Apps

Client apps are client applications that run on devices you control and connect directly to your Files.com site. The Web Interface serves as the primary control plane for administration, configuration, and everyday file management, while client apps support workflows that require higher transfer performance, operating system level file access, mobility, or automation from local systems.

A client app establishes a secure connection between Files.com and an endpoint you manage. That endpoint can be a user workstation, a mobile device, or a server running automated jobs. Files.com provides multiple native client apps to support different workflows and environments, and also supports connections from third party clients using standard protocols including FTP, SFTP, and WebDAV.

What We Offer

Files.com provides a set of native client applications built for speed, reliability, security, and high performance file transfers across a range of workflows and environments.

Web Interface (Web UI)

The Web Interface (Web UI) is the default way to browse and manage content. Use it for day-to-day file management, sharing, and administration.

The Web Interface supports fast HTTPS uploads and downloads in all modern browsers.

When to Use the Web Interface

Use the Web Interface (Web UI) as the primary control plane for your Files.com site.

Use it for administration, configuration, and auditing.

Use it when you need any of the following:

• Quick access from any device with a browser.
• No local install, no device management, no updates to deploy.
• Creating and managing users, groups, and roles.
• Reviewing and changing permissions and folder settings.
• Configuring Automations, Integrations, and Folder Settings.
• Reviewing logs, history, and usage reporting.
• Creating share links, inboxes, and other collaboration features.
• Managing site-wide security and authentication settings.
• Browsing and managing files when performance is not the constraint.

Choosing a Client App Instead of the Web Interface

Use a client app when you need any of the following:

• Work from your OS file browser, not a web page.
• Access files from a phone or tablet.
• Run scripted or scheduled file operations from a shell.
• Use an existing toolchain that already speaks SFTP, FTP, or WebDAV.

Desktop App

The Desktop App is the best option for high-speed, large-scale transfers from Windows or macOS. It also supports a mounted drive experience for working in Explorer or Finder.

Mobile App

The Mobile App is built for browsing and managing files on iOS and Android. Use it for quick access, reviews, approvals, and on-the-go uploads.

Command Line Interface (CLI) App

The Command Line Interface (CLI) App is built for scripted and automated workflows across multiple platforms. The CLI is the go-to client for transferring files with Files.com on Linux systems.

Use it for repeatable transfers, scheduled jobs, and administrative automation such as managing users, groups, permissions, and settings from scripts.

For admin-focused usage, see Using the CLI to Perform Administrator Actions.

Other Client Apps

Other Client Apps covers supported third-party tools like rclone, rsync, backup utilities, and protocol clients (FTP/SFTP/WebDAV). Use these when a specific toolchain is already part of your workflow or when native apps are not an option.

Common Use Cases

High-Speed Uploads and Downloads

Pick the Desktop App when performance is the primary requirement. This is common for media, engineering, and large data sets.

“Mapped Drive” Style Access

Pick the Desktop App when users want Finder/Explorer access. This is common for Office documents and day-to-day collaboration.

Automation and Batch Jobs

Pick the Command Line Interface (CLI) App when a local system needs repeatable actions. Examples include nightly uploads, scheduled exports, and scripted folder operations.

Mobile Access

Pick the Mobile App when users work away from a desktop. This is common for field teams and executives.

Using Existing Third-Party Tools

Pick Other Client Apps when you need compatibility with existing tooling. This often means connecting over Protocol-based File Transfer.

Choosing the Right Client App

Start with our Preferred Apps for File Transfer when transfer speed and reliability matter.

If transfer speed is the primary constraint, also see File Transfer Speed.

If you are deciding between running something on a device vs running it in Files.com, use Client Apps vs. Server-Side Integration Tools.

If you need to connect on-prem file systems to Files.com, use the On-Premise Agent.

If you want to manage site configuration at scale, use the CLI for automation and the Web Interface for interactive review.