The Files.com Command Line Interface (CLI) App transfers files between a local machine and Files.com and manages your site from the command line. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and performs fast, concurrent transfers.

The CLI App works from a shell without requiring code against an SDK. Administrators can inspect and configure a site directly, repeat management work from scripts, or have an AI agent perform it using the same commands. It also supports scripted and automated file transfers.

If you already work in a language that Files.com offers an SDK for, our SDK will integrate more deeply with your application.

Beyond file operations like list, upload, download, move, and delete, the CLI App manages site resources such as users, groups, permissions, and Remote Servers. Commands use the permissions of the authenticated account or API key.

The CLI App communicates with Files.com over HTTPS on port 443. Networks that restrict outbound traffic must allow these connections.

For Remote Server types that support it, the CLI App sends file data straight to the storage instead of routing it through Files.com's network, reducing the distance the data travels. Supported cloud storage providers use Direct Routing, and an On-Premise Agent acts similarly when its Direct Transfers feature is enabled. The CLI App uses the direct connection automatically and falls back to the standard connection when the direct connection cannot be established.

Direct transfers with an Agent use additional ports on networks that restrict outbound traffic. Allow outbound TCP and UDP connections from the CLI App to the Agent's direct transfer ports, which default to 4001 through 4010. When that traffic stays blocked, transfers simply continue over the standard connection route.

Installation

Install the package for your operating system from CLI App Releases, or use a supported package manager. The CLI installation reference provides the Windows installer, portable archives, Homebrew, and Linux package instructions. Open a new terminal after installation so it picks up changes to your system's command path.

Updates

Files.com strongly recommends using the latest CLI release. Update through the package manager used for installation, or install the current package from CLI App Releases when you manage the executable directly.

Files.com does not issue separate, real-time security-update announcements for the CLI. Review normal releases and keep your installation current rather than waiting for an individual security advisory.

Help for CLI Commands

Every command supports the --help option, which lists the available subcommands, options, and usage. Start with the available resources, then request help for a resource or a specific action. The CLI reference provides the full command documentation.

files-cli --help
files-cli folders --help
files-cli folders list-for --help

Site Administration

Use the CLI when configuring several related resources or applying the same administrative change repeatedly. Site Administration shows how to inspect existing records, apply a change, and verify its result, including when an AI agent runs the commands.