Transfer files with SFTP in easySSH

The easySSH file browser uses the sftp client included with macOS. It applies the same host alias, key, known_hosts, jump host and SSH-agent settings as a normal OpenSSH connection. Files travel directly between your Mac and the server you selected.

Before you transfer files

You need a saved easySSH host that accepts SSH connections. For a new server, use Connect once and verify its host-key fingerprint before opening the file browser. This records the confirmed server in known_hosts.

If the host is not configured yet, follow Add your first host.

Connect the file browser

1. Open the easySSH manager.
2. Select the Files section.
3. Choose a saved alias from the server menu.
4. Select Connect.
5. Wait until the status changes to Connected.

The default compact view shows the remote server. Use the path bar and folder list to move through remote directories. Choose the parent-folder control to move up one level.

Upload from Finder

1. Navigate to the destination folder in the easySSH remote view.
2. In Finder, select the local file or folder you want to upload.
3. Drag the selection into the easySSH file list.
4. Wait for the transfer to finish before moving or deleting the source.
5. Reload the remote folder if the new item is not immediately visible.

Folders are transferred with their contents. Confirm that you are in the intended remote directory before dropping the item.

Download to Finder

1. Find the remote file or folder in easySSH.
2. Drag it to the intended Finder folder.
3. Release it at the destination.
4. Wait for the download to finish.
5. Open the local item only after the transfer completes.

easySSH starts the download when you release the item in Finder. A remote folder is downloaded recursively.

Use the two-pane view

Switch from the compact view to Two panes when you want the local and remote directories visible together. The local side represents this Mac. The other side represents the selected server. Navigate each side to the correct folder, select the item and use upload, download or drag and drop.

The compact and two-pane views use the same SFTP connection. Switching the layout does not copy or move files by itself.

Rename, create and delete

The remote browser can create folders and rename entries. Remote deletion is permanent and does not use the Mac Trash. Deleting a remote folder also deletes its contents. Read the confirmation carefully and check the current server, path and selected names.

In the local pane, supported deletions move items to the Mac Trash. Keep the distinction between local and remote sides clear before acting.

Change permissions

Select a remote item and open Permissions. Permissions can be set with the owner, group and other checkboxes or as an octal value. Advanced controls include set-user-ID, set-group-ID and the sticky bit.

For a folder, easySSH can apply a permission change recursively. This affects existing contents below that folder. A wrong recursive value can stop a website or service from working. Use it only when you know the required permissions and have a recovery path.

If it does not work

The SFTP connection fails: Check whether Connect works for the same alias. Confirm the network, hostname, port, key and jump-host settings.

The server refuses an operation: The remote account may not have permission to write, rename, delete or change modes in that directory. Ask the server administrator which path and permissions are intended.

A transfer stops or times out: Keep the source and partial destination unchanged until you know what completed. Reconnect and inspect both sides before retrying.

For support, describe whether the item was local or remote and whether you were uploading or downloading. Replace hostnames, usernames, addresses and private paths with neutral examples. Never send a private key or passphrase.