Choosing A Web Host

Choosing the Right FTP Client to Transfer Web Files

What you should know about transferring web files

An FTP client comes in handy when you need to transfer your web files from or to your web host/server. While most people will go for a free FTP client, which are most common, some designers and developers choose to transfer files using safer alternatives such as SFTP and FTPS.

When looking for a reliable FTP client, there are a few things to consider. First, you need to find out if the FTP client is secure. The data you are transferring from or to your web host/server needs to be encrypted and this cannot be done by a plain FTP. Hackers can access your data on its way to its destination and get a hold of your username and password during the transfer process. The best way to avoid this is by using an FTP client that supports secure file transfer protocols. Secondly, you need an FTP that has an easy to use interface. Some FTPs have a command-line interface which can be extremely difficult for someone who is non-techie.

We’ll take a look at 5 FTP clients below that you can use.

Classic FTP

If you’re looking for a free FTP client that you can use commercially, this is it. This one has a very simple user interface and comes with exciting features for managing your files. It is only available on Windows and Mac OS.

FireFTP

This is possibly one of the easiest FTP clients to install if you use Mozilla browser. It’s an add-on that allows you to transfer web files right within your browser. FireFTP is available on any platform that can run on Firefox. Therefore, you can use this on Windows, MAC OS, and Linux.

FileZilla

FileZilla is the FTP client that your website design company Toronto may highly recommend. It’s not just easy to use but it’s also very flexible and secure. Using FileZilla, you can transfer files simultaneously. It also supports SFTP and FTPS. This FTP client can be run on different operating systems. This means that you can use it on your MAC and Windows and still fulfill your file transfer needs.

Cyberduck

Perhaps the most outstanding feature of this FTP client is the minimalistic UI. The simple user interface makes Cyberduck really easy to use. It also supports SFTP so it’s quite safe. This FTP client can be used on Windows, Mac and Linux operating systems.

Win SCP

This is one of the most powerful FTP clients for Windows. It has really cool features such as a built-in text editor that allows you to easily edit code. It is only available on Windows.

There are other FTP clients out there that you can use to fulfill your file transferring needs. It all depends on what’s most important to us: ease of use, complimentary features, and security among other factors. Two things to always consider when choosing an FTP client is ease of use and user-friendliness. If you’ve got cash to spare, consider getting a paid FTP client like Transmit that offers very innovative features.

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