A reliable tool for those who need to transfer small or large numbers of files from one place to another using a file transfer protocol.
- SmartFTP
- License :Trial
- OS :Windows All
- Publisher :SmartFTP
SmartFTP is a premium FTP client for Windows used to securely transfer files between your computer and remote servers. It supports FTP, FTPS, SFTP, WebDAV, Amazon S3, Google Drive, OneDrive, and more.
It’s often used by web developers, system admins, and IT professionals for tasks like website deployment, file backups, and server management.
🚀 Key Features of SmartFTP
- Supports FTP, FTPS (SSL), SFTP (SSH)
- Works with cloud storage (Amazon S3, Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox)
- Secure transfers with SSL/TLS and SSH
- Tabbed interface for managing multiple connections
- Transfer queue and resume support
- Directory sync and compare
- Built-in text editor for live file editing
- Scheduled transfers and scripting
✅ How to Use SmartFTP (Basic Setup)
1. Download & Install
- Official site: https://www.smartftp.com
- Free 30-day trial available
- Paid license required after the trial
2. Connect to a Server
Step-by-step:
- Click “New Connection” or
File > New Remote Browser - Choose Protocol:
FTP(basic, insecure)FTPS (Explicit/Implicit)(secure)SFTP (via SSH)(secure)
- Enter:
- Host (e.g.,
example.com) - Port (
21for FTP,22for SFTP) - Username and Password
- Host (e.g.,
- Click Connect
🔐 For SSH key-based SFTP, go to
Tools > Settings > SSHto add your private key.
3. Use the Interface
SmartFTP uses a dual-pane layout:
| Left pane | Right pane |
|---|---|
| Local computer | Remote server/cloud |
- Drag and drop files between panes
- Right-click to rename, delete, or change file permissions
- Tabs let you open multiple sessions simultaneously
4. Upload and Download Files
- Upload: Drag files from left (local) to right (server)
- Download: Drag files from right to left
- Use toolbar icons for Refresh, New Folder, etc.
5. Edit Remote Files Directly
- Right-click on a file > Edit
- File opens in SmartFTP’s built-in editor or your preferred editor
- On save, the file is re-uploaded automatically
6. Compare & Synchronize Folders
- Right-click a folder >
Compare - Shows differences in file size/date
- Use
Tools > Synchronizeto sync folders:- Choose direction (Local → Remote, or vice versa)
- Optionally delete unmatched files
7. Automate with Scheduled Transfers
- Go to
Tools > Scheduler - Set up:
- Time and frequency
- Source and destination paths
- Recurring sync or transfer jobs
Perfect for backups, log uploads, or web deployment.
8. Queue Transfers
- All actions go into the Transfer Queue at the bottom
- You can pause/resume/cancel files
- SmartFTP will retry failed transfers automatically
🔧 Advanced Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Bookmarks | Save frequently used folders |
| Custom file filters | Transfer specific file types only |
| Bandwidth limits | Throttle upload/download speeds |
| FXP support | Server-to-server transfer (if allowed) |
| Encrypted password store | Optional encryption for credentials |
| Scripting | Automate tasks with SmartFTP command-line tools |
🆚 SmartFTP vs Other Clients
| Feature | SmartFTP | WinSCP | FileZilla |
|---|---|---|---|
| FTPS/SFTP support | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Cloud storage integration | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
| Folder sync/compare | ✅ Advanced | ✅ Manual | 🔘 Limited |
| Built-in file editor | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ❌ External |
| Scheduling & automation | ✅ Built-in | ✅ via script | ❌ No |
| Licensing | 🔒 Paid | ✅ Free | ✅ Free |
💡 Pro Tips
- Press F7 to open the Transfer Queue
- Use
Ctrl + Tto open a new tab (multiple sessions) - Enable dark mode under:
Tools > Settings > Interface - Use Quick Connect for ad-hoc sessions: toolbar > dropdown