FlashFXP is a file transfer client for Windows that connects to servers over FTP, FTPS and SFTP. It publishes and maintains websites, moves and backs up files between a computer and remote servers, and copies files directly from one server to another. FlashFXP is commercial shareware from OpenSight Software, with a fully functional 30-day trial and both an installed and a portable edition.
Two panels and folder comparison
FlashFXP uses a Windows Explorer-style layout with two file panels side by side. Each panel shows a local folder or a connected server, and files move between them by drag and drop. Synchronized browsing keeps both panels in step when moving through matching folder trees.
The Compare Folders command checks the current folder against the opposite panel. Matching can include file size and date, ignore extensions or letter case, and treat spaces, dots and underscores as equivalent. The result is either a selection of the differing items or a view with every match hidden, leaving only the files that still need attention.
Saved sites and secure connections
The Site Manager stores connection profiles in a tree of groups. A profile holds the connection type, server address, port and login, or an anonymous login for public servers. Per-site settings override the defaults where a server needs different values. FlashFXP can import site lists from other FTP clients.
Encrypted sessions use FTPS (SSL/TLS) or SFTP, with a Key Manager for X.509 certificates and RSA and DSA keys. A master password encrypts the stored site data; if it is lost, the saved sites cannot be recovered. FlashFXP works in active and passive modes and through HTTP, FTP and SOCKS 4/5 proxies.
FXP transfers between servers
FXP, the method behind the FlashFXP name, copies files directly from one remote server to another. With a server open in each panel, files travel between the two servers without passing through the local computer. These site-to-site transfers can also run over SSL.
How the transfer queue works
Transfers in FlashFXP pass through a queue that can also hold deletions, renames and custom server commands. You can reorder entries and reset failed items for another attempt. You can also save a queue to a file for later use or set it to start at a specific time.
Each transfer item has a synchronization setting. The default copies one way; “one way with delete” also removes files on the target that no longer exist on the source, turning a folder transfer into a mirror.
Interrupted transfers resume automatically, with a rollback step that prevents corrupted files. ASCII or binary mode is chosen per file, and an anti-idle function keeps quiet connections open. MODE Z compression, speed limits and cached remote folder listings handle performance.
Skip lists and transfer rules
A skip list keeps unwanted items out of transfers. Each entry is a pattern using the * and ? wildcards, checked against a file name, folder name, file path or folder path. Zero-byte files and empty folders can be skipped as well. The rules can apply to files queued by hand, to items found inside a queued folder, or to both.
Selective transfer adds named rule sets. Each set has a file list and a folder list, and every mask is marked Transfer or Skip. One set might send only *.php files; another everything except .svn folders. FlashFXP applies the active set as items enter the queue. You can choose a set for the session, a scheduled task or a single queue item.
Editing files on the server
Opening a remote file for editing creates a local temporary copy in the internal editor or the application associated with that file type. FlashFXP can then upload the file each time the copy is saved, ask before uploading, or leave the upload to the Active Edits window.
Other server tools include recursive permission changes, a server search by name, date and size, a calculation of the space a folder tree uses, and custom SITE commands.
Scheduling and the command line
The Task Scheduler runs saved queues at set times through the Windows scheduling service. Each task can send an email notification. The FlashFXP command line serves scripts: it connects to one or two servers by URL or site name, runs queue files, and queues uploads, downloads, FXP transfers and server commands. Switches set whether existing files are overwritten, skipped or resumed, and whether the program quits or shuts down the computer afterwards.
Licenses and the portable edition
A Personal license covers non-commercial use on up to four personal computers. Corporate, government and other commercial use requires a Business license. Licenses are lifetime and include later updates. The portable edition of FlashFXP runs from a USB drive, needs no administrator rights, leaves the registry untouched and accepts the same license key. The interface is available in more than 20 languages.
