HFS – HTTP File Server is a free, open-source file server for Windows, Linux and macOS that makes selected files on a computer accessible through a web browser. Files are transferred directly from the host’s disk, so sharing does not require uploading a separate copy to cloud storage. HFS provides a browser-based administration panel for deciding what to share and who can use it.
The HFS virtual file system
HFS separates the layout visitors browse from the arrangement of files on disk. Its virtual file system can expose a single file, a whole disk folder or a tree of virtual folders containing selected resources. A displayed name can differ from the original filename without renaming the source.
This lets the server owner organize a public directory around its contents while leaving local folders in place. A folder can show the contents of a disk location directly, or appear as a named entry beneath another folder. Visitors browse that shared tree, search for files and sort listings by attributes such as name, size or modification time.
Folder permissions
Access rules apply to individual entries and folders. HFS can allow anonymous visitors, require a login or restrict an operation to named accounts. Accounts can inherit permissions through groups, allowing a shared rule to cover several people.
Downloading a file, seeing its name in a listing and listing a folder’s contents are separate permissions. An entry can therefore be omitted from directory listings while remaining accessible through its link. Uploading, deleting and including files in ZIP downloads have their own rules. Permissions normally pass down the folder tree, with more specific rules able to override them.
File transfers
Visitors can download individual files or retrieve folders as ZIP archives. HFS streams archive downloads without waiting for the complete archive to be assembled first. It also supports resumable downloads and uploads, allowing interrupted transfers to continue.
Receiving files requires an upload destination linked to a real folder on the server’s disk. Users granted upload permission see an Upload button there. HFS includes controls for handling existing filenames, refusing uploads when free disk space falls below a selected threshold and removing unfinished uploads after a chosen interval. Its file operations also include moving, renaming and deleting entries.
The browser interface includes an integrated media player, so shared media can be played through the file server. The interface adapts to phones and supports additional languages.
Traffic limits, logs and HTTPS
The administration panel shows active connections in real time. Output speed limits can apply to the whole server or to individual IP addresses, while concurrent download limits can apply server-wide, per address or per logged-in account.
HFS also records access and errors in logs, with rotation available for keeping log files manageable. HTTPS uses a certificate and private key to encrypt browser connections. Network blocking rules and country-based allow or block lists provide additional controls over incoming connections.
Hosting websites and extending HFS
A shared folder can serve a selected default file instead of a directory listing, allowing HFS to host a simple website. Different hostnames can point to different roots within the shared file tree.
Plugins extend the server with functions such as thumbnails, LDAP integration and themes. Custom HTML, CSS and JavaScript can change the browser interface, while server-side JavaScript can alter backend behavior.
