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What Is FileZilla? A Guide to the Client, Server, and Transfer Protocols

FileZilla Client connects to remote servers to transfer files, while FileZilla Server is a separate server-side program. The Client supports FTP, FTPS, and SFTP—distinct protocols with different connection behavior.
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FileZilla is a file-transfer software project. Its FileZilla Client is desktop software that connects to remote servers and transfers files; FileZilla Server is a separate server-side program. The Client supports FTP, FTPS, and SFTP, which are different protocols—not interchangeable names for the same thing.

What FileZilla does—and what it does not do

FileZilla Client lets you initiate a connection from your computer to a remote service and transfer files. It is a tool for accessing a server, not the server itself, a web-hosting plan, or a place where your files are stored. To connect, you need a compatible service at the other end and the connection details and access credentials provided by its administrator or hosting provider.

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The project offers Client and Server as separate programs. The Client is used by the computer making the connection; FileZilla Server is a separate server-side offering. The official FileZilla Project website lists them separately.

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FileZilla Client and Server: the difference

Program Role Typical use
FileZilla Client Client software that initiates a connection Connect to a remote server to transfer files
FileZilla Server Separate server-side software Provide a server endpoint for file transfers

They have distinct documentation and setup requirements. Installing the Client does not create a remote server or provide hosting.

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FTP, FTPS, and SFTP are different protocols

FileZilla Client supports FTP, FTPS, and SFTP. The names can look similar, but the protocols work differently. FTPS is FTP secured with TLS; SFTP is a separate file-transfer protocol associated with SSH, not simply “FTP with encryption.” Which one you can use depends on what the remote server supports and how it is configured.

Protocol How to think about it What determines whether you can use it
FTP The original File Transfer Protocol; it does not itself provide encryption The server must offer FTP, and the connection must be permitted by network and server settings
FTPS FTP secured using TLS The server must be configured for the relevant FTPS mode; connection and firewall behavior differ from other protocols
SFTP A distinct protocol, commonly used over SSH The server must offer SFTP; authentication may use a password or an SSH key, depending on configuration

Protocol mechanics affect connection setup and firewall behavior, so a protocol that works in one environment may not work in another. Ask the server administrator or hosting provider which protocol and authentication method to use. Do not assume that a port, encryption method, or universal “best” option applies to every server.

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Where to get help and documentation

Start at the official FileZilla Project website for the project’s Client and Server sections, downloads, documentation, version history, and source code. The official Wiki documentation directory links to Client installation and usage guides, tutorials, troubleshooting, SFTP key-authentication instructions, and separate Server documentation.

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For help connecting, check the remote service’s instructions first: confirm the host, protocol, port, username, and authentication method it specifies. If a connection fails, the protocol and firewall configuration are among the possible causes; the Wiki’s troubleshooting documentation is a useful next step.

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