FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol, used for transferring files between computers. It is faster than HTTP and can be setup easily on Mac using built-in tools like System Preferences or Terminal. However, FTP is not secure as it lacks encryption. There are third-party clients like Commander One and CloudMounter that offer better security and features. Next post: Detailed Tutorial on Using FTP Clients on Mac.
Hey everyone! So, let’s dive into some basic FTP stuff: “What is it?”, “How does it work?” and “Can you use it on a Mac?” Straight-up answer: FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol, mainly used for hosting and transferring files between computers, making it a solid alternate for storage solutions.
The cool thing about FTP is it’s faster than options like HTTP, which is more for sending/receiving text and images, not data files. Plus, it’s built right into Mac computers and ready to use.
Alright, now that you get the basics, here’s how you set up FTP on your Mac. If you already know all this and just want the best FTP clients for Mac, check out the best FTP clients for Mac.
How to Use FTP on macOS 
Setting up FTP on a Mac is super easy. Macs have their own built-in FTP server, letting you share files with others effortlessly. Just follow these steps:
Step 1: Open “System Preferences.”
Step 2: Go to “Sharing.”
Step 3: Check the “File Sharing” box, then click “Options.”
Step 4: Choose “Share Files and Folders Using FTP.”
Now, others can share and copy files from you. But what if you want to access someone else’s files? Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Open the “Finder Menu.”
Step 2: Click “Go.”
Step 3: Select “Connect to Server.”
Step 4: Enter your server name and password.
Easy peasy, right? But remember, the built-in Mac FTP client has its downsides, like being able to download files only, lack of security, and issues with usernames/passwords containing the “@” symbol.
How to FTP on Mac via Browser 
Step 1: Open Safari.
Step 2: Type in the server’s IP address with the “ftp://” prefix.
Step 3: Enter the username and password, then click “Connect.”
Note: If there’s an “@” symbol in the username or password, the connection will fail.
How to Access FTP on Mac Using Terminal 
Feeling techy? You can also connect to FTP via Terminal. Just go to Applications, open Terminal, and you’ll see your computer’s name, folder, and user ID. Type in ftp:// ip-address
(replace ip-address with the FTP server’s IP). Enter the username and password, and use the following commands:
- ls: List files and folders.
- cd: Change folder.
- get: Download a single file.
- put: Upload a single file.
- quit: Disconnect from the server.
Is FTP Connection Secure? 
So, I’ve seen folks saying that FTP isn’t secure and that SFTP is way better. FTP uses clear-text passwords and no encryption, making it an easy target for hackers. You might want to consider safer options like Transport Layer Security or Secure Socket Layer, but they can be more complex to set up.
How to Make FTP Connection Secure Using Third-Party FTP Clients 
Looking for a great FTP client for Mac that doesn’t cost a fortune? Cyberduck seems like a good option, but any recommendations?— Reddit
For a smoother and more secure experience, many people and businesses use third-party FTP clients. These clients offer better interfaces and added security features. Some popular ones include CloudMounter, CyberDuck, FileZilla, ClassicFTP, and Commander One.
1. The Most Popular FTP Client for Mac – Commander One 
Commander One is top-rated and super easy to use for FTP/SFTP/FTPS on Mac. You can manage files on a server as if they were on your local storage. Move, edit, copy, or delete files, work with archives, access iOS devices, and more. Plus, it has a dual-pane interface that’s super user-friendly.
Pros:
- Comes with an integrated FTP/SFTP/FTPS client
- Lets you work with multiple tabs at once
- Works with Cloud Computing Services
- Encrypts your online connections for security
- You can set up hotkeys for quick actions
- Compatible with cloud services like Google Drive and One Drive
Cons:
- No folder comparison feature
- Can’t rename multiple files at the same time
- Doesn’t have directory synchronization
Cross-Platform Solution: CloudMounter
Hey folks! If you wanna elevate your FTP Transfer Mac game, definitely check out CloudMounter. This third-party app lets you manage multiple cloud services as if they were just extra hard drives on your system. It supports big names like Google Drive, Amazon S3, One Drive, and Dropbox.
Got FTP servers? No sweat! They show up as network locations. And the cherry on top: your data’s protected with robust encryption. You can even restrict access to CloudMounter alone for extra security.
Pros:
- Try before you buy with their free trial
- There’s a free version if you don’t mind some missing features
- One-time payment and it’s yours forever
Cons:
- Hardly any training or usage manuals
- No mobile support at all
Download Here: CloudMounter
Conclusion:
Getting hooked up to an FTP server is super easy, and there are plenty of ways to do it across all major operating systems. But remember, what works best depends on what you need because some programs are kinda limited in what they can do.