Send Anywhere

Best Self-hosted Alternatives to Send Anywhere

A curated collection of the 20 best self hosted alternatives to Send Anywhere.

Send Anywhere is a cross-platform file transfer service for sending large files between devices via temporary links, six-digit keys, QR codes, or direct P2P/cloud relay. Available on web, desktop and mobile; transfers are encrypted and can use cloud relay for offline recipients.

Alternatives List

#1
LocalSend

LocalSend

LocalSend is a free, open-source app for fast, encrypted file and text sharing between nearby devices over a local network, available on desktop and mobile.

LocalSend screenshot

LocalSend is a free, open-source application that lets you securely share files and text with nearby devices over your local network using a REST API and HTTPS encryption. It requires no account or third-party servers and is designed for direct device-to-device transfers on the same LAN.

Key Features

  • Cross-platform clients for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and iOS, plus a browser-based web app.
  • Secure transfers over HTTPS with on-device TLS certificates; optional PIN verification for extra safety.
  • Zero-configuration discovery and workflow: automatic device discovery on the same network and simple tap-to-send UX.
  • Native Flutter client with Rust components (used via Rust bridge) to handle low-level transfer logic and performance-critical parts.
  • Multiple distribution channels and packaged builds (App Stores, Flathub, Homebrew, package formats and installers) for easy installation across platforms.

Use Cases

  • Quickly move photos, videos, and large documents between your phone and laptop without uploading to cloud storage.
  • Share a set of files with a coworker in a meeting room over the local Wi‑Fi network.
  • Use the web app on a device where installing the native client isn’t possible to receive or send files.

Limitations and Considerations

  • Requires devices to be on the same local network; some router settings (AP isolation, guest networks) or strict firewalls can block discovery or transfers.
  • Building from source requires specific tool versions (Flutter per .fvmrc and Rust) and may need additional platform dependencies; official builds are recommended for most users.

LocalSend provides a straightforward, privacy-focused alternative to cloud-based file sharing by keeping transfers local and encrypted. It is suited for users who need fast, private transfers across mixed operating systems without accounts or external servers.

75.5kstars
4kforks
#2
AList

AList

AList is a multi-storage file listing and sharing server with WebDAV access, file previews, protected routes, uploads, and cross-storage file operations.

AList screenshot

AList is a web-based file listing and sharing application that unifies many storage providers behind a single interface. It provides browser access and WebDAV access, with rich previews and optional protection per path.

Key Features

  • Connect multiple storage backends (local storage and many cloud and network providers)
  • WebDAV server support for accessing files via standard clients
  • File previews for common formats (images, audio, video, office documents, PDF, Markdown, code, plain text)
  • Protected routes with password protection and authentication
  • Web-based file operations such as upload, delete, create folders, rename, move, and copy
  • Cross-storage copy and offline download support (including torrent-based offline download)
  • Package/batch download support and download acceleration options
  • Dark mode, internationalization, and permalink/direct download features

Use Cases

  • Create a unified portal to browse and share files from multiple storage providers
  • Provide WebDAV access to cloud drives for desktop and mobile file managers
  • Publish media and documents with previews and optional per-folder access control

Limitations and Considerations

  • Some storage providers may impose rate limits or account restrictions that can affect performance or reliability
  • Feature availability can vary depending on the capabilities and APIs of each configured storage backend

AList is a practical choice when you need a lightweight, deployable file portal that aggregates many backends and exposes them through a modern web UI and WebDAV-compatible access. It is especially useful for homelabs and teams that want a single, consistent way to browse and download files across different storage services.

49.1kstars
8kforks
#3
Snapdrop

Snapdrop

Snapdrop is a progressive web app for peer-to-peer local file sharing between nearby devices in the browser, inspired by AirDrop, with optional self-hosting.

Snapdrop screenshot

Snapdrop is a Progressive Web App (PWA) for transferring files and messages between devices on the same local network directly from a web browser. It uses peer-to-peer connectivity to send data between nearby devices and is commonly used as an AirDrop-like alternative across platforms.

Key Features

  • Peer-to-peer file transfer between nearby devices on the same network
  • Runs in the browser with a PWA-friendly experience (installable on supported devices)
  • Device discovery and transfer coordination via a lightweight signaling server
  • Supports sending files and simple text messages
  • Simple UI designed for quick ad-hoc sharing without accounts

Use Cases

  • Quickly transfer photos, videos, PDFs, or documents between phone and desktop
  • Share files between teammates in the same office or lab network
  • Run a private, self-hosted Snapdrop instance for internal networks

Limitations and Considerations

  • Requires devices to be reachable for WebRTC; strict NAT/firewall rules can impact connectivity
  • Best suited for nearby/local-network sharing rather than long-distance transfers

Snapdrop is a lightweight, cross-platform way to move files between devices with minimal friction. Its classic open source version can be deployed privately while keeping the same browser-first workflow.

19.7kstars
1.9kforks
#4
transfer.sh

transfer.sh

transfer.sh is a lightweight Go server for sharing files via curl, generating shareable links with optional expiry, download limits, and pluggable storage backends.

transfer.sh is a lightweight file sharing service designed for quick uploads and downloads from the command line. It provides simple HTTP endpoints that return shareable links and supports multiple storage backends for running your own instance.

Key Features

  • Upload files via standard HTTP clients (for example, curl) and receive a shareable URL
  • Optional download limits and retention controls via request headers (Max-Downloads, Max-Days)
  • Multiple storage providers: local filesystem, S3-compatible object storage, Google Drive, and Storj
  • Deletion support via a dedicated delete URL returned in response headers
  • Optional server-side encryption/decryption via request headers (intended for trusted self-hosted use)
  • Access controls and safety options such as IP allow/deny lists, rate limiting, size limits, and optional ClamAV prescan

Use Cases

  • Sharing large files from servers or CI jobs without setting up a full collaboration suite
  • Temporary transfer of logs, builds, or artifacts with automatic expiry and download caps
  • Running an internal “pastebin for files” with configurable storage and access policies

transfer.sh is best suited for simple, ephemeral file exchange workflows where a minimal HTTP interface is preferred. With configurable storage backends and operational controls, it can be adapted for both personal and small-team deployments.

15.8kstars
1.6kforks
#5
FilePizza

FilePizza

Self-hostable web app for fast, private peer-to-peer file sharing in the browser using WebRTC, with optional passwords, multi-file ZIP downloads, and TURN/STUN support.

FilePizza screenshot

FilePizza is a web app for peer-to-peer file transfers directly between browsers using WebRTC. It avoids an initial upload to a central server, so files are not stored by the service and transfers can be fast and privacy-preserving.

Key Features

  • Direct browser-to-browser file transfer over WebRTC (DTLS-encrypted)
  • Shareable short/long links for recipients to download
  • Multi-file uploads delivered to recipients as a ZIP
  • Optional password protection for shared transfers
  • Uploader-side progress monitoring and the ability to stop transfers
  • Streaming downloads via a Service Worker
  • Optional Redis-backed server state for channel metadata
  • NAT traversal support via STUN and optional TURN (coturn)

Use Cases

  • Sending large files without uploading them to a third-party storage provider
  • Quick ad-hoc sharing of files between teammates or devices
  • Temporary, link-based distribution where the sender stays online during transfer

Limitations and Considerations

  • The uploader must keep the browser open until the transfer completes
  • Practical file size limits depend on browser/device memory and stability
  • Some networks/NAT setups may require TURN for reliable connectivity

FilePizza is well-suited for lightweight, ephemeral file sharing where you want direct peer-to-peer transfers and minimal server-side storage. It can be deployed as a hosted instance while keeping transfers end-to-end between participants.

9.9kstars
604forks
#6
PairDrop

PairDrop

AirDrop-like P2P file and text transfer in the browser with device pairing and temporary public rooms for internet transfers.

PairDrop screenshot

PairDrop is a web-based, cross-platform file sharing app inspired by Apple’s AirDrop and based on Snapdrop. It enables peer-to-peer transfers between devices on the same network, and also supports internet transfers via paired devices or temporary public rooms.

Key Features

  • Peer-to-peer file and text transfer between nearby devices using a modern web browser
  • Persistent device pairing using a 6-digit code or QR code to reconnect across networks
  • Temporary public rooms (code or QR) for quick sharing over the internet
  • Works across platforms (desktop and mobile) and can be installed as a Progressive Web App
  • Transfer acceptance flow, progress indicators, and automatic download behavior where supported
  • Multi-file transfers with optional ZIP bundling for downloads
  • Customizable display name and basic UI enhancements (previews, theming)

Use Cases

  • Quickly send photos, videos, documents, or links between phone and laptop without cables
  • Share files with friends or colleagues on public Wi-Fi or across different networks using rooms
  • Run a private, self-hosted local sharing page for households, teams, or labs

Limitations and Considerations

  • WebRTC connectivity can depend on network conditions; some scenarios may require TURN/STUN configuration for reliable traversal
  • Transfers require the recipient to be available and to accept the request; it is not designed for asynchronous “dropbox-style” sharing

PairDrop is a practical, lightweight alternative to native device sharing tools, offering an AirDrop-like experience directly in the browser. It fits well for fast, privacy-friendly, ad-hoc transfers both on local networks and across the internet.

9.8kstars
589forks
#7
miniserve

miniserve

Cross-platform single-binary CLI to serve files and directories over HTTP with directory listings, uploads, authentication, TLS, and WebDAV.

miniserve is a small, self-contained CLI tool that serves local files and directories over HTTP with minimal setup. It provides a web UI for browsing content and supports common sharing features like authentication, uploads, and on-the-fly downloads.

Key Features

  • Serve a directory or single file with automatic directory listings
  • Correct MIME type handling out of the box
  • Single static binary with no runtime dependencies
  • Optional basic authentication (including hashed passwords or auth file)
  • TLS support for HTTPS serving
  • File uploads, optional directory creation, and optional deletion controls
  • On-the-fly folder downloads as .tar.gz or .zip
  • WebDAV support and HTTP range requests
  • SPA mode, pretty URLs, and optional custom headers
  • QR code display for quick access from mobile devices

Use Cases

  • Quickly share files on a LAN for ad-hoc collaboration or device transfers
  • Serve a static site or SPA locally for testing and demos
  • Lightweight file drop or upload endpoint for small teams and temporary workflows

Limitations and Considerations

  • Intended for lightweight sharing and quick setups rather than complex web hosting scenarios
  • TLS support may vary by target architecture depending on build features

miniserve is a pragmatic choice when you need an easy, fast way to expose files over HTTP without deploying a full web server stack. Its single-binary approach and built-in sharing features make it especially useful for quick, temporary, or local file distribution.

7.4kstars
366forks
#8
OnionShare

OnionShare

Open-source tool to share files, host websites, and chat privately over the Tor network; available as desktop GUI, CLI, and mobile apps.

OnionShare screenshot

OnionShare is an open-source application that enables secure, anonymous file transfers, temporary website hosting, and private chat by running services as Tor onion services. It provides both a desktop GUI and a command-line tool plus mobile clients developed with partner projects.

Key Features

  • Share files via an ephemeral Tor onion service with one-time or time-limited access.
  • Host a static website over an onion address for private, temporary publishing.
  • Private chat mode that runs as an onion-hosted web chat session.
  • Desktop GUI and CLI interfaces; platform packaging for Windows, macOS, and Linux (Flatpak/Snap).
  • Mobile clients developed in collaboration with partner projects for Android and iOS.
  • Integrates with the Tor control interface and uses Tor-related libraries and tooling for onion services.

Use Cases

  • Send large files privately between two people without relying on third-party cloud storage.
  • Publish an internal or temporary static website to a small, private audience via an onion address.
  • Run an ephemeral, private chat session reachable only by users with the onion URL.

Limitations and Considerations

  • Performance and responsiveness are constrained by the Tor network (latency and throughput) and are not comparable to clearnet transfers.
  • Packaging and dependency constraints have affected some platforms (for example, ARM/armhf packaging challenges related to Qt/PySide availability).
  • The project uses Python web components where upstream changes can require maintenance (e.g., noted framework deprecations/warnings).

OnionShare is a mature, actively maintained open-source project focused on privacy-preserving file sharing and short-lived hosting using Tor. It is well-suited for users who need ad-hoc private exchanges without using centralized services, while accepting Tor-related performance and packaging trade-offs.

6.9kstars
693forks
#9
Palmr.

Palmr.

Palmr. is an open-source file-sharing platform for uploading, organizing, and securely sharing files with custom links, passwords, and access control.

Palmr. screenshot

Palmr. is an open-source file sharing and transfer platform designed as a self-hosted alternative to services like WeTransfer. It focuses on privacy and security, providing a web interface and API to upload, manage, and share files without tracking.

Key Features

  • Upload, manage, and share files via a modern web interface
  • Share links with access control features such as password protection
  • Custom share links for easier distribution
  • Folder organization to group and share content
  • User management and account features (including password recovery)
  • Storage options including local filesystem storage and optional S3-compatible object storage
  • Lightweight setup using SQLite for metadata storage

Use Cases

  • Securely share large files with clients or teammates using password-protected links
  • Replace third-party file transfer services for internal or privacy-sensitive workflows
  • Provide a simple upload portal to receive files from external users

Limitations and Considerations

  • The project is labeled as beta and is not recommended for production environments yet

Palmr. is a practical choice for teams and individuals who want full control over file transfers, with straightforward deployment and optional scalable storage when needed.

2.4kstars
96forks
#10
Transfer.zip

Transfer.zip

Open-source, self-hostable file transfer service with resumable uploads, S3 or disk storage, transfer requests, and end-to-end encrypted WebRTC quick transfers.

Transfer.zip screenshot

Transfer.zip is an open-source file-sharing solution that can be self-hosted for reliable file delivery and simple sharing workflows. It supports both stored, resumable uploads as well as real-time, end-to-end encrypted peer-to-peer transfers in the browser.

Key Features

  • Resumable and reliable uploads using the tus protocol
  • Stored transfers with expiry and automatic deletion
  • Optional storage backends: local disk or S3-compatible object storage
  • Quick Transfers: browser-based peer-to-peer file sending via WebRTC with end-to-end encryption (AES-GCM)
  • Transfer requests to collect files from others via shareable upload links
  • Send transfers to recipients via email
  • Basic customization/branding for transfer pages and emails (with current S3 requirement)

Use Cases

  • Self-hosted alternative to WeTransfer-style “upload then share a link” workflows
  • Peer-to-peer sharing for sensitive files without server-side storage
  • Collecting files from clients or teammates using upload-request links

Limitations and Considerations

  • Quick Transfers require both parties to be online at the same time
  • Some browsers/devices may have issues with Quick Transfers (notably Safari and Firefox mobile)
  • Peer-to-peer connectivity can be impacted by restrictive networks; relaying may be used in some cases

Transfer.zip is a solid choice for teams and individuals who want a privacy-conscious file sharing service with both scalable stored uploads and encrypted real-time transfers. Its modern web stack and storage flexibility make it suitable for personal servers and larger deployments alike.

1.5kstars
90forks
#11
Uguu

Uguu

Self-hosted lightweight temporary file host with drag-and-drop, paste and one-click uploads, plus an API for automated uploads and ShareX support.

Uguu screenshot

Uguu is a simple, lightweight file hosting service focused on fast temporary uploads and sharing. It provides a minimal web interface for quick uploads and an API for automation, and can also be configured for more permanent hosting.

Key Features

  • One-click uploads with no registration required
  • Drag-and-drop and clipboard paste uploads in a modern, minimal web UI
  • Upload API with multiple response formats (JSON, HTML, text, CSV)
  • Compatibility with screenshot tools such as ShareX
  • File extension and MIME type allow/deny listing
  • Upload rate limiting and file hash blacklisting
  • Works with common deployments (for example Nginx with PHP)

Use Cases

  • Temporary sharing of files via short-lived links
  • Automated uploads from scripts or tools using the HTTP API
  • Personal or team upload endpoint for screenshots and quick file transfers

Limitations and Considerations

  • Instances are often configured with file expiry/retention rules, which may not suit long-term storage without customization

Uguu is a practical choice when you need a small, straightforward upload service that is easy to deploy and operate. Its combination of a simple UI and a flexible API makes it suitable for both manual and automated workflows.

1.1kstars
128forks
#12
Fireshare

Fireshare

Self-host game clips and videos, organize them into a library, and share via unique watch links with optional public feed and uploads.

Fireshare is a self-hosted web app for hosting and sharing short videos (such as game clips) via unique watch links. It scans a folder of videos, builds a browsable library, and provides a clean watch page for recipients.

Key Features

  • Automatic library scanning from a mounted videos directory
  • Admin dashboard to manage videos and edit titles/descriptions
  • Unique share links, including timestamped link sharing
  • Optional public feed and optional public/community uploads
  • Folder-based organization using top-level directories
  • Open Graph metadata for rich previews in chat apps and social sites
  • LDAP authentication support
  • Optional automatic transcoding to 720p/1080p variants (AV1) with quality selection
  • GPU-accelerated transcoding via NVIDIA NVENC (optional)

Use Cases

  • Share ShadowPlay or other gameplay clips without uploading to third-party platforms
  • Host a lightweight community clip hub with moderated uploads
  • Maintain a personal video library with quick link sharing

Limitations and Considerations

  • Transcoding is disabled by default and can be resource-intensive when enabled
  • GPU transcoding requires compatible NVIDIA hardware, drivers, and container runtime support

Fireshare focuses on simple folder-based media hosting and fast sharing, making it well-suited for short-form video clips and small-to-medium personal libraries. It’s typically deployed with Docker and relies on filesystem mounts for storage and scanning.

1.1kstars
74forks
#13
FileSync

FileSync

Self-hosted web app for real-time, end-to-end encrypted file sharing from one device to many via peer-to-peer WebRTC transfers.

FileSync screenshot

FileSync is a self-hosted file sharing web application for sending files from one device to many recipients in real time. It uses peer-to-peer WebRTC transfers with end-to-end encryption so file contents are not relayed through an intermediate server.

Key Features

  • Real-time file transfer from a single sender to multiple receiving devices
  • Peer-to-peer transfers via WebRTC (data does not pass through the server)
  • End-to-end encryption with optional room password protection
  • Lightweight coordination server to help establish connections between peers
  • Simple web UI for sharing, monitoring progress, and downloading received files

Use Cases

  • Sharing large files across devices on the same network without uploading to a cloud drive
  • Securely distributing files to a group during meetings, classes, or workshops
  • Temporary, privacy-focused file transfer for teams and homelabs

Limitations and Considerations

  • WebRTC peer-to-peer connectivity can be impacted by restrictive NAT/firewalls, potentially requiring additional networking infrastructure for reliable connectivity

FileSync is a practical option when you want quick, browser-based file sharing with strong privacy properties. It’s especially useful for one-to-many distribution where you want transfers to remain directly between participants.

1.1kstars
103forks
#14
Gossa

Gossa

Gossa is a lightweight Go web server for browsing, uploading, and streaming files from a directory with a simple, fast UI and optional PWA support.

Gossa screenshot

Gossa is a minimal, dependency-free web file server that serves a local directory over HTTP with a very fast, simple interface. It focuses on straightforward file browsing and lightweight media handling while keeping the codebase easy to audit.

Key Features

  • File and directory browser with basic handlers for common file types
  • Drag-and-drop uploads through the web UI
  • Built-in media viewing, including video streaming, image browsing, and PDF viewing
  • Simple in-browser note editor
  • Keyboard navigation and shortcut help overlay
  • Multi-account setups via reverse proxies; supports read-only mode
  • Designed to be PWA-capable for mobile-friendly access
  • Reproducible builds and high automated test coverage

Use Cases

  • Quick personal or homelab file sharing from a NAS or server directory
  • Lightweight media access (videos, photos, PDFs) on a local network
  • Simple “dropbox-like” upload endpoint behind a reverse proxy

Limitations and Considerations

  • HTTPS and authentication are intentionally not built in and are expected to be handled by a reverse proxy/middleware

Gossa is a good fit when you want an extremely small, fast file server with a usable UI and basic media capabilities. It prioritizes simplicity, performance, and auditability over being a full-featured cloud storage suite.

1.1kstars
80forks
#15
nextExplorer

nextExplorer

Modern, Docker-first self-hosted web file explorer with local users/groups, optional OIDC SSO, fast previews, built-in editor, sharing links, and search.

nextExplorer screenshot

nextExplorer is a modern web-based file explorer for browsing and managing mounted folders through a polished, responsive interface. It is designed for teams and homelabs that want controlled access to shared storage, with a Docker-first deployment model.

Key Features

  • Local authentication with users and groups, plus optional OpenID Connect (OIDC) SSO
  • Volume-based browsing for multiple mounted directories under a configurable root
  • Fast previews for images, videos, and PDFs, including thumbnail generation (FFmpeg)
  • Built-in text/code editor with syntax highlighting and configurable supported extensions
  • Link-based sharing with configurable permissions (read-only or read-write), including guest access
  • Filename and content search with ripgrep-backed searching and tunable limits
  • Modern UX features like grid/list/column views, drag-and-drop uploads, context menus, and keyboard shortcuts
  • Admin-focused controls such as policies, session settings, and auditability options

Use Cases

  • Provide authenticated access to NAS or server folders for a small team
  • Share project folders with external collaborators via controlled share links
  • Lightweight web UI for managing files in a homelab, including previews and quick edits

Limitations and Considerations

  • Some advanced document editing capabilities require integrating an external OnlyOffice Document Server
  • Deep content search depends on ripgrep availability and may require tuning limits for large datasets

nextExplorer is a practical option when you want a fast, modern file browser with strong access control and convenient previews. Its container-first approach and reverse-proxy friendliness make it suitable for both simple single-host installs and more structured internal deployments.

779stars
15forks
#16
QuickShare

QuickShare

QuickShare is a lightweight, self-hosted file sharing web app with browser-based file management, resumable transfers, QR-code sharing, and multi-user controls.

QuickShare screenshot

QuickShare is a cross-platform file sharing and file management service designed for quick transfers between devices. It provides a web interface for managing files and folders, with multi-user support and sharing options for both authenticated and anonymous access.

Key Features

  • Browser-based file and folder management (upload, download, create, delete, move)
  • Resumable uploads and downloads
  • Bulk uploads (hundreds of files at once)
  • Fuzzy search for files and folders
  • Directory sharing, including anonymous shares
  • QR-code scanning to open shared folders on other devices
  • Multi-user accounts with roles (admin/user)
  • Per-user home directories, storage quotas, and upload/download speed limits
  • Adaptive UI with internationalization support
  • Can run as a single binary or via Docker

Use Cases

  • Sharing files quickly across phones, laptops, and desktops on a local network
  • Providing temporary or anonymous folder shares for teams or guests
  • Hosting a simple personal file drop and download portal with user quotas

Limitations and Considerations

  • The project is under active development and may not guarantee full backward compatibility

QuickShare is a good fit when you want a straightforward, fast file-sharing portal with practical management features and basic user controls. Its resumable transfers, QR-based access, and cross-platform deployment options make it especially convenient for everyday device-to-device sharing.

625stars
40forks
#17
Local Content Share

Local Content Share

Self-hosted Go web app to share and store text snippets, files, links and a Markdown notepad over a local network with PWA support and configurable expirations.

Local Content Share is a lightweight self-hosted web application written in Go that provides a browser frontend and PWA for sharing and storing text snippets, files, and links on a local network. It uses a simple filesystem-backed data store and Server-Sent Events to keep clients synchronized in real time.

Key Features

  • Store and share plain text snippets with view, edit, rename, and delete operations
  • Upload and download files with multi-file drag-and-drop and clipboard paste support
  • Built-in Notepad with Markdown edit and preview, auto-save, and cross-device persistence
  • Link section for storing and sharing URLs in most-recent-first order
  • Configurable per-item expiration (Never, 1 hour, 4 hours, 1 day, or custom TTL)
  • Real-time client updates via Server-Sent Events (SSE)
  • PWA support and fully local assets so the app works without external dependencies
  • Files and metadata persisted to a local data directory (files/, text/, links.file, expiration.json)
  • Distributed as multi-arch Docker images and standalone Go binaries for easy homelab deployment

Use Cases

  • Quickly transfer screenshots, documents, or small files between devices on the same network
  • Temporary pastebin for sharing code snippets, notes, or short text with configurable expiry
  • Cross-device Markdown scratchpad for writing notes or drafts accessible from phone and desktop

Limitations and Considerations

  • No built-in authentication or access controls; intended for trusted local networks or behind an auth-enabled reverse proxy
  • Reverse proxies may interfere with upload progress visibility and can impose file size limits unless adjusted
  • Data is stored on the filesystem in plain form; no built-in encryption, multi-user separation, or audit logs
  • Not designed for public exposure or multi-tenant usage without added access control layers

Local Content Share is a pragmatic tool for easy, ephemeral content exchange within private networks and homelabs. It prioritizes simplicity, local-first operation, and minimal dependencies for quick deployment and use.

429stars
10forks
#18
Files Sharing

Files Sharing

Simple Laravel file-sharing app (WeTransfer-like) using JSON storage, expiring bundles, ZIP downloads, auth codes, IP/upload controls and Docker support.

Files Sharing screenshot

Files Sharing is a lightweight, self-hosted file sharing application built on Laravel. It provides WeTransfer-like bundles that can be previewed or downloaded and stores bundle metadata as JSON files in storage to avoid a full database dependency.

Key Features

  • Bundle-based sharing with two link types: preview (view & ZIP) and direct download
  • JSON-based storage for bundle metadata (no mandatory database) and optional SQLite support
  • Authorization codes and optional password protection for bundle access
  • Uploader access control via IP allowlist and/or user login credentials
  • Expiration, max-download counters and a background garbage collector to remove expired bundles
  • Download rate limiting and optional ZIP archive download of an entire bundle
  • Drag-and-drop uploads with support for multiple files and incremental additions to existing bundles
  • Multilingual UI (English, French, German, Korean) and Docker / Docker Compose deployment

Use Cases

  • Securely send large files to external recipients with expiring, code-protected links
  • Temporary client delivery of assets where download counts and expirations must be enforced
  • Internal transfers in small teams or projects without deploying a full database-backed file service

Limitations and Considerations

  • Designed for small-to-medium workloads: JSON file metadata and synchronous ZIP creation can limit scalability under heavy concurrent use
  • Large-file handling requires tuning PHP and webserver settings (post_max_size, upload_max_filesize, client_max_body_size) and appropriate memory limits
  • Background cleanup relies on the Laravel scheduler or cron to run periodic purge commands
  • Some optional features (hashing for duplicate detection) are limited by configurable file-size thresholds to avoid high CPU/memory costs

Files Sharing provides a pragmatic, easy-to-deploy solution for temporary file distribution and controlled uploads. It is suitable for self-hosted use where simplicity and minimal infrastructure are priorities, with Docker images and a straightforward standalone install path.

274stars
33forks
#19
PlikShare

PlikShare

Self-hosted file sharing platform with box-based access controls, S3 or local storage, file previews, ZIP browsing, OCR and optional AI integrations.

PlikShare screenshot

PlikShare is a self-hosted file sharing and collaboration platform that organizes files into workspaces and "boxes" to control external access. It provides user management, granular permissions, and flexible storage backends for on-prem or S3-compatible object stores.

Key Features

  • Box-based sharing model with invite, anonymous links, upload-only and read-only modes
  • Unlimited users and workspaces with role- and permission-based access control
  • Flexible storage: local disk or S3-compatible object stores (Cloudflare R2, AWS S3, DigitalOcean Spaces, Backblaze B2)
  • File previews for video, audio, text, PDFs, markdown (with Mermaid) and ZIP archive browsing
  • Built-in file encryption and per-box access controls
  • Embeddable box widget (JavaScript/CSS) to collect or present files on other websites
  • Integrations: OCR via AWS Textract and preliminary ChatGPT integration for querying text files
  • Docker-ready deployment and CLI/config tooling; email configuration for notifications and user confirmations

Use Cases

  • Centralized team file sharing and project workspaces with controlled external collaboration
  • Collecting files from customers or partners via embeddable upload widgets on public sites
  • Hosting large media or archival files on S3-compatible storage while retaining fine-grained access control

Limitations and Considerations

  • OCR via Textract requires AWS S3 as intermediate storage and appropriate AWS credentials
  • ChatGPT/AI integrations are early-stage and require external API/configuration; not a full RAG/LLM platform
  • Only markdown files are editable in-browser; general file editing is not provided
  • No official desktop sync client; functionality is primarily web-first

PlikShare is focused on secure, configurable file sharing with embeddable workflows and S3 support, suitable for teams that need on-prem control or S3-backed storage. It is deployable via containers and emphasizes fine-grained access controls and preview capabilities.

88stars
4forks
#20
GhostFile

GhostFile

A small Python-based ephemeral file upload server (CLI + optional GUI) that accepts one-time uploads and stops automatically after a transfer.

GhostFile is a lightweight ephemeral file upload server implemented in Python that accepts one-time uploads and automatically shuts itself down after a successful transfer. It is distributed as a single self-contained binary (built with PyInstaller) and can also be run from source or inside a Docker container.

Key Features

  • One-time, ephemeral uploads: the server stops itself after handling uploads to avoid running as a persistent service.
  • Dual operation modes: command-line (CLI) mode when run from a terminal, and an optional desktop GUI when launched from a desktop environment or forced via a flag.
  • Single-binary distribution: pre-built self-contained binaries are provided for convenience (Intel x86_64 and ARM64 builds are mentioned).
  • Web-based upload UI: a bundled index.html provides a drag-and-drop web interface served on start (default host 0.0.0.0 and port 5000).
  • Flexible deployment: can be run directly from source, via the provided binary, or inside Docker (CLI mode only in containers).
  • Configurable save location: uploaded files are written to a configurable directory (defaults to ./downloads or the user’s home directory in GUI mode).

Use Cases

  • Quickly move files between machines on a local network without setting up a persistent file server.
  • Provide an easy drag-and-drop upload endpoint for non-technical users for short-lived transfers.
  • Integrate into ad-hoc workflows or scripts where a temporary, single-use file receiver is required.

Limitations and Considerations

  • Platform testing is limited: GhostFile is noted as only tested on Linux; Windows and macOS compatibility is likely but not guaranteed, and ARM64 testing is limited.
  • Docker runs CLI mode only: GUI mode is not supported when run inside Docker containers.
  • Not intended for persistent hosting: GhostFile is explicitly designed as a temporary uploader and is not a replacement for long-running file hosting solutions.

GhostFile is a pragmatic tool for short-lived file transfers: compact to run, simple to operate, and designed to minimize the window in which a file-receiving service is exposed. It is best suited for occasional LAN transfers and ad-hoc sharing where a persistent server would be unnecessary.

62stars
2forks

Why choose an open source alternative?

  • Data ownership: Keep your data on your own servers
  • No vendor lock-in: Freedom to switch or modify at any time
  • Cost savings: Reduce or eliminate subscription fees
  • Transparency: Audit the code and know exactly what's running