Gokapi logo

Gokapi

Self-hosted expiring file sharing with optional S3 storage

2.8k stars 138 forks last commit first released AGPL-3.0

Actively maintained

Last commit 21 Aug 2026.

Gokapi screenshot

Gokapi is a lightweight, self-hosted file sharing server designed for sharing files via expiring download links. It focuses on controlled uploads (no public upload) and supports encryption and optional S3-compatible storage for flexible deployments.

Key Features

  • Expiring file shares based on time and/or number of downloads
  • User management with role-based permissions; only registered users can upload
  • Built-in encryption support, including end-to-end encrypted uploads
  • File deduplication to reduce storage usage for identical uploads
  • Optional storage backend support for AWS S3 and S3-compatible providers
  • OpenID Connect (OIDC) authentication integration for SSO
  • REST API for automation and integration
  • Customizable web UI via custom CSS and JavaScript

Use Cases

  • Secure one-off file delivery with automatic link and file expiration
  • Internal team file drop for controlled sharing without public uploads
  • Automated file distribution workflows using the REST API

Limitations and Considerations

  • Designed for simple file sharing rather than full sync/collaboration (not a cloud drive)
  • Some advanced features (S3 backends, SSO) require additional configuration

Gokapi is a strong choice when you need an easy-to-run, privacy-focused file sharing service with expiring links and modern authentication options. Its lightweight Go-based implementation and optional S3 storage make it suitable for both homelabs and small teams.

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