---
title: "SFTP access using FileZilla"
description: "Install FileZilla and connect to the Data Store over SFTP to transfer files with a graphical client."
type: Guide
tags:
  - SFTP
  - FileZilla
generated:
  by: "claude/opus-5"
  at: "2026-09-11T00:00:00Z"
sources:
  - id: cyverse-learning-materials
    resource: "https://github.com/CyVerse-learning-materials/learning-materials-home/blob/b7392d21be4fd6a67d051847f98c81a18e058a12/docs/ds/sftp/filezilla.md"
    title: "CyVerse Learning Materials: docs/ds/sftp/filezilla.md"
    author: "team:cyverse"
    last_modified: "2025-03-27T13:28:03-07:00"
---

# SFTP access using FileZilla

FileZilla is a free and open-source, cross-platform GUI FTP software, consisting of FileZilla Client and FileZilla Server. The FileZilla Client is available for Windows, Linux, and macOS, allowing you to access the Data Store.

## :material-cog-outline: Installation

To install the FileZilla Client, follow these steps:

1. **Download FileZilla Client:**
    Visit the [FileZilla website](https://filezilla-project.org/download.php?type=client){target=_blank} and download the client version suitable for your operating system (Windows, Linux, or macOS).

2. **Install FileZilla:**

    - **Windows:** Double-click the downloaded `.exe` file and follow the installation wizard.
    - **macOS:** Open the downloaded package and drag the FileZilla application to your Applications folder.
    - **Linux:** Use your distribution's package manager to install FileZilla. Alternatively, you can compile it from source if necessary.

3. **Launch FileZilla:**
    After installation, launch the FileZilla Client to start using it.

---

## :simple-filezilla: Connect to the Data Store

In the FileZilla window, fill in the following fields:

- **Host:** `data.cyverse.org`
- **Username:** `<CyVerse username>`
- **Password:** `<CyVerse password>`
- **Port:** `22`

Use these credentials for anonymous access to the Data Store:

- **Username:** `anonymous`
- **Password:** (leave empty)

![filezilla_sftp_connect](https://unm-carc.github.io/cyverse/assets/ds/filezilla_sftp_connect.png){ width="600" }

Click the **Quickconnect** button to establish the connection.


---

## :simple-filezilla: Basic Usage

![filezilla_sftp_sections](https://unm-carc.github.io/cyverse/assets/ds/filezilla_sftp_sections.png){ width="600" }

The FileZilla interface is divided into two main sections:

- **Left pannel:** Show data on your local machine
- **Right pannel:** Display data in the Data Store

**To navigate:**

- Click on directory names to move in and out of folders

**To transfer files:**

1. Select the desired files or directories
2. Drag them to the target directory in the opposite panel
3. Drop to initiate the transfer

This drag-and-drop functionality allows for easy file movement between your local system and the Data Store.

---

## :material-folder-multiple-outline: Top-level Directories

Once connected, you will see two directories in the root:

- `<username>`: Your home directory (`/iplant/home/<username>` in the Data Store). You have read and write permissions. Note that anonymous users do not have a home directory.
- `shared`: Community-shared data directory (`/iplant/home/shared` in the Data Store). You have only read permission.

> **Note:** A `.ssh` directory may appear in the root, but it is not writable. This directory is distinct from the `/<username>/.ssh` directory and should be ignored.

<p class="carc-provenance" markdown>Adapted from [CyVerse Learning Materials](https://github.com/CyVerse-learning-materials/learning-materials-home/blob/b7392d21be4fd6a67d051847f98c81a18e058a12/docs/ds/sftp/filezilla.md){target=_blank} (last source update 2025-03-27), CC BY 4.0. Spotted a problem? [Open an issue](https://github.com/UNM-CARC/cyverse/issues){target=_blank}.</p>