Transfer.sh
Overview
Transfer.sh is an open-source, command-line file sharing service that makes uploading and sharing files as simple as a single curl command. With Transfer.sh, you can upload files from the terminal using `curl –upload-file filename https://transfer.sh/filename` and receive a shareable download link. The service supports file expiration, encryption, and directory uploads, making it a powerful tool for developers and system administrators who work primarily in the terminal.
What makes Transfer.sh stand out is its simplicity and scriptability. Because it works with standard command-line tools like curl and wget, it integrates naturally into shell scripts, CI/CD pipelines, and automation workflows. You can set custom expiration times for files (from a few minutes to several days), password-protect downloads, and even encrypt files before upload using the built-in encryption feature.
Transfer.sh can be self-hosted on your own infrastructure, giving you full control over the data that passes through your instance. The project is written in Go and is available as a single binary, making deployment trivial. It supports multiple storage backends including local filesystem, S3-compatible storage, and Google Cloud Storage.
Key Features
- Simple curl-based upload: Upload files with a single curl command — no app, no web interface needed.
- File expiration: Set custom expiration times (e.g., 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week) for automatic file cleanup.
- Encryption support: Encrypt files before upload using built-in encryption flag.
- Directory uploads: Upload entire directories as tar archives with a single command.
- Self-hostable: Deploy your own instance on any server or VPS for complete data control.
- Multiple storage backends: Supports local storage, AWS S3, Google Cloud Storage, and S3-compatible services.
- Command-line friendly: Perfect for scripting, automation, and headless environments.
- Open source: Full source code available on GitHub under the MIT license.
Use Cases
- Quickly sharing log files with colleagues during debugging sessions.
- Uploading build artifacts from CI/CD pipelines for distribution or testing.
- Sharing files between remote servers that do not share a network.
- Creating temporary download links for clients without setting up infrastructure.
Platforms
Web (via curl), self-hosted on Linux servers.
Licence
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)