CuteFTP: How to Install and Configure

CuteFTP is a Windows and Mac-based File Transfer Protocol (FTP) application or an FTP Client. Like most FTP software, CuteFTP uses a user-friendly graphical interface to perform tasks that would normally require a cumbersome command-line utility. It gives users the ability to upload, download, and edit files on remote FTP servers without knowing all the details of the protocol itself. Although CuteFTP is not free, it does have a free 30-day trial. There are several free FTP clients available, such as Filezilla. The following article will address how to install and configure CuteFTP:

• Obtaining and Installing CuteFTP
• How to Configure CuteFTP
• Summary

Where and How to Download CuteFTP

1. CuteFTP can be installed from GlobalScape.
2. Click on Download Trial to get the trial version of the software, or click ADD TO CART to purchase and download the complete software.
3. Make sure you download/buy the appropriate software for your Windows or Mac machine (CuteFTP for Windows computers and CuteFTP Mac Pro for Mac users).
4. Once the download is complete, follow the installation instructions.

Configuring a Connection

The quickest and easiest way to establish a connection between a local machine (the computer you are connecting from) and a remote server (the computer/server you are connecting to) using CuteFTP is by using the connect bar at the top of the screen below the toolbar (If you would like to save a connection for later, use the Site Manager tab).

1. Enter the correct Host/Domain/IP address into the 'Host:' field. This could be the server name, the server IP, the domain name, and, in some cases, ftp.domain.com. For a Bluehost account, your domain will be fine so long as it is properly pointed towards the server.
2. Enter the correct FTP username into the 'Username:' field. This can be the cPanel username, which is also an FTP account, or an FTP account that you have set up.
   • If connecting via an additional FTP account, make sure to use the full FTP username (ex: [email protected]).
3. Enter the correct password for the user previously entered.
4. Enter port 21 for FTP and port 22 for Secure FTP (SFTP).
5. To finalize the FTP connection, click the first icon to the right of the port field, the connection icon.
   • For an SFTP connection, click the second icon to the right of the port field, the settings icon. Under the 'Type' tab, change the protocol to 'SFTP using SSH2 (Secure Shell)'. Then click OK on the settings window and finalize the connection using the same connection icon as with FTP.

Summary

CuteFTP makes it easy to set up and configure connections to remote servers. This guide addressed downloading CuteFTP, configuring FTP and SFTP connections, and managing secure file transfers. Following these steps will allow you to connect and transfer files using CuteFTP on Windows or Mac.