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Cannot copy to FTP server thru Finder

So, apparently this is just the way it is.. but why? Why can we not upload files thru Finder via FTP?


Is there any chance of Finder getting support for this eventually..? It seems like a fairly basic function.

MacBook Pro, OS X Mountain Lion (10.8.2)

Posted on Oct 22, 2012 1:32 PM

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Posted on Oct 30, 2012 12:34 PM

It is possible to connect to FTP servers using the Finder. Try the following -


  1. In the Finder go to the Go menu and select Connect to Server...
  2. In the resulting dialog type ftp://yourusername@yourftpserver and click Connect.
  3. A typical ftp server will ask for a password, enter it.
  4. You should end up with a finder window showing the contents of the ftp server. You may then get files or put files by dragging.


There are other options of course. I like Fetch because of the easy to use graphical interface. If you prefer a text interface more or less like the old DOS (or UNIX) prompt you can go to the Terminal application (located in /Applications/Utilities) and type ftp (or sftp for secure transmission) at the prompt.


Best of luck.

5 replies
Question marked as Best reply

Oct 30, 2012 12:34 PM in response to modelNO.10024

It is possible to connect to FTP servers using the Finder. Try the following -


  1. In the Finder go to the Go menu and select Connect to Server...
  2. In the resulting dialog type ftp://yourusername@yourftpserver and click Connect.
  3. A typical ftp server will ask for a password, enter it.
  4. You should end up with a finder window showing the contents of the ftp server. You may then get files or put files by dragging.


There are other options of course. I like Fetch because of the easy to use graphical interface. If you prefer a text interface more or less like the old DOS (or UNIX) prompt you can go to the Terminal application (located in /Applications/Utilities) and type ftp (or sftp for secure transmission) at the prompt.


Best of luck.

Mar 25, 2013 12:17 PM in response to etresoft

FTP + SSL (ftps) is also supported (though apparently still read-only), and should be no means be excluded as a viable secure transfer protocol. This is not to be confused with SFTP, a sub-protocol of SSH (Secure SHell). Both use the same underlying encryption methodology, presented in different protocol stacks. Still, not sure why ftps://.../ is read-only.

Cannot copy to FTP server thru Finder

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