gFTP
What it is
gFTP is a free file transfer client for *NIX-based machines, and the project says it is known to run on Linux distributions. It supports FTP, explicit and implicit FTPS, SSH2 SFTP, and FSP. Users can choose a GTK interface or a text interface, launched through the `gftp-gtk` and `gftp-text` commands. The text interface can download a directory and its subdirectories in one run, and gFTP supports transfer automation. SSH2 SFTP connections require the OpenSSH client. For FTPS servers using self-signed certificates, the FAQ describes disabling SSL peer verification or adding the CA public key to the OpenSSL certificates directory. The documented build process uses Meson and Ninja, with GTK 3 as the default UI build. Settings and bookmarks are stored in the gftp configuration directory following the XDG Base Directory Specification. The program logs log-window contents to `gftp.log` and purges that file when it starts. The project lists 56 language translations and directs bug reports to its GitHub issues page. The plan is listed as free.
For and against
For
- Supports FTP, FTPS, SSH2 SFTP, and FSP
- Offers GTK and text interfaces
- Text interface can download directories and subdirectories together
- Lists 56 language translations
Against
- SSH2 SFTP support requires the OpenSSH client
- Project is listed for Linux and *NIX-based machines
- Self-signed FTPS may require a certificate setting change
The verdict
gFTP brings several transfer protocols and both GTK and text interfaces to Linux and other *NIX-based machines. SFTP use requires the OpenSSH client, and some self-signed FTPS connections require certificate configuration.
Who it suits
gFTP may suit Linux users who want a client with both graphical and text interfaces and support for several transfer protocols. Its text interface and automation support may also fit scripted transfer workflows.
Plans and prices
gFTP
Free file transfer client
Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- Bug reports
- The project directs users to its GitHub issues page for bug reports.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Build
- The documented build process uses Meson and Ninja, with GTK 3 as the default UI build.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Configuration
- gFTP follows the XDG Base Directory Specification and stores its settings and bookmarks under the gftp configuration directory.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Interfaces
- It provides GTK and text interfaces, available through the gftp-gtk and gftp-text commands.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Logs
- The FAQ says gFTP logs the log-window contents to gftp.log and purges that file when the program starts.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Platform
- The project says gFTP is known to run on Linux distributions.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Protocol coverage
- multi-protocolgithub.com · read 20 Sep 2026
- Protocols
- It supports FTP, explicit and implicit FTPS, SSH2 SFTP, and FSP.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- gFTP is a free, multithreaded file transfer client for *NIX based machines.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- SFTP requirement
- SSH2 SFTP support requires the OpenSSH client.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- TLS certificate setting
- For FTPS connections to servers using self-signed certificates, the FAQ says to disable SSL peer verification or add the CA public key to the OpenSSL certificates directory.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Transfer automation
- Yesgithub.com · read 20 Sep 2026
- Transfers
- The text interface can download directories and their subdirectories in one run.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Translations
- The project describes gFTP as having 56 language translations available.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
