Skip to main content

SFTP/FTP File Handling Overview

  • Updated

Feature Overview

Mavis provides complete SFTP/FTP file management capabilities, allowing users to securely and efficiently manage remote files. This document gives an overview of the main features, precautions, and special scenarios.

  • Secure and Reliable: Transfers files via SFTP/FTP with encryption to protect data security.
  • Cross-Platform Support: Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, and mainstream SFTP/FTP servers.
  • Intuitive Operation: Includes transfer progress bars, status indicators, and logs for easy tracking.
  • Flexible Management: Supports single files, multiple files, and folders, automatically handling file name duplicates, conflicts, or special cases.

 

 

Basic Functions & Operational Concepts

2.1 Upload and Download

  • Single File Upload: Select and upload individual files.
  • Multiple File Upload: Supports uploading multiple files at once.
  • Folder Upload: Contents of the folder are flattened into a list for uploading.
  • Duplicate File Handling:
    • Single File: A confirmation modal appears; user can choose Overwrite or Cancel.
    • Multiple Files: Options are Overwrite, Skip, or Stop, which can be applied to remaining files.
    • System automatically renames duplicates, e.g., filename(1).txt.
  • Download:
    • Single file: Each file downloads independently.
    • Compressed download: Selecting multiple files or folders generates a ZIP file for download.
  • ZIP Naming Example: SFTP_download_userA_20250821_1030.zip
  • Duplicate Downloads: Automatically appends a number, e.g., SFTP_download_userA_20250821_1030 (1).zip
  • Notes:
    • Only common formats are supported: zip, dmg, gz, tgz, rar, 7z.
    • Special Cases: Certain files (e.g., Postman.app.zip) may not automatically extract on macOS or be placed in the designated folder.

2.2 Create Folder

  • Users can create a single-level folder in the currently browsed remote directory.
  • Naming must follow validation rules.
  • Success Message: Folder created.
  • Error Handling:
    • Permission denied: Create directory failed: {server_name}
    • Duplicate name: Creation fails (some platforms log the error). 

 

2.3 Rename

  • Supports renaming a single file or folder.
  • Names cannot duplicate other items in the same directory or contain special characters.
  • Success Message: Rename success.
  • Error Handling:
    • Permission denied: Permission denied.
    • Name conflict: Name already exists.
    • File not found / inaccessible: Rename failed: {file_name}
    • Connection issue: Rename failed: {server_name} 

 

2.4 Move

  • Allows moving files or subfolders within the same folder to another location.
  • Restrictions:
    • Only items within the same source folder can be moved.
    • Destination folder must be within user permissions.
    • Drag-and-drop across tabs or sessions is not supported.
  • Workflow: Select files/folders → Click Move → Choose destination folder.
  • Conflict Handling:
    • Existing files in the destination folder will be overwritten.
    • Existing folders in the destination folder will cause the move to fail.
  • Status Indicators: Waiting / Processing / Completed / Fail

 

2.5 Delete

  • Deletes files or subfolders within the current folder.
  • Supports single or multiple deletions.
  • Recursive deletion: Deletes all subfolders and files.
  • Pop-up Modal:
    • Single delete or non-recursive: no modal.
    • Multiple or recursive: shows confirmation prompt.
  • Success: No toast.
  • Error Handling:
    • Permission denied: Permission denied.
    • File not found / name conflict: Delete failed: {file_name}
    • Connection issue: Delete failed: {server_name} 

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the “Download” button unavailable for folders?

A1: Use “Compress & Download” for folders; single files can be downloaded directly.

 

Q2: What if the progress bar fails during upload or download?

A2: Click Retry to try again. Possible causes: network interruption, insufficient permissions, or file lock.

 

Q3: Will downloaded files be automatically renamed?

A3: Duplicate downloads automatically get a number appended; ZIP names include server account and download time.

 

Q4: Which files or folders cannot be uploaded or downloaded?

A4: Special compressed formats or certain macOS files may not auto-extract or be placed in the target folder.

 

Q5: How many files can be uploaded or moved at once?

A5: Only 4 files are uploaded at a time on the frontend (async). Duplicates are handled before continuing.

 

Q6: Will moving a folder overwrite existing files?

A6: Duplicate files are overwritten; duplicate folders cause move to fail with a confirmation prompt.

 

Q7: Can folder deletion be canceled?

A7: Recursive or multiple deletions cannot be undone once confirmed; single or non-recursive deletes can proceed directly.

 

Q8: Are there logs for failed operations?

A8: Session Log and Access Log are supported to track operations and errors.

 

Q9: What happens if a file already exists during upload?

A9: Single file: confirmation modal for Overwrite/Cancel. Multiple files: choose Overwrite, Skip, or Stop, and optionally apply to remaining files.

 

Q10: Which formats are supported for compressed downloads?

A10: zip, dmg, gz, tgz, rar, 7z. Rare or special formats require additional development.

 

Q11: Can files be moved across different folders at once?

A11: No. Cross-folder, cross-tab, or cross-session drag-and-drop is not supported.

 

Q12: What if I try to create a folder with a duplicate name?

A12: Folder creation fails; some platforms log the error.

 

Q13: Does deleting a folder also delete its subfolders and files?

A13: Recursive deletion removes all subfolders and files within the selected folder.

 

Related articles