> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://refdocs.buymeasoda.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://refdocs.buymeasoda.com/unix/secure-ftp-sftp-and-secure-copy-scp.md).

# Secure FTP SFTP and Secure Copy SCP

## SFTP

Connect to remote server using sftp (add `-oPort=<port>` if port is required)

```
sftp <user>@<host>
```

A subset of standard unix commands are available while connected.

Upload a file

```
put <local> <remote>
```

Download a file

```
get <remote> <local>
```

Quit sftp

```
bye
exit
```

## SCP

Secure copy files to or from remote server (with custom port `-P <port>`)

```
scp <source> <destination>
```

For destination, specify the remote server, then remote path/file separated by a colon

```
<user>@<host>:<path/file>
```

Specify local file using local system path. Use a single dot to indicate current directory. Use lowercase r for recursive copy.

### SCP Current directory / files

Copy all files in the current directory to a remote directory

```
scp * <user>@<host>:<path>
```

Recursively copy files and directories from current directory to remote directory

```
scp -r * <user>@<host>:<path>
```

Quote source / destination paths when using wildcards for Fish Shell

```
"/path/with/wildcard/*"
```

### SCP Examples

Copy a remote file on server user\@host, located at path/file, to the local path

```
scp <user>@<host>:<path/file> <local path>
```

Copy a local file at path/file to another remote server

```
scp <local path/file> <user>@<host>:<path>
```

Recursively copy the files and folders from local dir to the remote server home directory

```
scp -r <local dir> <user>@<host>:~
```