The Files tab is fine for editing configs and uploading a few files. For anything big (a whole world, a modpack's worth of mods, a backup to keep on your computer) SFTP is faster and doesn't time out.
Your SFTP details
Open your server's Settings tab. Under SFTP you'll find:
- Server address (and port)
- Username
- Password
Keep the password private: anyone with it can change every file on your server.
With FileZilla (Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Download FileZilla Client from filezilla-project.org. Untick any extra software the installer offers.
- Open File, Site Manager, and click New site.
- Set Protocol to SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol.
- Fill in the host, port, username and password from the Settings tab.
- Click Connect. Accept the host key the first time.
Your computer's files are on the left, the server's on the right. Drag between them to copy.
With WinSCP (Windows)
- Install WinSCP from winscp.net.
- In the login window, choose SFTP, enter the details from the Settings tab, and log in.
Tips
- Stop the server before replacing a world or large files it's using, then start it again afterwards.
- Upload a world as a folder, not a zip, unless you'll unzip it on the server.
- Big transfers are fine to leave running. If one stops, FileZilla can resume it.
Common problems
"Authentication failed": copy the password again from the Settings tab. If you've reset it, use the new one.
"Connection timed out" or "refused": check the port as well as the address. SFTP doesn't use your Minecraft port.
Permission denied on a file: the server may have it open. Stop the server and try again.
Questions
Is SFTP the same as FTP?
No. SFTP is encrypted and is what we support. Choose SFTP, not FTP or FTPS, in your app.
Can I edit files directly over SFTP?
Yes. Most SFTP apps let you open a file in an editor and upload it again when you save.