Guide

How to use SFTP on a Mac

Published July 16, 2026 · By Useroam Teknoloji

SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) is the secure way to move files to and from a server. macOS can do it from the terminal, and a native app makes it drag-and-drop simple.

1. SFTP from Terminal

Open Terminal and start a session:

sftp username@server-address

Then use these commands inside the session:

ls          # list remote files
cd /var/www # change remote directory
lcd ~/Sites # change local directory
get file    # download
put file    # upload
bye         # quit

2. Quick one-off transfers with scp

scp local-file username@server:/remote/path      # upload
scp username@server:/remote/file ./              # download

3. A native dual-pane SFTP client

For regular transfers, typing commands gets old fast. Noden gives you a dual-pane SFTP browser — local on one side, remote on the other — with drag-and-drop upload and download, and remote editing: open a file in a Mac editor and it uploads back on save. Because Noden is also an SSH client, your terminal and files are in the same window.

brew install --cask useroamteknoloji/tap/noden

Download Noden for macOS More on the Mac SFTP client

Frequently asked questions

Does macOS have an SFTP client built in?

Yes, the sftp command is available in Terminal. For a graphical dual-pane experience, use an app like Noden.

Can I edit remote files over SFTP on a Mac?

Yes. Noden opens a remote file in a Mac editor and uploads your saved changes back automatically.

Is SFTP the same as FTP?

No. SFTP runs over SSH and is encrypted; plain FTP is not. Noden uses SFTP over SSH.