How to Set Up and Use Classic FTP Client
Learn how to set up and use Classic FTP on Windows or macOS. Configure FTP or FTPS, enter cPanel credentials, upload and download files, schedule transfers, manage folders and permissions, and troubleshoot connection problems.
Classic FTP
NCH Software Classic FTP is a simple client for uploads and downloads to a remote server. It is available for Windows and macOS. nchsoftware.com/classic
Key Features
Simple UI
Explorer-style panes and drag-and-drop transfers.
Protocols
FTP, FTPS, and SFTP when the edition and server support them. FTP vs SFTP vs FTPS
Batch
Select more than one file or folder at a time.
Schedule
Timed transfers from Tools → Scheduled Transfers when available.
Download and Install
- Open the official Classic FTP page.
- Download the Windows or Mac build.
- Install and launch Classic FTP. Review setup screens for extra bundled software.
Set Up a Connection
- Open Classic FTP and click New Site.
- Host name, username, password, and port (21 for FTP/FTPS, 22 for SFTP unless the host specifies another).
- Choose FTP, FTPS, or SFTP. FTP/FTPS usernames are often
user@yourdomain.com. SFTP needs SSH. - Click Connect.
- Need a login first? Create an FTP Account
Transfer and Schedule
Prefer FTPS or SFTP. A separately created FTP account does not automatically have SFTP access. Using SFTP with cPanel
Troubleshooting
| Issue | What to try |
|---|---|
| Connection failures | Check host, port, username, and protocol. Connection troubleshooting |
| SFTP login fails | Confirm SSH is enabled and use the SSH account. |
| Need sync or scripting | Use WinSCP or FileZilla if Classic FTP is too limited. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Classic FTP on Windows and macOS?
Yes. NCH Software Classic FTP is available for Windows and macOS. It is not a Linux desktop client. If you also need Linux, use FileZilla or command-line sftp when SSH is enabled. Download Classic FTP from the official NCH page and review the installer options before you finish setup. Other programs are compared in choosing an FTP client.
Is NCH Classic FTP free?
A free edition covers the essential tasks: saved sites, drag-and-drop, batch transfers, and FTP, FTPS, or SFTP. That is enough for many small cPanel sites. Check the developer’s site if you need a paid upgrade later. Start with the free build, then move to FileZilla or WinSCP if you outgrow the simpler layout.
How do I connect Classic FTP to cPanel?
Click New Site and enter the hostname from your host, the complete username such as user@yourdomain.com, and the password. Choose FTPS for an extra FTP account or SFTP when SSH is enabled. Use port 21 for FTP/FTPS and port 22 for SFTP unless the host lists another port. Save the site after a successful test. Create the login with an FTP account in cPanel.
Does Classic FTP support secure transfers?
Yes. It can use FTPS and SFTP so the password and files are encrypted. Avoid plain FTP for website work. Extra cPanel FTP users should use FTPS. SFTP needs SSH and usually the primary cPanel username. Protocol differences are in FTP vs SFTP vs FTPS.
Can an extra cPanel FTP account use SFTP in Classic FTP?
Usually no. Extra FTP accounts are for FTP or FTPS and do not automatically get SSH. If SFTP fails with that username, edit the saved site to FTPS on port 21. Use SFTP with the primary account only after the host enables SSH. Setup notes are in using SFTP with cPanel.
How do I schedule transfers in Classic FTP?
Open Tools → Scheduled Transfers, set the time and how often the job should run, then save it. Point the task at a saved FTPS or SFTP site and a limited folder, not the whole home directory. Test one manual upload first. Do not store the password in a public web file. Related ideas are in automating file transfers.
When should I use FileZilla or WinSCP instead?
Classic FTP is for simple dual-pane transfers and a basic scheduler. Choose FileZilla if you need Linux support or a stronger queue. Choose WinSCP on Windows if you need folder sync, scripts, or SSH keys. Classic FTP is the beginner option, not the full automation suite. See FileZilla setup and WinSCP setup.
How do I upload a website folder in Classic FTP?
Connect, keep local files on the left and the server on the right, then drag the folder onto public_html or the addon domain’s document root. Confirm index.html or index.php is not one level too deep. Use batch select for many files. A short primer is what FTP is used for, with more articles on the blog index.
FTP Tutorials and How-To Guides
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