How to Set Up and Use CrossFTP Client
Learn how to set up and use CrossFTP on Windows, macOS, or Linux for secure website and cloud file transfers. Configure FTP, FTPS, SFTP, WebDAV, or Amazon S3, upload and download files, synchronize folders, manage permissions, and troubleshoot problems.
CrossFTP
CrossFTP is an FTP client for FTP, FTPS, SFTP, WebDAV, and cloud storage such as Amazon S3 and Google Drive. Use it to move files between a local computer and a cPanel-hosted server. crossftp.com
Key Features
Protocols
FTP, FTPS, SFTP, WebDAV, and cloud targets. FTP vs SFTP vs FTPS
Sessions
More than one connection and batch uploads or downloads.
Sync
Synchronize local and remote folders (mirror, update, or custom).
Scheduler
Timed transfers in the paid edition. Automating File Transfers
Download and Install
- Open the official CrossFTP download page.
- Choose the Windows or macOS build.
- Install and launch CrossFTP.
Set Up a Connection
- Open CrossFTP.
- File → New Connection.
- Host, username, password, protocol (FTP, FTPS, or SFTP), and port (21 or 22 unless the host specifies another).
- Username for FTP/FTPS is often
user@yourdomain.com. SFTP needs an SSH-enabled account. - Click Connect. Accept a trusted certificate or host key only.
- Need a login first? Create an FTP Account
Transfer, Sync, 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. Use Passive mode for FTP/FTPS. Connection troubleshooting |
| SFTP login fails | Confirm SSH is enabled and use the SSH account. |
| Sync deletes files | Do not use Mirror until you confirm which side is the source. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does CrossFTP work on Windows and macOS?
Yes. CrossFTP is described for Windows and macOS and can use FTP, FTPS, SFTP, WebDAV, and cloud targets such as Amazon S3. Confirm the current editions on the developer’s site before you install. If you also need Linux, FileZilla or command-line sftp are the usual fallback. Other clients are compared in choosing an FTP client.
Is CrossFTP free?
CrossFTP has a free edition and a paid edition with extra features. The free build is enough to test a cPanel login, drag-and-drop uploads, and basic protocol support. Use the paid edition if you need the extra tools listed by the developer. Download only from crossftp.com and check which protocols your edition includes before you rely on it for production sites.
How do I connect CrossFTP to cPanel?
Open File → New Connection 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. Port 21 is common for FTP/FTPS and port 22 for SFTP. Save the site after a successful test. Create the login with an FTP account in cPanel.
Can an extra cPanel FTP account use SFTP in CrossFTP?
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 connection to FTPS on port 21. Use SFTP with the primary cPanel username only after the host enables SSH. See FTP vs SFTP vs FTPS and using SFTP with cPanel.
How do I synchronize folders in CrossFTP?
Go to Tools → Synchronize, pick the local folder and the remote folder, then choose Mirror, Update, or Custom. Confirm the copy direction so older local files do not overwrite newer live files. Sync is for repeat deploys, not for a one-file fix. Keep a backup first. Upload steps are in uploading files with FTP.
Can CrossFTP schedule transfers?
Yes. Tools → Scheduler can run an upload, download, or sync at a set time. Point the task at a saved FTPS or SFTP site and a limited folder, not the entire home directory. Test the job once by hand. Do not store the password in a public web file. Related workflows are in automating file transfers.
Does CrossFTP support cloud storage as well as FTP?
Yes. Besides FTP, FTPS, and SFTP, CrossFTP can connect to services such as Amazon S3, Google Drive, Dropbox, and OneDrive. Keep website and cloud targets as separate sites so files do not land in the wrong place. For hosting, open public_html or the addon domain’s document root before you transfer. A short primer is what FTP is used for.
How does CrossFTP compare with FileZilla or SmartFTP?
CrossFTP aims at multi-protocol work, folder sync, and a scheduler on Windows and macOS. FileZilla is the simpler free client across Windows, macOS, and Linux. SmartFTP is another multi-session option with cloud targets. Choose CrossFTP if you want those extras in one app. See FileZilla setup and SmartFTP setup, plus more articles on the blog index.
FTP Tutorials and How-To Guides
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