How to Set Up and Use Fetch FTP Client
Learn how to set up and use Fetch on macOS for secure website file transfers. Configure FTP, FTPS, or SFTP, enter cPanel credentials, create shortcuts, upload and download files, manage folders and permissions, and troubleshoot connection problems.
Fetch
Fetch is a macOS-only FTP client from Fetch Softworks. It supports FTP, FTPS, and SFTP and is built for transferring files to a cPanel-hosted server. Download it from fetchsoftworks.com or the Mac App Store.
Why Choose Fetch?
macOS
Works with Spotlight, Quick Look, and Keychain.
Secure protocols
FTP, FTPS, and SFTP. Prefer FTPS or SFTP. FTP vs SFTP vs FTPS
Shortcuts
Save connections and droplet shortcuts for repeat uploads.
Resume
Resume interrupted transfers, edit remote files, and preview uploads.
Prerequisites
- 1FTP or SSH account: FTP/FTPS uses a cPanel FTP login. SFTP needs SSH. Create an FTP Account
- 2Fetch from fetchsoftworks.com (macOS 10.13+).
- 3Server details: hostname or IP, username, password, port 21 (FTP/FTPS) or 22 (SFTP) unless the host specifies another port.
Download and Install
- Download the official DMG.
- Drag Fetch into Applications.
- Open it from Applications or the Dock. Allow the app if macOS asks.
Configure a Connection
- Open Fetch.
- File → New Connection or ⌘N.
- Hostname, username (complete FTP user such as
user@yourdomain.com, or the SSH user for SFTP), and password. Add the password to Keychain if you want. - Connect Using: FTP, FTP with TLS/SSL, or SFTP.
- Optional: initial folder such as
/public_html, and Passive mode for FTP/FTPS. - Save a shortcut (File → New Shortcut) for reuse.
- Click Connect. Accept a trusted host key or certificate only.
- Drag files to upload or download. Use the toolbar or contextual menu to rename, delete, or change permissions.
cPanel profile: In FTP Accounts click Configure FTP Client and open the Fetch file if your host provides one.
Useful Features
Security
- Prefer FTPS or SFTP. Avoid plain FTP. Securing FTP Transfers
- Store passwords in Keychain.
- Restrict extra FTP accounts to a folder such as
/public_html. - A separately created FTP account does not automatically have SFTP access. Using SFTP with cPanel
Troubleshooting
| Issue | What to try |
|---|---|
| Connection failures | Check hostname, port, username, and protocol. Enable Passive mode for FTP/FTPS. Connection troubleshooting |
| Certificate or host key warnings | Continue only for a trusted server. |
| Slow transfers | Check the network or Preferences → Transfer Options. |
| Directory errors | Confirm the path exists. Directories 755, files 644. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fetch available for Windows or Linux?
No. Fetch is a macOS-only FTP client. On Windows use FileZilla, WinSCP, Cyberduck, or CoreFTP. On Linux use FileZilla or command-line sftp when SSH is enabled. If you move between a Mac and a PC, Cyberduck or FileZilla keep a similar workflow on both. Other options are listed in choosing an FTP client.
Is Fetch free to use?
Fetch is a paid Mac app with a trial from Fetch Softworks or the Mac App Store. The trial is enough to test a cPanel login, FTPS or SFTP, shortcuts, and folder mirroring. Buy it if you want a native Mac client long term. FileZilla and Cyberduck remain free alternatives on macOS if you do not need Fetch’s Shortcuts or droplets.
How do I connect Fetch to a cPanel account?
Choose File → New Connection or press ⌘N. Enter the hostname from your host, the complete username such as user@yourdomain.com, and the password. Set Connect Using to FTP with TLS/SSL for an extra FTP user, or SFTP when SSH is enabled. Turn on passive transfers, set the initial folder to public_html, then save a Shortcut. Create the login with an FTP account in cPanel.
Can an extra cPanel FTP account use SFTP in Fetch?
Usually not. Extra FTP accounts are for FTP or FTPS and do not automatically get SSH. If SFTP on port 22 fails with that username, edit the Shortcut to FTP with TLS/SSL 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.
What are Fetch Shortcuts and droplet shortcuts?
A Shortcut stores the host, username, protocol, and folder so you can reopen the site without retyping. A droplet is a desktop drop target that uploads files to that saved server. Use one Shortcut per site or per extra FTP user. Keep droplets off a shared Mac if they store a password in Keychain. They are handy for repeating the same upload into public_html.
How does Fetch compare with Cyberduck or Commander One?
Fetch is a long-running Mac FTP client with Shortcuts, automatic resume, remote editing, and folder mirroring. Cyberduck is free on Mac and Windows and adds cloud bookmarks. Commander One is a dual-pane macOS file manager with optional paid FTP and cloud features. Choose Fetch for a native Mac workflow. See Cyberduck setup and Commander One setup.
Should I save Fetch passwords in Keychain?
Yes on a Mac only you use. Add to Keychain keeps the FTP or SFTP password out of a notes file. Skip saved passwords on a shared computer. Prefer an SSH key for SFTP when the host allows it. Delete the Shortcut if you sell or hand off the Mac. More hosting articles are on the blog index.
Why can’t Fetch list the server folder?
Check the protocol, complete username, hostname, and port first. Extra FTP users need Passive FTPS more often than SFTP. A firewall that blocks data ports can accept the password and still return an empty listing. Confirm the initial folder exists, then retry. A short overview is what FTP is used for.
FTP Learning Resources and How To Instructions
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