Discovering Cyberduck: An Easy-to-Use FTP Client
A Clever Duck Indeed
Recently, I found myself increasingly frustrated with the process of downloading files from Google Drive for burning to disk. Google often compresses files into ZIP folders and even renames some of them, leading to endless confusion. Determined to find a better solution, I did some research and discovered Cyberduck—a highly recommended FTP client that seemed to address my exact needs.
Cyberduck is a libre server and cloud storage browser available for both Mac and Windows. Its user-friendly interface allows seamless connections to servers, enterprise file-sharing platforms, and popular cloud storage services like Google Drive and Dropbox which is ideal for my purposes. This makes it incredibly easy to download, upload, and manage files without the usual headaches associated with cloud-based storage systems.
Despite the software now costing just over £20, I decided to give it a try—and I’m glad I did. Cyberduck has made the task of downloading and organising files for burning much more efficient. It integrates smoothly with various services, enabling me to bypass the issues caused by Google’s compression and file renaming. Given my recent investment in M-Disk format 50GB and 25GB disks, the convenience Cyberduck provides is well worth the expense.
Installing Cyberduck is straightforward, especially for first-time FTP users. Simply double-click the downloaded icon, and the application opens, ready for use. There are no ads, promotions, or plugins required, ensuring a clean and streamlined experience from the start.
Once opened, the main interface displays a central panel showing your local or remote directory, with essential tools and settings conveniently located at the top. Quick links, including bookmarks, recent connections, and Bonjour—Cyberduck’s WebDAV auto-discovery feature—sit on the left side, just below the Open Connection icon. This icon is key to connecting with your desired server or cloud storage service.
Other useful features include the Action icon, which offers file management options, and the Refresh icon, which updates the display to show any recent changes on the server. The Edit icon allows for direct file modifications with auto-upload enabled, ensuring that any changes are instantly saved. If you prefer a personalised workspace, you can even customise the toolbar by navigating to the View tab and selecting “Customize Toolbar.” Adding the Upload, Download, and Transfers icons can further streamline your workflow, I also added the Delete icon to allow me to quickly and easily delete files once downloaded.
Ultimately, Cyberduck has transformed how I manage my cloud storage and file transfers. What began as a search for a solution to a frustrating problem has led to the discovery of an efficient, user-friendly tool that simplifies the entire process. If you often work with cloud storage or FTP transfers, I highly recommend giving Cyberduck a try—it might just save you as much time and frustration as it did for me.