We’ve all used FileZilla. It’s one of the most popular FTP App for Windows. It’s powerful, simple to use and most of all, free. But the questions is Do you make the most of FileZilla? Do you know it has many advance features that will save you time and help you become more productive? I intend to touch on a few features in this post.
Remote File Search
(Server > Search Remote Files) This is a really useful feature when working with large applications and sites. When I’m given a Magento site to work on and edit the theme, then for those who know, it can be difficult to find the right file as Magento’s theming is complicated. The solution? Remote file search:
It’s powerful. You can even use RegEX.
Bookmarks
(Bokmarks > Manage Bookmarks) FileZilla bookmarks are a lifesaver. Do you find yourself navigating through a long list of directories to get to a specific folder everytime you connect to the FTP? If so, bookmarks is the answer. It allows you to bookmark a folder on the remote server and go directly the folder in question. I have a bookmark to take me directly to the WordPress theme file on my other site:
/httpdocs/wp-content/themes/theseoahmed
Multiple Connection Tabs
(File > New Tab) Do you ever find yourself switching from one site to another in FileZilla/your FTP client? FileZilla has a neat feature of allowing multiple connections!
*Use it carefully though – You don’t want to overwrite the index.php filr for one site with another’s!
Resume and Transfer of Large Files Over 4GB
Unlike some other FTP apps, FileZilla allows you to upload files over 4GB in size. Now this isn’t normally practical as it could take hours however FileZilla has a neat feature to pause the upload and resume the next time your back on the computer! To set this up:
Click “Transfer” > “Defualt File Exist Action…”
Select “Resume File Transfer” for the “Uploads” dropdown.
Remote File Editing
(Mouse Right-Click > View/Edit) Every wanted to make a quick edit to a site without the hassle of downloading the file, editing it and uploading it back to the server? Maybe you’re on another computer and want to make a quick edit to your site? Remote file editing is the key.
FileZilla’s remote file editing allows you to edit files on your server on the fly. You can select the default editor by
1. Click Edit > Settings
2. Click File Editing on the left
3. Select “Use custom editor” and browse to the .exe file of your editor of choice.
4. Be sure to select “Always use default editor” radio button.
5. Click OK.
So there’s 5 advance features of FileZilla that will make your life easier 😉