# DirectFileTransfer

> Free, secure peer-to-peer file sharing with end-to-end encryption. No sign-up to start, no file size limits, no cloud storage.

## What is DirectFileTransfer?

DirectFileTransfer is a web-based tool that sends files directly between two devices using WebRTC peer-to-peer connections. Files are never stored on a server or in cloud storage — they go straight from sender to receiver with end-to-end encryption. When a network blocks every direct path, an encrypted relay carries the bytes; it cannot read them.

URL: https://directfiletransfer.com

## Key Features

- **Direct P2P Transfer**: Files transfer directly between devices via WebRTC data channels. No cloud storage. When a network blocks every direct path, an encrypted relay carries them — it can't read them.
- **End-to-End Encryption**: All transfers are encrypted. The server only handles signaling (connection setup), never file data.
- **No Sign-Up to Start**: Create a room and share the PIN or QR code — no account. Signing in with Google is optional and only unlocks reaching your own devices and friends over the internet.
- **No File Size Limits**: Transfer files of any size — limited only by device storage.
- **Multi-File Batch Transfer**: Select and send multiple files at once with automatic queuing.
- **Sender Approval Gate**: The sender must approve each receiver before any connection is established.
- **Identity Verification**: Optional Q&A challenge to verify the receiver's identity before approving.
- **LAN-Speed Transfers**: Devices on the same network transfer at local network speeds.
- **Cross-Platform**: Works on any modern browser — desktop, mobile, tablet. Also available as an installable PWA.
- **Transfer History**: Track sent and received files within a session.
- **Chat**: Built-in encrypted chat between connected peers.
- **Push Notifications**: Nudge your peer when they're away.

## How It Works

1. **Sender creates a room** at https://directfiletransfer.com — gets a PIN and QR code
2. **Receiver joins** by scanning the QR code, entering the PIN, or clicking the shared link
3. **Sender approves** the receiver (with optional identity verification)
4. **WebRTC connection** is established directly between the two devices
5. **Files transfer** peer-to-peer with real-time progress, speed, and ETA

## Use Cases

- Sharing large files (videos, project archives) between your own devices
- Sending files to a colleague sitting nearby without uploading to cloud
- Transferring files in privacy-sensitive contexts (medical, legal, financial)
- Sharing files in low-connectivity environments (same network = LAN speed)
- Quick file exchange at events, meetings, or in-person collaboration

## Comparison with Alternatives

| Feature | DirectFileTransfer | WeTransfer | Google Drive | AirDrop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| No sign-up | Yes | Yes (limited) | No | N/A |
| No file size limit | Yes | No (2GB free) | No (15GB free) | Yes |
| Peer-to-peer | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Cross-platform | Yes | Yes | Yes | Apple only |
| End-to-end encrypted | Yes | No (free tier) | No | Yes |
| Sender approval | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| No cloud storage | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| Works in browser | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |

## Technical Stack

- Frontend: React, TypeScript, Vite, Tailwind CSS
- Backend: Node.js, Express, WebSocket (signaling only)
- Protocol: WebRTC (RTCPeerConnection, RTCDataChannel)
- Hosting: Google Cloud Run
- No database for file storage — file contents are never stored on the server

## Links

- Website: https://directfiletransfer.com
- About: https://directfiletransfer.com/about
- Privacy Policy: https://directfiletransfer.com/privacy
- Blog: https://directfiletransfer.com/blog
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/directfiletransfer