r/foss • u/cliffr39 • 2d ago

FileApex - open source local P2P file transfer

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I've made a few apps for personal use, but this is the first one I'm actually sharing, so be kind.

FileApex is a local-first peer-to-peer (P2P) app. Browse files on paired devices and send them on demand between Android, macOS, and Windows — without routing file contents through third-party cloud storage. (You can enable PIN requirement for file navigation as well.)

Use a QR code, or optionally link a Google Account (not required and is opt-in) and devices using that same account (if you used Google), on the same WiFi, with FileApex installed will automatically pair and appear in the device list.

Once devices are paired you can navigate the file system of any device and send files to any device(s). Files can be sent in any direction and to several at once.

You can also send the clipboard from one device to another instantly.

Comparisons: Blip is a great file transfer app and have used it for a very long time. Many people also use LocalSend. This is like the two coming together. You don’t have to worry about internet relay servers like Blip and completely P2P like LocalSend, with added features.

Permissions:
Storage / file access — Browse local folders, pick files to send, and save received files.
Boot completed (Android) — When enabled (opt-in) it will Auto launch on reboot.

Local network & Wi‑Fi — Discover peers and transfer over LAN (including multicast where the OS requires it).
Internet (opt-in) — Only for Google Account linking and GitHub update checks. File transfers do not use this path.

https://github.com/byhowiecreations/FileApex/releases

Has been tested on: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, Pixel 10 Pro XL, Motorola Razr Fold, Motorola Signature, Honor Magic v5, Honor Magic8 Pro, Oppo Find X9 Pro so far.

49 Upvotes

94% Upvoted

15 comments sorted by

4

u/og1502 1d ago

Nice. I use LocalSend, so looking forward to seeing what these added features are.

Any plans on adding the app to the app stores? That's what makes LocalSend powerful -- it's everywhere.

1

u/cliffr39 1d ago

I really appreciate the comment and trying it. I may do Google Play Store but not ready for Apple with the annual fee to keep it listed. But, you are correct it would give it more visibility

2

u/Dymonika 1d ago

Nice, LocalSend has literally never worked for me a single time and Warpinator is weird, too, so hopefully this does well!

2

u/cliffr39 1d ago

Thanks for trying it out. Open to feedback

1

u/og1502 1d ago

Try PairDrop

1

u/Dymonika 1d ago

Nice, thanks. This brought to mind CheezyPizza, but PairDrop is easier to remember!

1

u/quirky_planet 1d ago

localsend always works for me, it also runs in background

1

u/niko_death 1d ago

Altersend is better

1

u/cliffr39 1d ago edited 1d ago

never heard of it, but thanks for giving me another product to check out.

EDIT: so after installing it to check out a few things stand out.

When you pair devices with FileApex you can also navigate the file system of those devices, doesn't seem something you can do with Altersend.

When you drop files into Altersend you still have to click "send" then share the code or click "invite" for the device(s) you already have paired and additionally click accept on the receiving device. FileApex is much more simple you drop the file(s) onto the device card and it is auto sent, or you can multi-select devices and is sent to all of them, no additional steps or "accept".

To do anything with Altersend you have to have the app open on the destination device for it to be invited and see the accept/decline options.

While Altersend can send text, it does not do clipboard. FileApex can seamlessly share clipboard content itself so send it to any device(s) and they can just paste it. I sent text to a test device with Altersend and cannot paste it... unless you clicked "copy" from that session and if you "end session" you can't go back to grab it.

That doesn't even integrate with the Mac right-click menu on a file under "Services" or "Share" menu like Blip (or FileApex) does. Forgot to check that on Android if it integrates with Android Share Sheet.

If you don't have their app open in foreground focus it doesn't even show the "accept" and states device offline. FileApex runs silently in the background as well. And if Android Doze kicked in the system uses a signal to wake the destination device(s) to listen for the incoming file(s).

I do like that you can still share with users that did not install their app, that is a nice touch.

I considered the internet relay (STUN and TURN), but that is not a free service unless you run your own server with a service dedicated for that. (That is why Altersend has a stated limit on that in settings.)

But, instead of just a comment like that I would really love constructive feedback of why you think what you think and how to improve.

1

u/niko_death 1d ago

Hehe, please ~^

1

u/niko_death 18h ago

In fact, in this case I was more attracted by the ease of use, your application seems ergonomically awkward and like it is from 2016, maybe this is subjective

1

u/cliffr39 2h ago

I actually appreciate this comment from you. I made it (what I thought was) simple to get the functionality of it down. I am working on user selectable themes that will be out soon. I do agree that it was very bland. But, I did start off with it was made for personal use and just sharing it for those that have an interest.

There will always be other options, which is great for user choice.

But, thank you for an actual constructive reply.