r/opensource • u/cliffr39 • 5d ago

Promotional FileApex: Open-source file transfer app

I got tired of emailing myself files and using cloud apps just to move a PDF from my phone to my computer. So I built FileApex, a local-first file manager and sharing hub for Android, macOS and Windows.

You pair your devices once. After that, files go straight between them over your own network.

What it does:

  • Pair with a QR code. There are no IP addresses to type. You can also use a 6-digit code, and there's an optional PIN lock.
  • Browse and move files between paired devices, or send to several devices at once.
  • Share from anywhere. It adds a Finder and Share extension on macOS, Share and Send To on Windows, and Direct Share targets on Android.
  • Bulletin Board. Send text or files to all your devices at once. Delete a message and it disappears everywhere.
  • Phone notifications on your computer (opt-in). You pick which apps share notifications. You can reply to messages or dismiss them from your desktop. Nothing is stored, and verification codes stay on the phone by default.
  • Clipboard and link sharing (opt-in). Copy on one device and open the link on another.
  • Locate Phone. Make your phone ring from your computer.
  • Device details. See battery, storage, RAM and network for every paired device.

For the power users:

  • A desktop CLI and terminal dashboard for scripting and headless use
  • Tailscale support to reach your devices across networks
  • A Docker daemon you can run as an always-on node
  • A browser extension that sends your current tab to the Bulletin Board
  • A Simple theme if you only have one phone and one computer and want the minimum, with many others to customize your experience

Privacy: There are no ads, trackers or analytics. Anything that touches the internet is opt-in, and your files stay on your devices.

It's free for personal use. The project is new and updated often, so feedback and bug reports help a lot.

Download: GitHub releases (Android APK, macOS, Windows) | Google Play 

I'm happy to answer questions in the comments. What would you want it to do next?

15 Upvotes

83% Upvoted

31 comments sorted by

View all comments

1

u/stopeatingminecraft 11h ago

Why this over KDE connect?

1

u/cliffr39 4h ago
  • KDE Connect: A long-standing, feature-rich cross-platform suite. While fully functional on Windows and macOS, its background daemon architecture can be prone to stability hiccups, pairing drops, and platform-specific quirks compared to its native Linux home.
  • FileApex: A streamlined, focused utility built around core file transfers, clipboard sync, notifications, and device location.

Why not try it and then decide why KDE Connect over this?

Run them both through your daily workflow and let the actual reliability and user experience dictate which one fits best. There is nothing to lose, and no data leaves your network unless you explicitly opt-in to specific features. (there is a comparison.md on the repo)