files download
Download a File to Local Storage
Pull an individual file from any connected remote down to your device. The file is saved into a
downloads folder next to your FileFortress database, mirroring the
file's folder layout on the remote so it's easy to find. Works with Google Drive, OneDrive, AWS S3,
Backblaze B2, and Local remotes.
Syntax
filefortress files download <remote> <file> [options]
remote: Name (or ID) of the remote to download from.
file: Path of the file on the remote, exactly as shown by filefortress ls or filefortress search. The remote must have been scanned first.
Options
| Option | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
-d, --destination |
Folder to download into. Defaults to a downloads folder next to the database. |
--destination ~/Downloads |
--overwrite |
Replace the local file if it already exists. | --overwrite |
--non-interactive |
Run in script mode — fail rather than prompt for a missing remote or file. | --non-interactive |
Where Files Land
Unless you pass --destination, files go into a
downloads folder next to your FileFortress database, organized by
remote and mirroring the remote's folder structure:
downloads/<remote-name>/<same path as on the remote>
For example, downloading photos/2024/trip.jpg from a remote named
myS3 saves it to downloads/myS3/photos/2024/trip.jpg.
Encrypted remotes
Files on RClone Crypt encrypted remotes are decrypted automatically as they download, and the password you configured never leaves your machine. Remotes using FileFortress's own AES-256-CBC encryption can still be browsed and searched; downloading their decrypted contents is coming in a future release.
Examples
Download a file from an S3 remote:
filefortress files download myS3 photos/2024/trip.jpg
Download into a specific folder, replacing any existing copy:
filefortress files download gdrive "Reports/Q3.pdf" --destination ~/Downloads --overwrite
Pick the remote and file interactively:
filefortress files download
With no arguments, FileFortress prompts you to choose a remote and enter the file path. You can also download straight from the file detail view while browsing with filefortress ls.
Prefer the desktop app?
Open the desktop GUI (filefortress --gui or double-click the app), select a file in the explorer, and click Download in its details pane.