Getting Started

Set up FileFortress CLI in minutes and start managing your cloud files

Prerequisites

What you need before getting started

FileFortress Account

Create a free account to sign in and authorize devices.

Create Account

CLI Application

Download and install for your operating system.

Browser Authorization

During setup, the CLI will show a short code to confirm in your browser.

Open device page

Setup Overview

Three simple steps to get started

1

Install CLI

Download and install

2

Sign in

Have your browser ready for authorization

3

Run Setup

One command does it all!

Two ways to set up

Use the desktop app or the command line — same engine, same data

Desktop app (recommended)

Just double-click the FileFortress app you downloaded. The local desktop interface opens right in your browser, and you can complete first-time setup there — sign in, connect cloud storage, and run your first scan, all from a friendly point-and-click experience.

Prefer to launch it from a terminal? Run:

filefortress --gui

Everything runs entirely on your own device — nothing leaves your machine. Add --no-browser if you'd rather open it yourself.

Command line

Prefer the terminal, or scripting and automation? The CLI gives you the same capabilities from a single command. Follow the steps below to install and run setup from your shell.

Continue with the CLI steps

Step 1: Install FileFortress CLI

Windows

Download the .msi installer and run with administrator privileges.

macOS

Download the .pkg installer or use Homebrew.

Linux

Download the .deb/.rpm package or universal binary.

Verify Installation

After installation, open a terminal and run:

filefortress --version

This should display the version number if installation was successful.

Step 2: Sign in to your account

Login Required

You’ll need to sign in to authorize the device code shown by the CLI.

Login to Account

Step 3: Run the Setup Command

New Users: Use This Command!

This is the easiest way to get started. The setup command handles everything in one interactive session.

filefortress setup

What this command does:

Device Initialization

Starts device authorization (short code + browser sign-in)

Security Setup

Configure password and key file (optional)

Cloud Connection

Connect S3, Google Drive, OneDrive, B2, or Local

Initial Scan

Build your search index automatically

Amazon S3

Google Drive

OneDrive

Backblaze B2

Local

Verify Your Setup

Run these commands to verify everything is working:

Check device registration
filefortress device info
List connected remotes
filefortress remotes list
Test search
filefortress search "test"

Setup Complete!

You're now ready to use FileFortress. Start exploring your cloud files!

What's Next?

Continue learning with these resources:

Learn Search Command Reference Quick Recipes