We have several different ways to FTP upload files through our web site. But if your files are too large or of a different type then can be uploaded on our site you'll need another option. There are several different FTP programs available on the market, we recommend FileZilla it's a free FTP solution. Both a "Client" and a "Server" program are available. The "Client" program is the one you'll need. FileZilla is open source software distributed free of charge under the terms of the GNU General Public License. Free is always a good thing, it's easy to install and if you don't like it, you're not out any money. If you do like it there is a PayPal button on the site that takes donations to keep the software updated and available for all to use. We've been using FileZilla for the past 7 plus years and find it a very user friendly software that comes in handy when moving large files.

This tips page will go through the steps of how to use FileZilla to upload files.

Let's start by downloading the free software from FileZilla click here or go to http://filezilla-project.org/index.php. This will take you to the home page of FileZilla, click on the button "Download FileZilla Client - all platforms" and select the file appropriate for your platform from the list. For most people it will be either the first one under Windows (recommended) or one of the two under Mac. Follow the installation instructions and open the software to see the following screen shot.

If you're having trouble with the installation or you want step by step installation instructions go to http://wiki.filezilla-project.org/Documentation

Now that your FileZilla software is installed lets go over some of the basic features to get you familiar with how it works. Let's start with the top line. File, Edit, View, Transfer, Server, Bookmarks and Help. Click on each to see the drop down menus and familiarize yourself with some of the terms. You'll notice under Help there is "Check for Updates" this will keep your software up to date without loosing any of your settings.

The second line is a series of short cut tools to help navigate the software. Hover over an icon to see what features there are.

The third line is the "Quickconnect" consisting of the boxes: Host, Username, Password and Port. You'll need this information to make a connection to a server for uploading or downloading files.

Directly below the Quickconnect bar is the first pane. This shows the status of the message log. When you log onto a server the status pane will let you know when have a connection and when a file has transferred successfully. It will also let you know if you are not logged on or if you have been disconnected. The second icon on the second line tool bar toggles the pane open and closed. I recommend that you leave the status pane open at all times.

In the middle of the page you have four quadrant panes.

The Top Left is labeled "Local site:" which is where you'll navigate to files on your computer. The top pane has a directory tree that is connected to the pane directly below it. If you installed the software correctly you should be able to see the files and folders on your computer.

The Top Right pane is labeled "Remote site:" this displays the files and directories on the server you are connected to. Right now we haven't connected to anything so this side should be blank other then the line "Not connected to any server"

Both panes have a directory tree at the top and a detailed listing of the currently selected files and/or folders contents at the bottom. You can easily navigate either of the trees and lists by clicking around like in any other file manager.

At the bottom of the page is the Transfer Queue panel. This panel lists the to-be-transferred and already transferred files. This is were you'll be able to track the status of your upload.

FileZilla can be used to connect to any server as long as you have the following information, Host, Username and Password. FTP uploads are not just for pictures, many people use FileZilla to update web sites, blogs and file sharing sites. But in all cases you'll still need Host, Username and Password.

To test your connection we'll use two methods the Quickconnect and also the Site Manager. The Quickconnect method is great if you are only accessing the site for a one time upload but if you are going to upload files to the same site again and again you will want to learn how to use the Site Manager to help keep your login information on file and make connections with only a few clicks.

You'll find the Quickconnect tool bar on the third line at the top of the page. Here are connections to our upload test page. Make sure you enter the information exactly as it appears, use copy and past if you're not sure. Enter the following information:

Host: 66.96.134.1

Username: upload_test
(this is character and case sensitive)

Password: Test123!
(this is character and case sensitive)

Port: 21 (not mandatory for a connection)

Click "Quickconnect", The message log status bar at the top of the page will begin a series of connection checks and will end with "Status: Directory listing successful". You'll see in the bottom right quadrant pane a file named Digital_Order_Form.pdf we leave a copy of this file in our upload_test folder so you know you've got a correct connection. Read the information below about uploading and downloading files once you've made a connection. It's as simple as drag and drop.

If you're planning on uploading or downloading files to the same site you'll want to learn how to set up the Site Manager to make it easy to reconnect to the same server.

If you've already connected using Quickconnect then select Copy current connection to Site Manager... in the File menu. The site manager will be opened and a new entry will be created with all the important information already filled in. You will notice that the entry's name is selected and highlighted - you can enter a descriptive name so you can find the server again later (enter something like BWC_uploads_test for example - you can rename it later if you wish). Now close the dialog box by clicking on OK, this will save your information.

The next time you want to connect to this server, you can simply select it in the Site Manager, under File and click Connect.

If you want to add a new site open File/Site Manager to get the dialog box pictured below. You can also click on the first icon on the second line to open the Site Manager dialog box. Click on the "New Site" button (bottom left) and enter a descriptive name for your site, (like BWC_uploads). Make sure the General tab is up front and add the Host information, Port will normally not be necessary but if you want to make sure use "21" for the Port. Server Type choose: FTP - File Transfer Protocol. Login Type choose: Normal. Then fill in the appropriate Username and Password. At the bottom right is a Comments box, this is not necessary to fill out but it's a great place to make notes about your site connection.

To save your information click on OK or if you're ready to connect click on Connect which will also save your information.

Now that you know how to use FileZilla you'll want your own personal Username and Password so no one else will have access to your uploaded files but us. Don't use the test uploads folder to send files because the username and password are available for everyone to use. Please contact us to set up a personal folder that only you have access to. You can call us or e-mail your request for a personal FTP upload username and password.

If you use a personal FTP upload to our server you will need to let us know by e-mail because we don't get any notification that an upload has been made. You'll also need to send your order information along with the upload. You can print out anorder form from our web site and fill it out, fax it in or scan and e-mail it or include the scanned order form file with the uploaded files. It's really important that you include order information when you upload files or we don't know what you want. If you're not sure just give us a call and we'll go over your order on the phone.