Simple FTP Tether

Download & Install

Step 1: Download

Download Simple FTP Tether from the Mac App Store

Step 2: Install

Click "Get" or the price button to download and install the app. The installation will complete automatically.

Step 3: Launch

Find Simple FTP Tether in your Applications folder or Launchpad and launch the app. Your 3-day free trial begins automatically.

Step 4: Grant Permissions

When prompted, grant the app permission to access your selected folders. This is required for the FTP server and image gallery features.

Free Trial

Simple FTP Tether includes a 3-day free trial with full access to all features. After the trial period, unlock lifetime access with a one-time purchase.

The trial banner in the app shows your remaining trial time. You can purchase at any time during or after the trial.

Initial Setup

⚙️ 1. Configure FTP Server

• Go to the FTP Settings tab
• Set a username and password for FTP access
• Choose a port number (default: 21, or use a custom port 1024-65535)
• Select a local directory for image storage using the folder picker

2. Start the FTP Server

Click the "Start Server" button in the FTP Settings tab. The server status indicator will turn green when running.

3. Connect Your Camera or Device

Configure your camera or device to connect to the FTP server using:

• Server Address: Your Mac's IP address (displayed in the app)
• Port: The port you configured
• Username: The username you set
• Password: The password you set

4. Import Autocomplete Data (Optional)

For better metadata editing, import a text file with names and keywords. The file should contain one entry per line in plain text format (UTF-8).

Using the Gallery

• Color Code: Click on an image to open details, use number keys 0-9
• Filter: Use the color filter dropdown to show specific color codes
• Hide Reviewed: Temporarily hide images you've already reviewed
• Grid Size: Adjust the size of grid items with the slider
• Slideshow: Click "Start Slideshow" or hover over an image and click play

Slideshow Controls

• Arrow Keys: Navigate between images
• Number Keys (0-9): Assign color codes
• Spacebar: Pause/resume automatic advancement
• i Key: Toggle image details panel
• = Key: Zoom in
• - Key: Zoom out
• z Key: Reset zoom to fit screen
• ESC: Exit slideshow and return to gallery

📷 How to Configure Your Camera for FTP

Select your camera brand below for detailed setup instructions to connect your camera to Simple FTP Tether.

💡 Tips for All Camera Brands

Essential Setup Recommendation

Connection Troubleshooting

• Verify IP Address: Ensure the IP in your camera matches what Simple FTP Tether displays
• Same Network: Camera and Mac must be on the same Wi-Fi network
• Passive Mode: Always enable PASV/Passive mode in camera settings
• Firewall: Check macOS firewall settings allow Simple FTP Tether
• Server Running: Ensure Simple FTP Tether shows "Server Running" (green status)

Transfer Speed Tips

• Use JPEG only for fastest transfer (RAW files are 5-10x larger)
• Connect to 5GHz Wi-Fi when available (faster than 2.4GHz)
• Move closer to your Wi-Fi router to improve signal strength
• Reduce image size/quality settings on camera for faster uploads
• Enable background/concurrent upload if your camera supports it

📖 Need More Help?

These are quick-start guides. For complete step-by-step instructions with screenshots, troubleshooting, and advanced features, refer to:

• Your camera's official user manual
• Manufacturer support websites:
  • Canon: www.usa.canon.com/support
  • Sony: www.sony.com/electronics/support
  • Nikon: www.nikonusa.com
• Simple FTP Tether's in-app Help menu (includes full detailed guides)

⚠️ Common Issues

FTP Server Won't Start

• Check that the port is not already in use by another service
• Verify you have permission to access the selected directory
• Ensure both username and password are set
• Try using a different port number (e.g., 2121 or 8021)

Images Not Appearing

• Verify the FTP server is running (status indicator should be green)
• Check that the directory path is correct
• Ensure images are in supported formats (JPEG, PNG, TIFF, HEIF, RAW)
• Verify file permissions allow the app to read the images
• Try manually adding an image to the folder to test

Performance Issues

• Reduce grid item size for large image collections
• Close other applications to free up memory
• Check available disk space
• Consider archiving older images to reduce database size

Autocomplete Not Working

• Verify the text file format (one entry per line, no empty lines)
• Check file encoding (UTF-8 recommended, UTF-16 supported)
• Ensure file size is under 1MB (approximately 50,000 entries)
• Confirm you've imported the file through the app
• Avoid special characters or formatting - use plain text only

Connection Issues

• Ensure your camera/device and Mac are on the same network
• Check firewall settings aren't blocking the FTP port
• Verify the IP address hasn't changed (especially on WiFi)
• Test connection with an FTP client like FileZilla first

Trial or Purchase Issues

• Trial starts automatically on first launch
• Use "Restore Purchase" if you've purchased on this Apple ID
• Purchases are tied to your Apple ID, not the device
• Check App Store purchase history if restoration fails

Supported File Formats

• JPEG: .jpg, .jpeg
• PNG: .png
• TIFF: .tiff, .tif
• HEIF: .heic, .heif
• RAW: .cr2 (Canon), .nef (Nikon), .arw (Sony), .raf (Fujifilm), .dng (Adobe), .orf (Olympus), .rw2 (Panasonic), .pef (Pentax)