Android app

The Desktop app is a free, open-source macOS and Windows companion to ZenTransfer.io. It has two modes: Upload (push files to ZenTransfer) and Download (pull files from ZenTransfer to a local folder).

Download¶

Get it at zentransfer.io/download/. The same installer covers both modes.

• macOS — /download/macos/
• Windows — /download/windows/

If Windows SmartScreen blocks the install, see Bypass Windows SmartScreen (blog).

Upload mode¶

Push files into ZenTransfer from your computer. The Desktop app uses your ZenTransfer account credentials and runs everything through the same pipeline as camera FTP — metadata template, rename, resize, fan-out.

Use cases:

• SD/CF card ingest — insert the card, select files, the app uploads
• Folder drag-drop — drop a folder; the app uploads everything inside
• End-of-day backup — point the app at the day's working folder; files are pushed to your destinations
• Cameras without FTP — film-scan workflow, action-cam footage, drone footage

The app shows per-file progress and handles retry on transient failures.

Download mode¶

Pull every file arriving at your ZenTransfer account into a local working folder. The app authenticates as you, watches for new files, and writes them to the folder you choose.

Use cases:

• Editor laptop — see Photographer + editor workflow
• 3-2-1 backup at home — local mirror of everything that came in during a shoot
• Offline access — once downloaded, files are available locally even if internet drops
• Local-tool culling — point Photo Mechanic or Lightroom at the download folder

Configuration:

1. Install and open the app
2. Sign in to your ZenTransfer account
3. Pick Download mode
4. Choose a local folder
5. Files begin appearing as they arrive on the server

Choosing a mode¶

You can run the app in one mode per session. To switch, sign out and choose the other mode.

3-2-1 backup at home¶

Combine modes across machines for a 3-2-1 backup:

• Camera FTP → ZenTransfer → Cloud destination (off-site copy)
• Desktop app on home machine in Download mode (local archive)
• NAS or external drive synced from the local archive (separate device)

You end up with three copies (cloud, local, NAS) across two media (cloud + local), with one off-site.

Third-party tool integrations¶

The download folder is the integration point for tools like Photo Mechanic, Adobe Bridge, and Lightroom Classic:

• Photo Mechanic with ZenTransfer (blog)
• Adobe Bridge with ZenTransfer (blog)

Point the tool at the Download mode folder and treat it as your live working directory.

Common issues¶

• Windows SmartScreen warning — bypass instructions in the blog post
• macOS Gatekeeper — first launch requires right-click → Open
• App downloads to wrong folder — check the configured download folder in app settings
• Files arrive at server but app doesn't download — confirm Download mode is active and the app is signed in to the right account
• Sleep / lid-close interrupts download — set the machine to stay awake for long event nights

Related reading¶

• Photographer + editor workflow
• Mobile apps