Please note: This document details how to manually construct direct links to files via ftp:// URLs. We generally recommend that you use SWFT, our web based tool, to send files and create shared folders. You should only use this technique if you have a very specific need that SWFT cannot meet.

One of the great features of an FTP server is the ability to use direct FTP links. With a direct link, you can use links to files and directories in emails and on your websites. Think of this: instead of sending a big attachment in an email, send a link to the file instead.

The format is really simple:

ftp:// username [colon] password [at] server.exavault.com [slash] folder-or-filename

For example: ftp://links:pass@test.exavault.com/transfer.pdf

Here's what you need to know about direct links:

• Don't use your main account username and password for a direct link.
• You need to use ftp:// instead of http://
• Both the username and password are optional.
• Spaces, punctuation and other characters are not allowed in user names, passwords, folder, or file names.
  • Rather, you need to use a % [number] in place of the character:
    • Space: %20
    • @: %40
  • A complete listing can be found at w3schools' URL encoding page.