SyncFolder — Desktop User Guide

SFTP/SSH Server

This location type connects to an SFTP server over an SSH-encrypted connection. It supports both password authentication and private key authentication. After selecting this type from the dropdown and clicking Select drive/folder, a popup opens where you enter the server connection details before browsing its folders.

Connection Details

Fill in the following fields in the popup:

  • Server address — the hostname or IP address of the SFTP server.
  • Port number — the SSH port the server listens on.
  • Account name — the username for the SFTP account.
  • Password — required only if you are not using private key authentication.

Private Key Authentication

If the server requires a private key instead of a password:

  1. Enable the private key option.
  2. Click Browse… to select the private key file.
  3. Enter the passphrase for the key file, if it has one.

When private key authentication is enabled, the password field is not used — the key file and its passphrase (if any) authenticate the connection instead.

Connecting and Selecting a Folder

  1. Once all fields are filled in, click Connect.
  2. SyncFolder connects to the server and shows its folder structure.
  3. Browse the folder tree and select the desired folder, then confirm the selection.

If the connection fails, double-check the server address, port, and credentials. If using a private key, make sure the key file matches the account and that the passphrase is correct.

Changing the Connection Later

You can update the server details or choose a different folder at any time by clicking Select drive/folder again. If the previously entered details are still correct, the popup opens directly to the folder picker.

Related topics: Storage Location Overview · FTP/FTPS Server · Internal, External or Network Drive

Last updated: June 19, 2026