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How to install Cyberduck on MacOs and set up SFTP

Cyberduck is a free, open-source FTP/SFTP client for macOS that provides a user-friendly interface for transferring files to and from remote servers. This tutorial will guide you through installing Cyberduck and setting up a secure SFTP connection.

What is SFTP?

SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) is a secure method for transferring files over an encrypted connection. Unlike regular FTP, SFTP:

  • Encrypts all data transfers
  • Uses SSH authentication
  • Protects against eavesdropping
  • Is the standard for secure file transfers

Step 1: Install Cyberduck on macOS

Method 1: Download from Official Website (Recommended)

  • Visit the Cyberduck website:
    • Go to cyberduck.io
    • Click the “Download” button
  • Download the installer:
    • The .dmg file will download automatically
    • Wait for the download to complete
  • Install Cyberduck:
    • Open the downloaded .dmg file
    • Drag the Cyberduck icon to the Applications folder
    • Wait for the copy process to complete
  • Launch Cyberduck:
    • Open Applications folder
    • Double-click Cyberduck
    • If prompted about opening an app from the internet, click “Open”

Method 2: Install via Homebrew

If you have Homebrew installed:

# Install Cyberduck via Homebrew Cask

brew install --cask cyberduck

# Verify installation

open -a Cyberduck

Method 3: Mac App Store

  1. Open the Mac App Store
  2. Search for “Cyberduck”
  3. Click “Get” or “Install”
  4. Enter your Apple ID password if prompted

Step 2: First Launch and Setup

Initial Setup

  1. Open Cyberduck from Applications
  2. Allow network access if macOS requests permission
  3. Donation prompt: You can choose to donate or select “Later”
  4. The main Cyberduck window will appear

Interface Overview

  • Bookmarks panel: Saved connections appear here
  • Toolbar: Connection and file management tools
  • File browser: Shows remote and local files during transfers

Required Information

| Field | Description | Example |

| Server/Hostname | Server IP address or domain | example.com or 192.168.1.100 |

| Username | Your account username | username or user@domain.com |

| Password | Your account password | your-secure-password |

| Port | SFTP port (usually 22), for WP Engine use 2222 | 2222 |

| Path | Initial directory (optional) | /home/username/public_html |