Sending Files
ErikrafT Drop provides multiple methods for sending files, from simple drag-and-drop to advanced command-line integration. This guide covers all sending methods and best practices for successful file transfers.File Selection Methods
1. Drag and Drop (Recommended)
The most intuitive method for sending files:Supported Content
- Files: Any file type and size
- Folders: Complete directory structures
- Multiple Items: Select multiple files/folders simultaneously
- Mixed Content: Files and folders together
Step-by-Step Process
- Open ErikrafT Drop on both devices
- Select Recipient: Click on the target device
- Drag Files: Drag files/folders onto the browser window
- Drop Content: Release to initiate transfer
- Wait for Acceptance: Recipient must accept the transfer
Best Practices
- Organize Files: Group related files before transfer
- Check Sizes: Large files take longer to transfer
- Network Quality: Ensure stable connection for large transfers
- Recipient Ready: Confirm recipient is available
2. Click to Select
Traditional file selection method:Process
- Click Main Area: Click anywhere in the main interface
- File Dialog: Browser file selection dialog opens
- Select Files: Choose one or more files
- Confirm Selection: Click Open to start transfer
Limitations
- Folder Selection: Not supported in all browsers
- Multiple Selection: Use Ctrl/Cmd+Click for multiple files
- File Types: All file types supported
3. Share Menu Integration
Native operating system integration:Mobile Devices
- Select Files: Use file manager or gallery app
- Share Button: Tap the share icon
- Choose ErikrafT Drop: Select from share menu
- Select Recipient: Choose target device
Desktop Integration
- Windows: Right-click → Send to → ErikrafT Drop
- macOS: Right-click → Share → ErikrafT Drop
- Linux: Context menu integration (if configured)
Transfer Process
1. Recipient Selection
Before sending files, select the target recipient:Device List
- Available Devices: Shows all connected devices
- Device Names: Display names for easy identification
- Connection Status: Shows connection quality
- Paired Devices: Marked with special indicators
Multiple Recipients
- Simultaneous Sending: Send to multiple devices at once
- Individual Transfers: Each recipient gets separate transfer
- Progress Tracking: Monitor each transfer separately
2. Transfer Request
When files are selected, a transfer request is sent:Request Information
Recipient Experience
- Notification: Transfer request notification appears
- File Preview: Shows file names, sizes, and types
- Accept/Decline: User chooses to accept or decline
- Auto-Accept: For paired devices with auto-accept enabled
3. Transfer Execution
Once accepted, the transfer begins:File Preparation
Chunking System
- Chunk Size: 64KB chunks for memory efficiency
- Partition Size: 1MB partitions for progress tracking
- Streaming: Files processed in real-time
- Memory Management: Prevents browser overload
Advanced Sending Methods
Command Line Interface
For power users and automation:Basic Usage
Configuration
URL Sharing
Share links and web content:Process
- Copy URL: Copy link from browser
- Paste: Paste into ErikrafT Drop
- Send: Transfer as text message
- Recipient: Opens link in browser
Supported Content
- Web Pages: Complete URLs
- Search Queries: Search terms as text
- Short Links: Expanded to full URLs
- Local Files: File:// URLs (limited support)
File Types and Handling
Supported File Types
ErikrafT Drop supports all file types:Documents
- PDF: .pdf files
- Office: .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .ppt, .pptx
- Text: .txt, .md, .rtf
- Code: .js, .py, .html, .css, etc.
Media
- Images: .jpg, .png, .gif, .svg, .webp
- Audio: .mp3, .wav, .ogg, .m4a
- Video: .mp4, .avi, .mov, .mkv
- Archives: .zip, .rar, .7z, .tar
Special Files
- Executables: .exe, .dmg, .deb, .rpm
- System Files: Configuration and system files
- Large Files: Limited only by browser memory
- Encrypted Files: Encrypted containers and archives
MIME Type Detection
File Recognition
- Extension-Based: Uses file extensions for type detection
- Default Types: Assigns default MIME for unknown types
- Preview Support: Determines preview capabilities
- Security: Identifies potentially dangerous file types
Transfer Optimization
Large File Handling
iOS Memory Limits
Strategies for Large Files
- Break Down: Split large archives into smaller parts
- Compress: Use compression to reduce file size
- Stable Network: Use reliable network connection
- Patience: Allow sufficient time for transfer
Network Optimization
Connection Quality
- WiFi Preferred: More stable than cellular
- 5GHz Band: Less interference, faster speeds
- Signal Strength: Strong signal improves reliability
- Network Congestion: Avoid peak usage times
Transfer Speed
- Local Network: 50-200+ MB/s possible
- WiFi Networks: 10-50 MB/s typical
- Mobile Data: 1-10 MB/s depending on connection
- Cross-Network: Limited by internet connection
Progress Monitoring
Real-time Feedback
During transfer, both sender and receiver see progress:Progress Information
- Percentage: 0-100% completion
- Transfer Speed: Current transfer rate
- Time Remaining: Estimated completion time
- File Count: Progress for multiple files
Progress Events
Transfer States
Sending States
- Preparing: File preparation and chunking
- Request Sent: Waiting for recipient acceptance
- Accepted: Recipient approved transfer
- Transferring: Active file transfer
- Completed: Successful transfer
- Failed: Transfer error or cancellation
Error Handling
- Network Issues: Automatic retry mechanisms
- Recipient Offline: Transfer queue and retry
- File Errors: Corrupted file handling
- Browser Crashes: Resume capability
Security Considerations
File Security
- No Server Storage: Files never stored on servers
- Direct Transfer: Peer-to-peer encryption
- Malware Scanning: Recipient’s responsibility
- File Integrity: Automatic integrity verification
Privacy Protection
- End-to-End Encryption: WebRTC provides encryption
- No Metadata Tracking: Minimal data collection
- Temporary Connections: No persistent data stored
- Local Processing: All processing on device
Troubleshooting Sending Issues
Common Problems
Transfer Fails to Start
Causes:- Recipient not connected
- Network connectivity issues
- Browser compatibility problems
- File access permissions
- Verify recipient connection
- Check network connectivity
- Try different browser
- Check file permissions
Transfer Interrupts
Causes:- Network instability
- Browser memory limits
- Device going to sleep
- Connection timeout
- Improve network stability
- Close other applications
- Adjust power settings
- Reduce file sizes
Slow Transfer Speeds
Causes:- Poor network quality
- Network congestion
- Distance from router
- Browser performance issues
- Improve network connection
- Reduce network load
- Move closer to router
- Optimize browser performance
Performance Tips
Optimize Transfer Speed
- Use Ethernet: Wired connection is most stable
- Close Applications: Free up system resources
- Update Browser: Latest browser versions perform better
- Restart Network: Refresh network connection
Reduce Transfer Time
- Compress Files: Use compression for large files
- Organize Transfers: Group related files
- Batch Small Files: Combine many small files
- Choose Optimal Time: Transfer during off-peak hours