> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docsdrop.erikraft.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Send Files

> Complete guide to sending files, folders, and text messages using ErikrafT Drop's peer-to-peer system.

# 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

1. **Open ErikrafT Drop** on both devices
2. **Select Recipient**: Click on the target device
3. **Drag Files**: Drag files/folders onto the browser window
4. **Drop Content**: Release to initiate transfer
5. **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

1. **Click Main Area**: Click anywhere in the main interface
2. **File Dialog**: Browser file selection dialog opens
3. **Select Files**: Choose one or more files
4. **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

1. **Select Files**: Use file manager or gallery app
2. **Share Button**: Tap the share icon
3. **Choose ErikrafT Drop**: Select from share menu
4. **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

```javascript theme={null}
{
    type: 'request',
    header: [
        {
            name: 'document.pdf',
            size: 1048576,
            mime: 'application/pdf'
        }
    ],
    totalSize: 1048576,
    imagesOnly: false
}
```

#### 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

```javascript theme={null}
// From network.js lines 729-748
async _sendFile(file) {
    this.sendJSON({
        type: 'header',
        size: file.size,
        name: file.name,
        mime: file.type || mime.defaultMime
    });

    this._chunker = new FileChunker(
        file,
        chunk => this._send(chunk),
        offset => this._onPartitionEnd(offset)
    );
    this._chunker.nextPartition();
}
```

#### 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

```bash theme={null}
# Send single file
erikraftdrop document.pdf

# Send multiple files
erikraftdrop file1.txt file2.jpg file3.pdf

# Send directory
erikraftdrop /path/to/directory/

# Send text message
erikraftdrop -t "Hello world"
```

#### Configuration

```bash theme={null}
# Specify custom server
erikraftdrop -d "https://drop.erikraft.com/" file.txt

# Show help
erikraftdrop -h
```

### URL Sharing

Share links and web content:

#### Process

1. **Copy URL**: Copy link from browser
2. **Paste**: Paste into ErikrafT Drop
3. **Send**: Transfer as text message
4. **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

```javascript theme={null}
// Automatic MIME type detection
mime.addMissingMimeTypesToFiles(files);
```

#### 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

```javascript theme={null}
// From network.js lines 819-822
if (window.iOS && request.totalSize >= 200*1024*1024) {
    this.sendJSON({
        type: 'files-transfer-response',
        accepted: false,
        reason: 'ios-memory-limit'
    });
    return;
}
```

#### 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

```javascript theme={null}
// Progress tracking implementation
_sendProgress(progress) {
    this.sendJSON({ type: 'progress', progress: progress });
}
```

### Transfer States

#### Sending States

1. **Preparing**: File preparation and chunking
2. **Request Sent**: Waiting for recipient acceptance
3. **Accepted**: Recipient approved transfer
4. **Transferring**: Active file transfer
5. **Completed**: Successful transfer
6. **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

**Solutions:**

* 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

**Solutions:**

* 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

**Solutions:**

* 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

This comprehensive sending guide ensures successful file transfers across all supported methods and device types while maintaining security and performance.