---
url: /technical/ftp-sftp.md
description: >-
  SFTP transfers files securely over SSH and is the recommended way to access
  your instance filesystem.
---

# SFTP

SFTP transfers files securely over SSH and is the **recommended** way to access your instance filesystem. See [Accessing Files via FTP](/technical/ftp) for how to open ports and enable the service.

Connect using the host and port shown on the **SFTP** card of the **Server Monitor** screen, for example:

```
sftp://public-demo.modlr.cloud:2222
```

## Accounts

Two accounts are provided, each pointing at a different file manager:

* **`sftp_user`** - grants access to the **internal file manager** (the instance filesystem used by processes and the **MODLR Filesystem** datasource).
* **`sftp_web`** - grants access to the **web file manager** (the files used by the web application).

Click the eye icon to reveal a password, or the copy icon to copy it to your clipboard.

## Serving files to custom pages

Files uploaded as `sftp_web` can be loaded by the browser at:

```
https://{instance}.modlr.cloud/assets/external/{file}
```

Use this to add a logo, image or other static file to a [custom page](/custom-pages/). Files uploaded through the [File Manager](/technical/file-manager) or as `sftp_user` go to the internal filesystem, which the browser can't reach.

::: tip Step-by-step guide
[Using Images and Static Files](/custom-pages/images-and-static-files) walks through uploading a file as `sftp_web` and referencing it from a custom page.
:::

## Related

* [Accessing Files via FTP](/technical/ftp) - opening the ports and enabling the service
* [FTPS (Legacy)](/technical/ftp-ftps) - the older protocol, for existing integrations only
* [Using Images and Static Files](/custom-pages/images-and-static-files) - loading `sftp_web` files from a custom page
* [File Manager](/technical/file-manager) - browsing the internal filesystem in the Gateway