AmigaOS 3.2 gets a native FTP, FTPS and SFTP client with LumiFTP

LumiFTP brings a full-featured native file-transfer client to AmigaOS 3.2, covering the three protocols most users are likely to need: classic FTP, encrypted FTPS and SSH-based SFTP. Rather than being a simple command-driven transfer tool, it is built around a practical graphical workflow with a two-pane file manager, saved server profiles, transfer queue handling and scripting support.

Protocol support

At the basic level, LumiFTP supports standard FTP as defined by RFC 959. Both active and passive transfer modes are available, including PASV mode for systems behind routers, firewalls or NAT setups. This gives the program compatibility with older FTP servers while still supporting the connection style required by many modern networks. For encrypted FTP sessions, LumiFTP adds FTPS support via AmiSSL. It handles both explicit FTPS, where encryption is started with STARTTLS, and implicit FTPS on the traditional secure FTP port 990. Certificate verification is available per profile and is enabled by default, which helps prevent insecure connections from being accepted silently.

SFTP is also supported through libssh2 and AmiSSL. This is especially useful for connecting to Unix, Linux, NAS and hosting systems where SSH-based file transfer is the preferred option. LumiFTP supports both password login and public-key authentication, including RSA, ECDSA and Ed25519 keys.

File management

The main interface follows the familiar two-pane file manager model, with local files on one side and remote files on the other. This layout makes transfers easy to understand and keeps browsing, uploading and downloading in a single view. Sortable columns allow directories to be organised by details such as name, size or date, which is helpful when working through larger folders.

Transfers are managed through a queue, with progress shown for each file. This makes the program better suited to real work than a one-transfer-at-a-time client, especially when uploading website updates, copying batches of files or moving archives between systems.

Server profiles and imports

LumiFTP includes an address book for saved server profiles. Profiles can be arranged into groups, making it easier to keep personal machines, hosted servers, test systems and archive sites separated. For users with more than a handful of connections, this is an important organisational feature rather than just a convenience. Existing profile data can also be brought in from other tools. LumiFTP supports profile import and export using FileZilla XML, AmiFTP Prefs and URL lists. This makes migration easier for users who already have FTP or SFTP connection details stored elsewhere.

Safer transfers and resume support

One of LumiFTP’s more practical features is its handling of interrupted downloads. Files are downloaded using an atomic save method, where data is first written to a temporary .tmp file and then renamed only after the transfer completes. If a transfer is aborted midway, the existing target file is left untouched instead of being overwritten by an incomplete download. Resume support is available for both uploads and downloads. FTP transfers use REST, while SFTP transfers use seek64. The default resume behaviour can be set globally to Ask, Auto or Never, giving users control over whether interrupted transfers should resume automatically, restart from scratch or prompt each time.

Workbench integration

LumiFTP fits into the Amiga desktop rather than behaving like a foreign utility. It can minimise to an AppIcon on the Workbench, keeping long-running transfers or open connections out of the way while still remaining accessible. For users who want automation, LumiFTP provides a full ARexx scripting interface through the port LUMIFTP. This allows transfer tasks to be driven from scripts and integrated with other Amiga applications or custom workflows. The included AmigaGuide documentation covers the program and includes the ARexx reference.

Updates and localisation

The program includes an automatic update check with signature verification. This can optionally run silently when LumiFTP starts, allowing users to keep the client current without manually checking for every new release. Localisation support is included for English and German, making the software immediately usable for a wider AmigaOS audience.

Overall impression

LumiFTP is a capable and well-rounded file-transfer client created by Matthias Muench. Its main strength is not any single feature, but the combination of modern protocol support, safer transfer handling, profile management and automation. For users who want to use AmigaOS for daily file management, website maintenance, server access or network storage, LumiFTP offers a practical native option with the right mix of compatibility and modern security features.

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