How to Setup an FTP Server on Mac
OS X includes a basic FTP (File Transfer Protocol) server, allowing you to easily share files and folders with other computers on your local network. This is set up and configured in the "Sharing" pane in System Preferences, accessible through the Apple menu. The tools found here allow you to share access to your Mac's screen, Internet connection, DVD drive, scanner or printer, as well as to folders on its hard drive.
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Instructions
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Click on the Apple logo at the top left of the screen, and select "System Preferences...". Click on "Sharing" under "Internet & Wireless." Alternatively, hit Ctrl+Space to invoke Spotlight search, type "Sharing" and select "Sharing" in the "System Preferences" section of the results.
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Check the box next to "File Sharing." If you are not logged in as an Administrator, you may have to click the lock in the bottom left of the window and then enter an Administrator's user name and password to allow this.
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Click the "Options..." button, and check "Share files and folders using FTP." Uncheck the boxes for AFP and SMB (Windows) if you will not be using these protocols, and then click "Done."
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Choose the folders to be made accessible over FTP by clicking the "+" button under "Shared Folders," selecting a folder and clicking "Add." Shared folders are marked in the Finder by a banner across the window.
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Set permissions for each shared folder in the "Users:" section. "Read Only" allows the specified user(s) to view but not edit files. "Write Only (Dropbox)" allows them to put files into the folder for you (or for other users with Read access), but not to view the folder's contents. "Read & Write" gives full access to the folder. Click the "+" button to add users to the list so you can set up individual permissions.
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Tips & Warnings
Apple suggest that FTP is used for sharing with Linux and other UNIX systems, and that you use Apple Filing Protocol (AFP) and Server Message Block (SMB) for sharing with Macs and Windows PCs, respectively. These protocols are selected through "Options..." in the File Sharing preferences. This procedure will set up an FTP server accessible over your local network. Making it accessible over the Internet is a longer, more complicated process. See "Macinstruct: How to Turn Your Mac Into an FTP Server" in the Resources section for details.
The instructions here are for Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) or later; the steps for earlier versions may differ.
The file sharing functions of the standard version of OS X are designed to support connections from up to 10 other devices at once. Greater numbers of clients require the server edition of the OS.
References
Resources
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