Knowledge Base

Article 0097

Transferring files in ASCII or Binary mode

You can specify by file extension the file types that should always be transferred in ASCII mode. Auto is the default Data Transfer Type, and sends files in binary mode to and from FTP servers running on MS Windows. For non-Windows servers binary mode is used unless the file matches an entry in the ASCII File List. It is recommended that you leave your Data Transfer Type in Auto.

Remember that Binary mode should be used and ASCII mode avoided since it is incompatible with resuming and file checks that play an important role in reliable transfers. The use of a text editor that supports Unix line endings it is recommended as well.

How To

1. Select Favorites > Edit Favorites from the SmartFTP menu. The Favorites window appears.
2. From the SmartFTP Favorites window select the Favorite of interest. Right click on the Favorite and select Properties. The Properties dialog appears.
3. Under FTP select ASCII / Binary. From the ASCII / Binary tab under Default Transfer Type select the transfer method.
4. To transfer specific file types in ASCII mode, select Use Favorite Settings under the ASCII File List drop-down option.
5. Click on the New button and type in the file extension that will be transferred in ASCII mode under Value.
6. You can also use regular expressions (regexp) for the Type entries. For more information please see
   KB: Regular Expressions
7. Then click on the OK button to save the new extension to the list.

Keywords
ascii, binary, transferring files mode

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