How to Install FileZilla on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

FileZilla, a renowned open-source FTP client, facilitates the seamless transfer of files between computers and remote servers. If you plan to install FileZilla on Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish or its older stable release of Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa, understanding its core features and applications is crucial.

Key Features of FileZilla:

• Cross-Platform Compatibility: FileZilla is accessible on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a versatile choice for users on different platforms.
• Multiple Protocol Support: With support for FTP, FTPS, and SFTP, FileZilla allows users to select the most efficient and secure method for transferring files.
• User-Friendly Interface: The intuitive dual-pane view simplifies local and remote file management for novice and experienced users.
• Drag-and-Drop Functionality: With the drag-and-drop feature, users can effortlessly transfer files between directories.
• Advanced Transfer Options: Features like transfer speed limits, configurable timeouts, and support for different transfer modes enhance the file transfer process.
• Bookmarking: FileZilla enables easy navigation by allowing users to bookmark frequently accessed servers and directories.
• Remote File Search: With FileZilla’s robust search feature, users can swiftly locate files on remote servers.

Applications of FileZilla:

• Web Development: FileZilla is a valuable tool for web developers, simplifying uploading and managing files on web servers.
• Backup & Synchronization: The application is ideal for transferring files for backup purposes, ensuring data is consistently secure.
• File Sharing: For sharing large files or folders, FileZilla is an efficient alternative to email attachments or cloud storage.
• Remote Server Management: System administrators find FileZilla invaluable for accessing and managing files on remote servers.

With its features and versatile applications, FileZilla is a preferred choice for individuals and professionals alike for efficient file management and transfer. The upcoming guide will walk you through the steps to install FileZilla on Ubuntu 22.04 Jammy Jellyfish or Ubuntu 20.04 Focal Fossa, providing a detailed overview of the installation process using apt or Flatpak.

Install FileZilla on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via APT

Step 1: Update Ubuntu Before FileZilla Installation

Before installing FileZilla on Ubuntu, updating your Ubuntu system is essential. This ensures that all existing packages are up-to-date and helps avoid potential conflicts during installation. To update your system, execute the following command:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade 

Step 2: Install FileZilla on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via APT

Two primary methods to install FileZilla on Ubuntu are using the default Ubuntu repository or a PPA (Personal Package Archive). We will discuss both methods below.

Method 1: Install FileZilla with Ubuntu’s Repository

The first method involves installing FileZilla directly from the Ubuntu default repository. This approach is the easiest but may not provide the most recent version of FileZilla. The default repository may lag behind the latest releases, which could include new features and bug fixes.

To install FileZilla from the Ubuntu repository, execute the following command:

sudo apt install filezilla

Method 2: Install FileZilla on Ubuntu with PPA

If you prefer the latest version of FileZilla, consider using a PPA. This method installs FileZilla from the “xtradeb packaging” team PPA, known for providing up-to-date software versions.

First, install the necessary packages for adding a PPA to your system with the following command:

sudo apt install software-properties-common apt-transport-https -y

Next, import the “xtradeb packaging” team PPA by running the following command:

sudo add-apt-repository ppa:xtradeb/apps -y

After adding the PPA to your system, update the package list to reflect the newly imported PPA:

sudo apt update

Finally, install FileZilla using the following command:

sudo apt install filezilla -y

Install FileZilla on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via Flatpak and Flathub

This section explores an alternative approach to installing FileZilla using the Flatpak package manager, a popular choice. Flatpak, unlike conventional installation methods, provides a versatile system for installing applications across various Linux distributions without hassle. When you choose Flatpak to install FileZilla, it creates a self-contained environment for the application, ensuring compatibility and timely updates.

Step 1: Enable Flathub on Ubuntu For Applications (FileZilla)

Before installing FileZilla through Flatpak, you must enable the Flathub repository, a primary source for Flatpak applications. To enable Flathub, execute the following command in your terminal:

sudo flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub https://flathub.org/repo/flathub.flatpakrepo

This command adds the Flathub repository to your Flatpak configuration, ensuring you have access to various applications, including FileZilla.

Step 2: Install FileZilla on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04 via Flatpak Command

With Flathub enabled, you can now install FileZilla using the flatpak install command. Run the following command in your terminal:

flatpak install flathub org.filezillaproject.Filezilla -y

This command installs FileZilla from the Flathub repository, providing you with the latest version of the application.

If your system does not have Flatpak installed, please refer to our guide on How to Install Flatpak on Ubuntu for step-by-step instructions on installing the most recent supported version of Flatpak.

Launching FileZilla with Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

After installing FileZilla, you can launch the FTP client in several ways. This section outlines three methods for launching the FileZilla application.

CLI Methods to Launch FileZilla on Ubuntu

One way to launch FileZilla is through the terminal. Launching through the terminal allows you to view additional information, such as error messages, that may be useful in debugging.

To launch FileZilla through the terminal, enter the following command in your terminal window:

filezilla

Flatpak users can launch FileZilla through the terminal by entering the following command:

flatpak run org.filezillaproject.Filezilla

GUI Method to Launch FileZilla on Ubuntu

For desktop users, launching FileZilla through the terminal may not be practical. Instead, you can launch FileZilla through the application launcher on your desktop.

To do this, follow the steps below:

1. Click on the “Activities” button in the top-left corner of your desktop.
2. Type “FileZilla” in the search bar.
3. Click on the “FileZilla” icon to launch the application.

Getting Started with FileZilla on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

This section will share tips to help you get the most out of FileZilla on Ubuntu Linux. These tips will cover general usage, customization, and other handy features to enhance your FileZilla experience.

FileZilla General Tips on Ubuntu

• Using bookmarks: FileZilla allows you to save commonly accessed remote locations as bookmarks. To create a bookmark, go to Bookmarks > Add Bookmark in the menu. You can specify a local and remote directory and other required connection settings.
• Using the quick connect bar: The quick connect bar at the top of the FileZilla window allows you to enter a server address, username, password, and port for quick access to a remote server. Enter the required information and click “Quickconnect” to establish a connection.
• Managing the transfer queue: FileZilla has a built-in transfer queue that manages all active file transfers. You can view the status of ongoing transfers, pause, or cancel them as needed.

Customization Tips For FileZilla on Ubuntu

• Changing the interface layout: You can customize the layout of the FileZilla interface by dragging the various panels to different positions. Additionally, you can go to View > Layout in the menu to choose from several predefined layouts.
• Modifying the appearance: FileZilla allows you to change its appearance through themes. To select a new theme, go to Edit > Settings, then select Interface > Themes and choose the desired theme from the list.
• Adjusting transfer settings: You can fine-tune various transfer settings by going to Edit > Settings > Transfers. Here, you can set the maximum number of concurrent transfers, limit the transfer speed, and configure various transfer-related options.

Other Tips For FileZilla on Ubuntu

• Using the search functionality: FileZilla offers a search feature that allows you to find files and folders on both your local machine and the remote server. To access the search functionality, go to Server > Search remote files.
• Synchronizing browsing: You can enable synchronized browsing if you have a similar directory structure on your local machine and the remote server. This feature keeps the local and remote directory views in sync as you navigate the directories. To enable synchronized browsing, go to View > Synchronize browsing.
• Setting file and directory permissions: FileZilla allows you to manage file and directory permissions on the remote server. To modify the permissions, right-click the file or directory in the remote file view and select File permissions.

Additional FileZilla Commands with Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

Update FileZilla on Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

While FileZilla updates usually appear in notifications, manually checking for the latest version through the terminal is advisable. The commands you need to check for updates depend on whether you used APT or Flatpak for installation.

APT Method to Update FileZilla on Ubuntu

To check for updates and upgrade your FileZilla installation using the APT package manager, execute the following command in your terminal:

sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade

Flatpak Method to Update FileZilla on Ubuntu

If you installed FileZilla using Flatpak, use the following command to check for updates:

flatpak update

Remove FileZilla From Ubuntu 22.04 or 20.04

If you no longer need FileZilla, uninstall it using the appropriate command based on your original installation method (APT or Flatpak).

APT Method to Remove FileZilla on Ubuntu

When installed, FileZilla adds quite a few dependencies. To keep your system clean and uncluttered, use the autoremove command when uninstalling:

sudo apt remove filezilla

If you installed FileZilla using the Launchpad PPA and do not plan to reinstall the software, remove the PPA using the following command:

sudo add-apt-repository --remove ppa:xtradeb/apps -y

Flatpak Method to Remove FileZilla on Ubuntu

To remove FileZilla and its associated data when installed using Flatpak, run the following command:

flatpak remove  --delete-data org.filezillaproject.Filezilla -y

Closing Thoughts

In this article, we have explored different methods to install FileZilla on Ubuntu Linux, including using the APT package manager, adding a PPA, and employing Flatpak. Each method has its benefits, and you can choose the one that best suits your preferences and system requirements. Keeping your FileZilla application up-to-date and managing it properly will ensure a smooth and efficient experience when working with FTP connections.