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FTP(S) External Locations

An FTP(S) external location defines a reusable connection to a remote server, used to transfer distribution files over FTP. A new connection is created as FTPS by default, encrypting the connection to protect data in transit. Turning off Use SSL/TLS switches it to plain FTP instead, transferring files without encryption.

Create an FTP external location​

  1. In the navigation panel, select the gear icon to open the Administration section.
  2. Select Distribution, then External Locations.
  3. In the Options panel on the right, click Create a new External Location.
  4. Next to Type, select FTP.
  5. (Optional) Turn off Use SSL/TLS to move from FTPS to FTP.
  6. Enter the connection details.
  7. Click Save.

Use for distribution

Once saved, the external location becomes available for use in distribution jobs. Selecting the action Export to External Location from the General tab makes it possible to choose that external location.

FTP external location properties, including Host, Port, Username, Password, Use SSL/TLS, and Passive Mode

FTP(S) connection details​

FTP(S) PropertyWhat it does
DescriptionEnter a meaningful label to identify the connection.
TypeThe protocol used for the connection. Selecting FTP also enables FTPS when Use SSL/TLS is turned on.
HostSpecify the server address, IP or domain, of the remote FTP server.
PortSpecify the communication port. Defaults: 21 for FTP, 990 for FTPS.
UsernameEnter the username for authenticating with the server.
PasswordEnter the password associated with the username.
Base DirectoryOptional Define the root directory for file transfers. Leave blank to use the user's root directory.
Use SSL/TLSEncrypts the connection using TLS, turning it into FTPS, and when turned off, the Host field's prefix updates automatically from ftps:// to ftp://.
Is ImplicitEnable implicit mode for FTPS. Available only when Use SSL/TLS is enabled.
PassiveEnable passive mode so the file server selects the data channel port.
Allow Invalid CertificatesOptional Allow connections to servers with self-signed or expired certificates.
Allow Invalid Certificates

Allowing invalid certificates reduces connection security, and should only be enabled when necessary, such as connecting to a server with a self-signed internal certificate.