# Send files & folders directly — no clouds, no limits.

Source: https://help.strongfolder.com/en/
Updated: 2026-11-05

> StrongFolder is a free way to share files and whole folders directly between two browsers. Pick files or a folder, copy the link, and the recipient downloads straight from your device over an encrypted peer-to-peer connection. Nothing is uploaded or stored on a server, and StrongFolder sets no file size limit.

## What is StrongFolder?

StrongFolder is a **peer-to-peer file transfer** tool that works in the browser. Instead of
uploading your files to a cloud and sending a download link, it connects your browser
directly to the recipient's browser with **WebRTC** — the same technology browsers use for
video calls. The files travel from your device to theirs while you keep the tab open.

**Key facts**

- **Free**, no account needed on either side.
- **No upload step**: the download starts as soon as the recipient opens the link.
- **Files are never uploaded to or stored on a StrongFolder server.**
- **No file size limit** set by StrongFolder — send gigabytes or hundreds of gigabytes.
- **Folders stay folders**: subfolders and file names arrive intact, nothing is zipped.
- **Trade-off**: your tab must stay open until the download ends.

## Why send files peer-to-peer?

Cloud transfer services first upload your file to their servers, keep a copy for days, and
cap the size on free plans. A direct transfer skips all three: there is no upload to wait
for, no copy left behind, and no size cap from the service. The trade-off is that both
devices must be online at the same time. Read the full comparison in
[P2P vs cloud file transfer](https://help.strongfolder.com/en/guides/p2p-vs-cloud-file-transfer/).

## Is it secure?

Every WebRTC connection is encrypted in transit with DTLS. If the two browsers cannot reach
each other directly — for example behind a strict corporate firewall — the encrypted stream
goes through a StrongFolder relay server that forwards it without storing it. Details:
[Security & privacy](https://help.strongfolder.com/en/security/).

## Where do I start?

Open the [web app](https://strongfolder.com) in any modern browser, or add the free
[Chrome extension](https://help.strongfolder.com/en/chrome-extension/) to send with one click from the toolbar. For step-by-step
instructions see [How it works](https://help.strongfolder.com/en/how-it-works/), and for every size and browser rule see
[Limits & requirements](https://help.strongfolder.com/en/limits/).

## FAQ

### Is StrongFolder free?

Yes. StrongFolder is free. There are no paid plans at the moment — every feature is available to everyone. Neither side needs an account; signing in with Google is optional and only keeps a list of your transfers.

### Is there a file size limit?

No size limit set by StrongFolder. The practical limits are free disk space on the recipient's device, connection speed, and how long both devices stay online.

### Are my files stored on your servers?

No. Files are never uploaded to or stored on a StrongFolder server. To create the link, the service keeps transfer metadata: file and folder names, sizes and the number of files.

### Do I have to keep the tab open?

Yes. The sender's browser tab must stay open and online until the recipient finishes downloading — files come from the sender's device, not from a server. If you can't stay online, a cloud link is the better tool — see [P2P vs cloud](/guides/p2p-vs-cloud-file-transfer/).

### Can I send a whole folder?

Yes. Folders are sent as folders: subfolders and file names are kept, nothing is zipped. Saving a whole folder with its structure uses the File System Access API: Chrome, Edge, Opera and other Chromium browsers on a computer. Other browsers can download the files one by one or as a ZIP.

### Does the recipient need to install anything?

No. The recipient opens the link in a browser and downloads. Only the sender may choose to use the Chrome extension.