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Guide · Open source

How to use croc: send files between computers from the terminal

Updated · written with AI from the project's own documentation and checked against our catalogue data

croc is a free, open-source command-line tool that copies files and folders from one computer to another. The sender gets a short code phrase, the receiver types it in, and the two machines transfer the data encrypted end to end. This guide shows you how to install croc, send and receive a transfer, and where the browser version fits in.

crocschollz/croc · ★ 40.8k · MIT

Quick start

  1. 1Install croc. Install croc with your package manager, such as brew install croc on macOS or scoop install croc on Windows.
  2. 2Start the send. Run croc send with the file or folder you want to transfer.
  3. 3Share the code phrase. Give the printed code phrase to the person receiving the file through a channel you trust.
  4. 4Receive the transfer. On the other computer, run croc followed by the code phrase.
  5. 5Confirm the files arrived. Check the receiving computer for the files once the transfer finishes.

What croc does and when to use it

croc lets any two computers transfer files and folders directly. According to the project, it connects peer to peer and falls back to a relay when a direct connection is not possible. You do not need to set up a local server, create accounts, or configure port forwarding.

  • Allows any two computers to transfer data (p2p with relay fallback)
  • Provides end-to-end encryption using PAKE
  • Works on Windows, Linux, Mac, and in a browser
  • Allows multiple file transfers and resuming interrupted transfers
  • IPv6-first with IPv4 fallback, and can use a proxy such as Tor

Install croc on macOS, Windows, or Linux

The simplest route is a package manager. The README lists these install commands. Prerequisites are not listed in the source.

If you do not use a package manager, you can download the latest release from the project's releases page and pick the file for your system.

  • macOS with Homebrew: brew install croc
  • Windows with Scoop: scoop install croc
  • Release script: curl https://getcroc.com | bash
brew install croc

Send a file or folder

On the sending computer, run croc send followed by the file or folder you want to send. croc prints the size and a code phrase. Keep the code phrase to yourself until the receiver is ready, since anyone with it can take part in the transfer.

You can list several files or a folder in the same command.

croc send [file(s)-or-folder]

Receive the transfer on the other computer

On the receiving computer, run croc followed by the code phrase the sender gave you. The two machines use the phrase to agree on a secret key through PAKE, which is then used to encrypt the transfer.

The code phrase is only for setting up this transfer. Once it is done, you can start a new send with a new phrase.

croc code-phrase

Use the browser version when you cannot install software

If you cannot install croc on one of the computers, use the browser version at getcroc.com. The README says it is fully compatible with the CLI, so you can send files from the browser to a CLI user or the other way around.

Optional: share a terminal with croc ssh

The README also describes croc ssh, which starts a shared terminal on Linux, macOS, FreeBSD, or OpenBSD. The host receives separate six-word invitations for read/write and read-only participants. This feature is separate from file transfer, so read the README before relying on it.

  • Read/write participants can type; read-only participants see the same output but their input is discarded
  • No SSH daemon, account, public IP, inbound port, or SSH key setup is required, according to the README
croc ssh

What people use it for

  • Sending a file to a colleague without setting up a server or sharing account
  • Moving a folder between a Linux machine and a Windows machine
  • Sending a file to a computer where you cannot install software, using the browser version
  • Transferring files from a terminal session on a remote or headless machine

Frequently asked questions

Is croc free and open source?

Yes. croc is licensed under the MIT licence and its source code is on GitHub. The README does not list any paid tiers.

What do I need to install croc?

The source does not list any prerequisites for installing croc. You can install it with Homebrew, Scoop, the release script, or other package managers listed in the README.

Do both computers need croc installed?

Not if one side uses the browser version at getcroc.com. The README says the browser version is fully compatible with the CLI.

Is croc secure?

croc uses end-to-end encryption. The code phrase is used with PAKE to generate a secret key for the sender and receiver. Keep in mind that the code phrase is the shared secret, so only share it with the intended recipient.

Can croc store files for later download?

No. croc is for direct one-time transfers between two parties. The README does not describe hosted storage, so use a file-sharing service if you need long-term storage.

How does croc compare to magic-wormhole, LocalSend, or Syncthing?

magic-wormhole, LocalSend, and Syncthing are comparable projects. Syncthing keeps folders in sync over time, while croc is aimed at one-off transfers. Compare them against what you need, such as a CLI, a GUI, or ongoing sync.

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Our verdict

croc suits anyone who needs to send files between two computers quickly without a server or account, especially people comfortable with a terminal or using the browser version. If you need long-term hosted storage, ongoing folder sync, or managed and audited transfers, pick a different tool.

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