Add a server

A host is a server you log in to over SSH. Save it once, and AirSCP connects with one click. Only the address is required: the rest has sensible defaults.

Steps

  1. Choose File ▸ New Host… (⌘N), or click + in the toolbar and choose New Host….
  2. Fill in the fields you need (see the table below).
  3. Click Test Connection to log in once without saving (optional).
  4. Click Add.
The New Host sheet
Field What to type
Name A short name for the sidebar, for example web-01. Optional.
Address The server’s host name or IP address. An alias from your ~/.ssh/config works too.
Port Leave it empty for 22, the usual SSH port.
User name Your account on the server. Empty: the same as on your Mac (or what your ssh config says).
Log in with Your keys in ~/.ssh (the default), one key, a key file elsewhere, or Password. See Log in with a key and Log in with a password.
Connect through Another saved host to go through first, for servers behind a bastion. See Connect through a jump host.
Start in folder The folder to show after connecting. Empty: your home folder.
Group A group to sort the host under in the sidebar.

Advanced

Click Advanced for settings most people never change.

The Advanced part of the host sheet
Setting What it does
HTTP proxy Only when your network reaches servers through an HTTP proxy. See Connect through an HTTP proxy.
Keep-alive every How often AirSCP checks that the connection still works: 15 seconds by default. The connection counts as lost after 3 unanswered checks.
Reconnect automatically On by default. When the connection drops, AirSCP connects again by itself. See Stay connected.
Let the server use my ssh agent Off by default. Turn it on only if you use your keys from that server to reach others (agent forwarding).
Server key How AirSCP checks the server’s identity. Ask (default) is right for most people. See Self-signed certificates and corporate networks.
Other ssh options Extra ssh settings, one per line. See Extra ssh settings.

Change, copy or delete a host

  • Host ▸ Edit… changes the selected host. A connected host uses the changes the next time it connects.
  • Host ▸ Duplicate makes a copy, with its tunnels and saved password.
  • Host ▸ Delete… forgets the host and its saved password. AirSCP asks first.
  • Right-click a host in the sidebar for the same commands.

Tips

  • The ? button in the sheet opens this page.
  • Copy the ssh command for a host: Host ▸ Copy ssh Command (⇧⌘C). Paste it into any terminal.
  • A host that other hosts or desktops go through can’t be deleted until they stop using it.