Cloud accounts · FTP and SFTP servers
Should I sign in to SFTP with a password or a private key?
Short answer: A private key is usually stronger if your server supports it; a password is fine otherwise. Choose with Sign in with in the SFTP form. Key files (OpenSSH or PEM) stay on your Mac and are never uploaded.
A private key is generally the stronger choice if your server supports it; a password is fine if that's what your host gives you. Pick one with the Sign in with switch in the SFTP form.
- Password — type it in; the strength meter must reach at least Fair before you can save.
- Private key — click Browse… to choose your key file. Standard OpenSSH key files and PEM files both work. If the key is protected with a passphrase, type it in the field below.
With a key, the key file stays on your Mac and is read from there on each connection — it's never uploaded anywhere.