LocalSend For Mac

If you have a Mac and also use any other non-Apple device, you know the pain of trying to transfer something between them without relying on cloud services that send data outside your local network.

LocalSend provides you with a service that functions similarly to AirDrop but works on all major desktop and mobile platforms: macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android. It’s free and open-source, and it allows you to quickly transfer files, media, folders, and text between your devices, over HTTPS.

Once you install LocalSend on a device, it receives a random alias, which will make it recognizable on your local network. This alias can be changed at any time. When sending items, you’ll be able to see all nearby devices, along with their platform and the last digits of their local IP.

You can then select one or more files or folders, or just send a simple text message. When everything’s ready, select the device you wish to send the items to. Said device will receive a notification and can accept or decline the transfer. If Quick Save is enabled, the transfer will be accepted automatically.

You can do more than just send files from one device to another. Multiple recipients can be set up to quickly distribute items, and you can provide a link even to devices that don’t have LocalSend installed. This will be opened in a browser and allows them to download files from a web server, but it doesn’t offer encryption.

Speaking of encryption, you can disable it if you prefer to use HTTP, but there’s little reason to do so. You can turn on Quick Save on any device for quicker transfers, and the app can be minimized to the menu bar on exit. However, you cannot manage transfers without bringing up the main window.

LocalSend works brilliantly, and it’s a godsend for Mac users who own an Android phone or also have a Windows or Linux desktop. It’s very easy to use, resource-friendly, and packs lots of features that allow you to customize how transfers are handled. It’s a must-have in any situation when AirDrop cannot be used.