---
title: "Copy files between servers on a Mac"
description: "Copy or move files from one server to another in one step, with nothing to download and re-upload by hand. On one server, the copy runs on the server itself."
url: https://anybucket.app/features/server-to-server
lang: en
---

# Server to server, in one step

Mac to server, server to server and server to Mac are the same gesture: mark the files and press F5. AnyBucket copies on the server when it can, and through your Mac when it has to.

[Open the full demo](https://anybucket.app/try?mode=server-to-server)

- **Copied on the server:** When both panes are on the same server, the copy runs there: **S3 CopyObject**, **WebDAV COPY**, or `cp` over SSH when the account has a shell.
- **Relayed for you:** Between two different servers, files stream through a small, bounded spool on your Mac. There are no temporary files for you to manage.
- **Moves you can trust:** A move copies, verifies, then deletes the original. Nothing is removed before the copy is there.
- **Tested pair by pair:** Every ordered pair of protocols is copied and moved end to end against real servers, with every byte checked.

## The keys

| | |
| --- | --- |
| `Space` | Mark or unmark, then move down |
| `F5` | Copy the marked files to the other pane |
| `F6` | Move the marked files to the other pane |
| `⌘G` | Copy the marked files to… a place you pick |
| `⌥⌘G` | Move the marked files to… a place you pick |

[All keyboard shortcuts](https://anybucket.app/shortcuts)

## Questions, answered

### Do the files pass through my Mac?

Only when the two sides are different servers: then they stream through a small spool on your Mac. On the same server, the copy runs on the server and nothing comes down.

### Can I copy from SFTP to S3?

Yes. Any protocol to any other: SFTP, FTP, FTPS, Amazon S3 and S3-compatible stores, WebDAV and This Mac, in either direction.

### What happens if the connection drops halfway?

The transfer retries on a fresh connection by itself, and the queue survives quitting the app. See [the transfer queue](https://anybucket.app/features/transfer-queue).

## Guides and help

- [Copy files between servers](https://anybucket.app/guides/copy-files-between-servers-mac): Move files from one server to another without downloading and re-uploading them by hand.
- [S3 client for Mac](https://anybucket.app/guides/s3-client-mac): Browse Amazon S3 and every S3-compatible store from your Mac, and copy to and from them with F5.
- [AnyBucket vs Cyberduck](https://anybucket.app/compare/cyberduck): Two panes, commander keys and a ⌘K palette, next to Cyberduck's browser windows.
- [AnyBucket vs Transmit](https://anybucket.app/compare/transmit): Commander keys, ⌘K, jump hosts and two-way sync for $9.99, next to Transmit 5.

## Keep exploring

- [Dual panes and tabs](https://anybucket.app/features/dual-panes)
- [Keyboard-first](https://anybucket.app/features/keyboard)
- [⌘K palette](https://anybucket.app/features/command-palette)
- [Workspaces](https://anybucket.app/features/workspaces)
- [All features](https://anybucket.app/features)

**Buy for $9.99:** https://buy.polar.sh/polar_cl_pCF9yOjezTUaUqMPyUsxEho1EjcOvo6Bk49Q929LQCQ

---

AnyBucket is independent software by [Clever Mechanisms](https://clevermechanisms.dev). It is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Apple Inc. or any storage provider. Independent software in the spirit of Cyberduck and the classic two-pane commanders. Not affiliated with iterate GmbH (Cyberduck). Apple, Mac, macOS, Finder and Quick Look are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries and regions. Amazon S3 is a trademark of Amazon.com, Inc. Other product names are trademarks of their owners. Email support: support@clevermechanisms.dev