AirPipe facilitates secure and seamless file transfers between a terminal and mobile devices through QR codes, eliminating the need for apps or accounts. This process is underpinned by end-to-end encryption, ensuring that files are transferred safely without third-party access.

Key Features

• Simple file transfer: Easily send files from your computer to your phone using a straightforward command line interface. For example:

  airpipe send config.yaml
  

  Generate a QR code for quick scanning, and the file downloads directly to your device.

• Secure encryption: AirPipe employs robust encryption techniques (NaCl secretbox with XSalsa20-Poly1305) to ensure that files are protected during transfer. The encryption key is generated locally and embedded in the URL fragment, which ensures that it never touches the server, providing a zero-knowledge relay.

• User-friendly commands: Utilizing basic commands, users can quickly send or receive files. Sending a file is as simple as:

  airpipe send ./error.log
  

  To receive a file:

  airpipe receive ./downloads
  

• Self-hosting capability: Users have the option to set up their own relay server with minimal configuration. Self-hosting can be done using Docker:

  docker run -p 8080:8080 ghcr.io/sanyam-g/airpipe-relay
  airpipe --relay wss://your-server:8080 send file.txt
  

How It Works

1. The command-line interface (CLI) generates an encryption key locally.
2. This key is embedded in the URL fragment, never transmitted to the server.
3. The file is encrypted on the sending device and streamed securely through the relay service.
4. The receiving device decrypts the file within the browser.
5. The relay service only sees the encrypted data, ensuring a strict zero-knowledge policy.

AirPipe provides a streamlined solution for privacy-conscious users seeking efficient file transfers without the complications of traditional methods.