File Transfer Glossary
A comprehensive reference for file transfer, cloud storage, and secure file sharing terminology
There are a multitude of technical terms and abbreviations used in the file transfer domain that can lead to confusion and misunderstanding. This file transfer glossary explains the terminology behind the tools you use, in clear, easy-to-understand language.
| Term | Group | Definition |
* | ||
| 256-bit AES and SSL/TLS Encryption | Security & Encryption | A combination of two robust encryption methods that protect data both while it's being transferred (in transit) and while it's stored on a server (known as “at rest”). AES-256 encrypts the file contents using a highly secure key, while SSL/TLS protects the connection between devices during transfer. Together, they ensure end-to-end security for shared files. |
| 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) | Security & Encryption | Two-factor authentication is a security method that requires users to verify their identity with a second step beyond just entering a password. This often involves receiving a unique code via SMS, email, or an authentication app. The user must then enter this code to complete the login or continue with the intended action. Codes from authenticator apps typically refresh every 30 seconds, while email or SMS codes may remain valid for about a minute. |
A | ||
| Access Controls | File Management & User Control | Access controls provide granular permission settings that let you decide who can view, download, edit, or share files. They’re essential for managing access across teams, users, and external recipients, ensuring the right people have the right level of access. |
| Access Token Expiry | File Management & User Control | A feature where temporary access credentials, often for downloads or API calls, automatically expire after a defined time period or usage count, enhancing security. |
| Activity Feed | Collaboration Features | A chronological log of actions taken, such as uploads, downloads, comments, and updates, to keep all participants informed. |
| Ad Hoc File Sharing | File Transfer Methods | A quick way to send files without needing to set up shared folders or accounts think drag-and-drop transfer or temporary upload links. |
| Address Book | File Management & User Control | A built-in list of saved contacts that makes it easy to send files to frequent recipients without retyping emails every time. |
| Administrator | Collaboration Features | Individuals with administrative privileges over a file sharing system, including user management, access controls, branding, and compliance settings. Admins may not actively use the platform to send or receive files but oversee how others do. |
| Advanced Customization via CSS/JS | Customization & Branding | The ability to customize the appearance and behavior of externally facing pages, such as your subdomain, upload, and download pages, using your own CSS or JavaScript. Ideal for professionals and businesses aiming to elevate their branding and user experience, though some technical proficiency is required. |
| Antivirus Protection | Security & Encryption | A safeguard that automatically scans uploaded and downloaded files for viruses, malware, and other threats to ensure harmful content isn’t passed through the system or delivered to recipients. |
| Anywhere Access | Cloud & Storage | The ability to open, download, or share your files from any device or location — as long as you’re connected to the internet. So really, it’s “Anywhere Access (with Internet),” but that doesn’t sound quite as catchy. |
| Application Programming Interface (API) | File Transfer Methods | A set of rules and protocols that let different applications talk to each other. File sharing APIs are often used to send, receive, and manage files automatically — without needing to manually interact with a website or app. |
| Archive | File Management & User Control | Files that aren't actively in use can be stored in a compressed archive, bundling them together to save space or speed up transfers. Archives are also useful for downloading multiple files at once in a single, convenient package. |
| Audit Logs | Compliance & Regulations | Audit-ready logs are comprehensive records of user activity — including uploads, downloads, access events, and modifications — that capture who did what, when, and from where. Designed to meet stringent compliance requirements, these logs include user identity, IP addresses, timestamps, and full access history, enabling traceable and verifiable oversight of file interactions. |
| Automated File Transfer | File Transfer Methods | A system that sends or receives files on a set schedule or when certain conditions are met, without requiring human intervention. It helps streamline workflows and reduce the risk of manual errors. |
| Automatic Download | Specialized Tools and Systems | A tool, script, or app that automatically downloads incoming files, so users don’t have to fetch each one manually. It’s especially useful in workflows where files arrive frequently, or when manual downloads aren’t practical or possible. With Filemail you can use Automatic Download via our native desktop apps available for Windows, Macs, and Linux. |
| Auto-Scaling | Technical Concepts & Infrastructure | The ability of a system to adjust resources like servers or bandwidth, up or down based on demand. This keeps file transfers fast even during traffic spikes. |
| Availability | Technical Concepts & Infrastructure | The degree to which files and systems are accessible and operational when required. High availability ensures minimal downtime and uninterrupted access. |
B | ||
| Backup | Cloud & Storage | The process of creating and storing duplicate copies of data to safeguard against loss, corruption, or accidental deletion. |
| Bandwidth | Network Metrics | The maximum amount of data that can be transmitted over a network connection within a given time frame, typically measured in Mbps or Gbps. |
| Block Downloading | File Management & User Control | A restriction that prevents recipients from downloading shared files, while still allowing them to preview or access them online. |
| Bookmark | File Management & User Control | A saved reference or shortcut to a specific file or location within a file sharing system, allowing quick and repeatable access. |
| Brandable Upload Pages | Customization & Branding | Upload interfaces that can be customized with logos, colors, and other brand elements to match the sender’s identity. |
| Branding & Customization | Customization & Branding | The ability to tailor the visual appearance and user experience of a file sharing platform, including all forward facing end-user pages such as upload and download pages, sub-domain, and communication templates. |
| Browser-Based Upload | Basic Concepts (for New Users) | The ability to upload files directly through a web browser without needing to install any software or application. |
C | ||
| CDN Integration (Content Delivery Network) | Technical Concepts & Infrastructure | Incorporation of a distributed network of servers that deliver content based on the geographic location of users, improving download speed and reliability. |
| Checkpoint Restart | Technical Concepts & Infrastructure | A mechanism that allows interrupted uploads or downloads to resume from the last completed segment, reducing the need to restart transfers from the beginning. |
| Checksum | Security & Encryption | A calculated value derived from a file’s contents, used to verify data integrity. When a file is sent or stored, its checksum can be compared to ensure it hasn’t been altered or corrupted. |
| Chunking | Technical Concepts & Infrastructure | The process of dividing a large file into smaller segments (chunks) for transfer. This improves reliability, allows for parallel transmission, and supports features like resume and checkpoint restart. |
| Client | Technical Concepts & Infrastructure | Software that connects to a server or network to send, receive, or manage file transfers. Clients are the user-side interface in distributed systems, and can be either a dedicated app, or a browser. |
| Client Portals | Collaboration Features | Secure, branded interfaces where external clients can upload, download, or review files. Portals often include file request forms, activity tracking, and customizable access rules. |
| Cloud | Cloud & Storage | A network of remote servers that store, manage, and process data, enabling access to files and services over the internet instead of on local devices. |
| Cloud Drive | Cloud & Storage | A virtual storage environment hosted in the cloud, functioning like a traditional drive to store, organize, and access files online. |
| Cloud Storage | Cloud & Storage | The storage of files on remote servers accessible via the internet, rather than on local devices. Cloud storage serves as both a service model used by platforms like Google Drive for persistent access, and as a technical infrastructure, that enables many file transfer and sharing solutions. It allows for scalable storage, cross-device access, and optional long-term retention, depending on the platform’s design. |
| Cloud-Based File Sharing | Cloud & Storage | The act of sharing files using cloud-hosted platforms, allowing recipients to access or download files via web interfaces or generated links. |
| Cloud-Native | Cloud & Storage | Describes applications or systems specifically designed to operate within cloud environments, optimizing for scalability, reliability, and automation. |
| Collaborate | Collaboration Features | The ability for multiple users to work jointly on shared files or projects, often including permissions, comments, and version control features. |
| Collaborative Review | Collaboration Features | A structured process where multiple stakeholders can comment on, approve, or request changes to shared files. Commonly used in design, legal, and editorial teams. |
| Comments | Collaboration Features | Text-based notes or feedback added to shared files, often used to clarify changes, request input, or guide collaboration without altering the actual content. |
| Comment Notifications | Collaboration Features | Alerts or messages triggered when comments are added to shared files or documents, enabling participants to stay informed and respond promptly. |
| Compliance Standards | Compliance & Regulations | Regulatory or industry rules a file sharing system must follow, such as GDPR, HIPAA, or ISO certifications, to ensure data is handled legally and responsibly. |
| Compression | File Management & User Control | The process of reducing a file’s size to make it faster to upload, download, or store. Compression can be lossless, where no data is removed and the file can be perfectly restored, or lossy, where some data is discarded to achieve higher compression, often at the cost of image, audio, or video fidelity. |
| Confirmation Email | Security & Encryption | Automated messages sent to confirm key transfer events, such as when a file has been successfully uploaded or downloaded. These emails provide reassurance, help track access, and support transparency for both senders and recipients. |
| Congestion | Network Metrics | A slowdown in data transfer speeds caused by heavy network traffic. It occurs when too much information moves through the same network paths at once, reducing performance and increasing latency. |
| Connector | Technical Concepts & Infrastructure | A built-in or add-on integration that links the file sharing system with other tools or platforms (like Google Drive, or enterprise software), enabling smooth data flow. |
| Contact Groups | File Management & User Control | Predefined sets of recipients you can share files with in one click. Ideal for teams, departments, or frequent collaborators to streamline repetitive sharing tasks. |
| Courier | Specialized Tools and Systems | A secure, often professional-grade tool or service used to deliver files with additional control, tracking, or encryption. Especially suited for sensitive or business-critical transfers. |
| Cross-Border Data Transfer (Outside EU/EEA) | Compliance & Regulations | The movement of digital files or personal data across country borders. This is regulated in the EU/EEA due to privacy laws like GDPR. |
| Custom Expiry Date | Customization & Branding | Lets you set how long the shared file link remains active before it automatically becomes inaccessible, useful for privacy or time-limited access. |
| Custom File Transfer Link | Customization & Branding | The ability to tailor the content of the file link. It can be used to create branded or descriptive text within the URL. |
| Custom Pages | Customization & Branding | Personalized pages for each stage of the file transfer, such as sending, receiving, and download pages. You can tailored these pages with your branding, messaging, and layout for a consistent user experience. You can further enrich the download experience with your own media. If you are a tech-wizard, you can even use CSS, and JS to further customize the pages. |
| Custom Promotional Pop-ins | Customization & Branding | Branded banners, messages, or alerts that appear during the upload or download process. They can be useful for promotions, updates, or reinforcing brand presence, but like all interruptions, should be used thoughtfully to avoid frustrating users. |
| Custom Subdomain | Customization & Branding | A branded URL such as yourcompany.filemail.com that hosts your file sharing activity, helps maintain a consistent and trusted brand identity. You use your subdomain to receive files from other people. |
| Customize Maximum Number of Downloads | Customization & Branding | A feature that limits how many times a file can be downloaded. This contributes control and security to file sharing by preventing unlimited access. |
D | ||
| Data Backup | Cloud & Storage | Automatic or manual saving of file copies in secure storage locations to prevent data loss from deletion, corruption, or hardware failure. |
| Data Encryption | Security & Encryption | The process of converting data into unreadable code, unless you have the right key, it will protect your files from unauthorized access. |
| Data Encryption in Transit and at Rest | Security & Encryption | Ensures your files are encrypted both while being sent over the internet (in transit), and while stored on a server (at rest), covering both major risk points. |
| Data Erasure Request | Compliance & Regulations | A formal request to permanently delete personal data, often in line with laws like GDPR, gives individuals control over their information. |
| Data Loss Prevention (DLP) | Security & Encryption | A security strategy and set of technologies used to prevent unauthorized access, sharing, or leakage of sensitive data, often enforced via content inspection and policy controls. |
| Data Processing Agreement (DPA) | Compliance & Regulations | A legally binding document between a company and its service provider that outlines how personal data will be handled, stored, and protected. |
| Data Replication | Cloud & Storage | Copying data across multiple servers or locations to improve reliability, speed, and protection against data loss. |
| Data Sovereignty | Compliance & Regulations | The principle that data is subject to the laws and governance of the country where it is physically stored, important for compliance and privacy. |
| Data Storage Region | Cloud & Storage | Some platforms (like Filemail), let you decide in which geographic region your files are stored, for example you can choose to store files in Europe, US, Asia, etc. This matters for things like speed, regulations, or keeping data close to home. |
| Data Transfer security | Security & Encryption | Measures taken to protect data as it moves between devices or networks, includes encryption, secure protocols, and authentication to prevent interception or tampering. |
| Data Transformation | Specialized Tools and Systems | Changing data from one format to another, such as compressing, encrypting, or reformatting, to meet specific needs or system requirements. |
| Decompression | Specialized Tools and Systems | The act of restoring a compressed file back to its original size and format so it can be used or read as intended. |
| Decryption | Security & Encryption | The process of converting encrypted data back into its readable form, using a key or password, essential for secure communication. |
| Dedicated High-Speed Servers | Technical Concepts & Infrastructure | Servers reserved specifically for handling file transfers, optimized for speed and reliability, especially under heavy load. |
| Defense-In-Depth Model | Security & Encryption | A layered security approach where multiple safeguards are used, such as firewalls, encryption, and access controls, to protect against various types of threats and breaches. |
| DHT (Distributed Hash Table) | Technical Concepts & Infrastructure | A decentralized system used in peer-to-peer networks to locate files without a central server, commonly used in torrenting. |
| Download Files | Basic Concepts (for New Users) | The action of retrieving files from a remote server or cloud storage to your local device for offline use or access. |
| Drag and Drop | Basic Concepts (for New Users) | A user interface feature that allows you to move files from your desktop or folder directly into a web page by clicking and holding the file, then releasing it. |
| DRM (Digital Rights Management) | Security & Encryption | A system of access controls and protections applied to digital files, such as documents, videos, or music, to prevent unauthorized use, copying, or redistribution. |
E | ||
| Elasticity | Technical Concepts & Infrastructure | The ability of a system to automatically scale up or down based on demand, ensuring consistent performance during traffic spikes or heavy usage. |
| Electronic Software Distribution (ESD) | Specialized Tools and Systems | A method of delivering software digitally instead of on physical media, commonly used for licenses, updates, and large-scale rollouts. |
| File Transfer Methods | Using email to send files as part of a message, simple and widely used, but limited by attachment size and less secure than dedicated file transfer systems. | |
| Email Attachments | File Transfer Methods | Files included with an email message, easy to use, but severely restricted in size and lacking in advanced features like tracking or encryption. |
| Email Reminders | File Management & User Control | An automatic notification sent to remind users of various things, such as a shared file will soon expire, or shared file has not been downloaded. |
| Encrypted Data Transfer (HTTPS) | Security & Encryption | The use of secure HTTPS protocol to encrypt data while it is being transmitted over the internet, ensuring confidentiality and integrity. |
| Encryption | Security & Encryption | The process of converting readable data into a scrambled format to protect it from unauthorized access, requires a key to decrypt. |
| Encryption at Rest | Security & Encryption | A security approach combining encryption at rest with user-controlled key management. Files are encrypted while stored on the server, ensuring that even if accessed improperly, they remain unreadable. Uniquely, users can supply and manage their own encryption keys or passphrases, preserving complete ownership and privacy of key material. This dual-layer model strengthens both technical and trust boundaries — aligning with zero-trust principles and compliance regulations. |
| Endgame Mode | Torrent & P2P Specific Terminology | A stage in torrenting where the last remaining pieces of a file are requested aggressively from multiple peers to finish the download as quickly as possible. |
| Endpoint | Technical Concepts & Infrastructure | Any device, such as a computer, phone, or server, that communicates with a network, often the entry or exit point for data transfers. |
| End-to-End Encryption (E2EE) | Security & Encryption | A security method where only the sender and recipient can read the content, data is encrypted on the sender’s end, remains encrypted while stored in the cloud, and only decrypted on the recipient’s side. |
| Ephemeral Storage | Cloud & Storage | Temporary storage that exists only for a short duration, typically during processing tasks. Files are automatically deleted after use, reducing long-term exposure. |
| Event-Driven File Transfer | File Transfer Methods | A system that automatically triggers file transfers based on specific events or conditions, used in workflows that need reliable, real-time automation. |
| Expired Link | Basic Concepts (for New Users) | A file sharing link that no longer works because it has passed its defined expiration time or download limit, and is now disabled. |
| External File Fransfer | File Transfer Methods | Sending files outside your organization or network, often requires added security, tracking, and access controls. |
F | ||
| File Activity Tracking | File Management & User Control | Monitoring who accessed, downloaded, or shared a file, helps with auditing, accountability, and transparency. |
| File Availability | File Management & User Control | Indicates whether a file is currently accessible to download or view, often depends on expiry dates, permissions, or server uptime. It can be set manually to expire after a certain number of days, and extended under certain conditions. |
| File Co-Editing | Collaboration Features | The ability for two or more users to edit the same document simultaneously, with changes synced in real time, common in document-based collaboration platforms. |
| File Fingerprinting | Security & Encryption | The generation of a unique identifier, hash or signature, based on a file’s contents to detect duplicates, verify authenticity, or track unauthorized distribution. |
| File Format / File Type | Basic Concepts (for New Users) | The specific kind of file, identified by its extension (e.g., .pdf, .jpg, .mp4), which tells devices how to open or process it. Filemail enables you to share any type of file. |
| File Hosting Services | File Management & User Control | Online platforms where users can upload and store files for later access or sharing, examples include Dropbox, Google Drive, and Filemail. |
| File Link / Download Link | Basic Concepts (for New Users) | A clickable URL that gives access to a specific file or folder. It may have restrictions like passwords or expiry dates, depending on how it's configured. |
| File Management | File Management & User Control | The process of organizing, storing, accessing, and controlling digital files, includes naming, permissions, folder structure, and versioning. |
| File Name Filters | File Management & User Control | Rules that restrict uploads or downloads based on the file’s name, useful for compliance, organization, or security purposes. |
| File Preview (Image, Video, Audio, File) | File Management & User Control | Allows users to quickly view or play a file without downloading it, helps assess content before taking further action. |
| File Recovery | File Management & User Control | The ability to restore deleted or lost files, often available within a limited time window depending on the platform’s retention settings. |
| File Renaming | File Management & User Control | Changing the name of a file, useful for organization, clarity, or removing unwanted characters before sharing or archiving. |
| File Request | File Management & User Control | A feature that enables you to privately ask others to send you files without needing an account. It is often used to collect documents or submissions. |
| File Sharing | File Transfer Methods | The act of granting others access to files, either through direct links, shared folders, or cloud-based interfaces. Unlike file transfers, file sharing typically implies ongoing or repeat access, version control, and collaborative workflows. It’s suited for team collaboration, recurring access, and updates over time. |
| File Size | Basic Concepts (for New Users) | The amount of digital space a file occupies, usually measured in kilobytes (KB), megabytes (MB), or gigabytes (GB). Larger files take more time to upload or download. |
| File Synchronization | File Management & User Control | Automatically keeping files up to date across multiple devices or locations, changes made in one place reflect everywhere else. |
| File Transfer | File Transfer Methods | The direct transmission of files from one party to another, which can be done through various means like email, cloud services, or specialized software. File transfers are often one-time or transient in nature; files are uploaded, transmitted, and downloaded with typically only temporary storage of the file in the cloud. This differs from persistent file sharing or cloud storage, where ongoing access and collaboration are central. File transfer services prioritize speed, delivery assurance, and expiry-based access. |
| File Upload Form | File Management & User Control | A customizable interface where users can submit files directly to a destination or account, often embedded on websites or portals. |
| Firewall | Technical Concepts & Infrastructure | A security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic, helps block unauthorized access to or from your devices or servers. |
| Flow | Technical Concepts & Infrastructure | A visual or logic-based representation of how files move or actions trigger across a system, often used in automation and integration setups. |
| Flow-Based System | Technical Concepts & Infrastructure | A system where tasks or transfers are executed based on defined flows, ensures clear sequencing and control over data handling and process logic. |
| Folder Structure | File Management & User Control | The hierarchical arrangement of folders used to organize files, helps with clarity, navigation, and access control. |
| Folder-Based System | File Management & User Control | A method of managing files primarily through folders rather than search or tagging, familiar to users of traditional file explorers. |
| Forward Secrecy | Security & Encryption | A cryptographic property where each session uses a unique key, ensuring that past communication remains secure even if long-term encryption keys are compromised. |
| Freeleech | Torrent & P2P Specific Terminology | A torrent rule where downloaders don’t have to upload back to maintain ratio, popular in private trackers to encourage downloads without penalty. |
| FTP | File Transfer Methods | File Transfer Protocol, a standard way to upload or download files from a server. Fast but lacks built-in encryption or modern security features. |
| FTPS | File Transfer Methods | A more secure version of FTP that adds SSL/TLS encryption, used when data sensitivity or compliance requires secure transmission. |
G | ||
| General “Good Practices” (GxP) | Compliance & Regulations | A set of quality guidelines used in regulated industries, like pharma or biotech, to ensure consistent, safe, and compliant operations, including data management. |
| General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) | Compliance & Regulations | A major EU law that governs how personal data is collected, stored, and shared, affects all file sharing systems handling data from EU citizens. |
| Globally Distributed Servers | Technical Concepts & Infrastructure | Servers spread across various geographic regions to reduce latency, improve speed, and enhance fault tolerance in file delivery and access. |
| Group Management | Collaboration Features | Tools that let you organize users into groups for easier sharing, permission control, and communication, useful for teams and departments. |
| Guaranteed Delivery | File Transfer Methods | A feature or service that ensures files are delivered successfully, often with retry logic, acknowledgments, and failover systems in place. |
H | ||
| Hash | Technical Concepts & Infrastructure | A unique string of characters generated from a file’s contents, used to verify integrity and detect changes or corruption. |
| HDS Certification (optional) | Compliance & Regulations | A French certification for secure hosting of health data, important for services dealing with sensitive medical information in France. |
| Headless File Transfer | File Transfer Methods | File transfer automation without a user interface, configured via APIs or scripts, typically for backend or enterprise workflows. |
| HIPAA compliant | Compliance & Regulations | Adheres to the U.S. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, ensures that systems protect personal health data according to strict standards. Filemail can enable entities that work in this field to be HIPAA compliant. |
I | ||
| Immutable Storage | Cloud & Storage | A type of storage that prevents files from being modified or deleted for a specified duration, ensuring compliance with legal hold or retention policies. |
| In-Browser File Sharing | File Transfer Methods | Sharing files directly through a web browser, no need to install apps or clients, making it quick and accessible. You can send large files directly from our home page. |
| Internet Speed | Basic Concepts (for New Users) | The rate at which data is sent or received over your internet connection, typically measured in Mbps. Faster speeds lead to quicker file transfers. |
J | ||
| Jitter | Network Metrics | The variation in delay between data packets arriving, can cause choppy performance in file transfers, especially during real-time streaming or communication. |
L | ||
| Latency | Network Metrics | The time it takes for data to travel from sender to receiver, lower latency means faster response and smoother transfers. |
| Line Speed | Network Metrics | The actual speed at which data is transmitted over a network line, often determines how fast uploads and downloads can happen. |
| Link Revocation | File Management & User Control | The ability to disable or invalidate a previously shared link, manually or through automation, preventing further access to the associated file. |
| Link Sharing | File Transfer Methods | Distributing files via a generated URL, recipients click the link to access the file, no account or login usually required. |
M | ||
| Magnet Link | Technical Concepts & Infrastructure | A type of link used in torrenting that contains file metadata and hash information, lets peers locate the file without a central tracker. |
| Managed File Transfer (MFT) | File Transfer Methods | A secure, controlled approach to file transfer, often includes automation, logging, and compliance tools for enterprise use. |
| Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) | Security & Encryption | A type of cyberattack where a third party intercepts communication between two systems during a file transfer, potentially capturing or altering data in transit. |
| Maximum Transfer Size | File Management & User Control | The largest file size that can be sent in a single transfer, limits may depend on plan type, system architecture, or bandwidth. Filemail enables you to send large files of any size with some of our plans. |
| Maximum Recipients per Transfer | File Management & User Control | The maximum number of people you can send a file to at once, important for campaigns, mass sharing, or team collaboration. |
| Maximum Storage | Cloud & Storage | The total amount of cloud space allocated to store your files, exceeding this limit requires purchasing additional storage, upgrading your plan, or deleting existing data. |
| Mention / Tagging | Collaboration Features | A feature that lets users tag or mention other collaborators, such as @name, in comments or notes to draw their attention to specific content. |
| Metadata | File Management & User Control | Supplementary data describing a file, such as its creation date, author, type, and size. In file sharing systems, metadata is used for indexing, filtering, searching, and preview generation. |
| MIME Types | Technical Concepts & Infrastructure | Standard identifiers that describe the format of a file, such as image/png or application/pdf, used to determine how files should be handled by systems. |
| MTU (Maximum Transmission Unit) | Network Metrics | The largest size of a data packet that can be sent over a network without being fragmented, affects speed and efficiency of file transfers. |
| Multiple Inboxes | Collaboration Features | A feature that allows different upload destinations or interfaces to be managed independently, useful for departments, teams, or client-specific workflows. Each inbox can have its own branding, permissions, or file handling rules. |
| Multiple Sub-Domains | Customization & Branding | Using different branded subdomains, such as upload.company.com or downloads.company.com, for different purposes or departments, helps with organization and branding. |
| Multi-Team Administration | File Management & User Control | Allows separate teams or departments to manage users, permissions, and transfers independently within the same file sharing platform. |
| Multi-Tenant Architecture | Technical Concepts & Infrastructure | A software architecture where a single instance serves multiple customer environments, or tenants, each with isolated data and configurations, common in SaaS file transfer platforms. |
N | ||
| Namespace Isolation | Technical Concepts & Infrastructure | A method of segregating resources, such as file paths, users, or permissions, within a multi-tenant system to ensure strict separation between organizational units. |
| Network Infrastructure | Technical Concepts & Infrastructure | The foundational hardware and software, such as routers, switches, and protocols, that support file transfers and connectivity. |
| Non-Download Notification Email | File Management & User Control | An email alert sent when a recipient hasn’t downloaded a shared file after a set period, useful for follow-ups and ensuring delivery. |
| Notification Settings | Collaboration Features | Customizable options that let users choose when and how they receive updates about collaborative actions, such as uploads, edits, or comments. |
O | ||
| One-Time Links | File Management & User Control | Secure file links that can only be accessed once. After a single download or view, the link becomes inactive, providing an added layer of protection for sensitive transfers. |
| On-Premise Software | Cloud & Storage | Software installed and run on your own servers or hardware, instead of in the cloud, gives more control but requires internal management and maintenance. |
| Overseeded | Torrent & P2P Specific Terminology | When a torrent has too many seeders compared to leechers, can lead to slower sharing incentives since uploaders aren't needed as much. |
P | ||
| Packet Loss | Network Metrics | When data packets don’t reach their destination, can cause interruptions or failures in file transfers, especially over unstable connections. |
| Password Protection | Security & Encryption | Adds a password requirement to access a file link, provides an extra layer of security for sensitive or private content. |
| Peer | Technical Concepts & Infrastructure | In P2P systems, a device or user that both uploads and downloads files. With no centralized server, each peer contributes to the network. |
| Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Sharing | File Transfer Methods | A decentralized method of file sharing where users, or peers, exchange data directly without relying on a central server. |
| Personalized emails | Customization & Branding | Branded or user-specific emails sent as part of the file transfer process, can include names, logos, and messages tailored to the sender or recipient. |
| Physical Security of Data Centers | Security & Encryption | On-site safeguards such as surveillance, biometric access, and disaster protection to prevent unauthorized physical access to servers storing your data. |
| Piece | Torrent & P2P Specific Terminology | A small chunk of a larger file used in torrenting, files are split into pieces for more efficient, distributed downloads from multiple sources. |
| Placeholders | File Management & User Control | Temporary file entries used to reserve space, indicate expected uploads, or maintain file structure when actual files aren’t available yet. |
| Portals | Technical Concepts & Infrastructure | Secure, branded web interfaces where users can upload, download, or manage files, often used by clients or partners for streamlined access. |
| Post-Upload Processing | Specialized Tools and Systems | Automated tasks triggered after a file upload, such as virus scanning, metadata extraction, compression, or format conversion, integrated into the transfer workflow. |
| Premium Support | File Management & User Control | Enhanced customer service tier offering faster response times, extended availability, or specialized assistance. |
| Priority Support | File Management & User Control | A support tier where user issues are moved to the front of the queue, ensures faster handling for time-sensitive or high-impact problems. |
| Programmatic Transfer (API/SDK) | File Transfer Methods | The ability to send or receive files through code, using APIs or software development kits, useful for automation and integration into other systems. |
| Progressive Download | File Transfer Methods | A transfer mode where portions of a file become usable or viewable before the entire file has finished downloading, often used for media previews. |
| Protocol Protection | Security & Encryption | Measures that secure the underlying data transfer protocols, such as HTTPS, SFTP, or FTPS, to prevent attacks or unauthorized access during communication. |
| Provisioning (SCIM) | Technical Concepts & Infrastructure | The automated setup and management of user accounts through SCIM, used for scaling access and permissions. |
Q | ||
| Queue | Torrent & P2P Specific Terminology | A list of files waiting to be downloaded or uploaded in a torrent client, processed in order depending on availability and user settings. |
R | ||
| Ratio Credit | Torrent & P2P Specific Terminology | A system used on private trackers to encourage seeding, users earn credits for uploading and must maintain a good ratio to continue downloading. |
| Real-Time Security Monitoring | Security & Encryption | Continuous surveillance of systems to detect and respond to security threats immediately, helps prevent data breaches or unauthorized access. |
| Receive Files | File Management & User Control | Capability to accept large incoming files, especially useful when clients or external partners need to send big data sets. |
| Recursive | File Management & User Control | A setting that applies actions, such as permissions or transfers, to all files and subfolders within a directory, saves time when managing complex folder structures. |
| Regulatory Compliance (GDPR, HIPAA, ISO27001, SOX, etc.) | Compliance & Regulations | Adherence to legal and industry data protection standards, required for handling sensitive or regulated information. |
| Regulatory Hold | Compliance & Regulations | A mechanism that suspends standard file deletion or modification policies to preserve data for legal investigations, audits, or compliance reviews. |
| Resume Interrupted Transfers | File Transfer Methods | A capability that allows an upload or download to continue from the point of interruption, minimizing the need to restart transfers from the beginning. |
| Retention Policy | Compliance & Regulations | A predefined rule that dictates how long files, user activity logs, or data backups are kept before deletion. Retention policies are critical for compliance and data governance. |
| Role-Based Access | Collaboration Features | A permission system where users are assigned specific roles, such as viewer, editor, or admin, that define what actions they can take within shared environments. |
| Roles/Permission Management | File Management & User Control | The configuration of user roles and access levels to control who can view, edit, share, or manage files within a system. |
| RTT (Round-Trip Time) | Network Metrics | The time it takes for a data packet to travel from the sender to the receiver and back, an indicator of network responsiveness and latency. |
S | ||
| SAML/SSO | Security & Encryption | Security protocols that allow users to authenticate through a single login across multiple platforms, simplifying access and improving compliance. |
| Scheduled Transfer | Customization & Branding | Schedule when your files are actually sent, allowing for timed delivery, useful for coordinating releases or avoiding sending during off-hours. |
| Scraping | Torrent & P2P Specific Terminology | The process of collecting metadata or file availability information from peers in a torrent swarm, used to initiate or optimize downloads. |
| Secure Email Gateway (SEG) | Security & Encryption | A system that filters, encrypts, and monitors outgoing and incoming email communications to enforce security policies and protect against data loss, spam, and malicious attachments in file-related workflows. |
| Secure Link | Security & Encryption | A file sharing URL protected by encryption and access controls such as passwords or expiry settings, ensuring confidentiality and controlled access. |
| Seed / Seeding | Torrent & P2P Specific Terminology | The act of uploading file pieces to other peers after downloading them, contributing to the availability and distribution of the file in a P2P network. |
| Sent & Received Files Management | File Management & User Control | The ability to track, organize, and retrieve records of files that have been sent or received, often including timestamps, recipients, and download status. |
| SFTP Key Rotation | Security & Encryption | The periodic updating of cryptographic keys used for SFTP connections to maintain secure authentication and reduce exposure from long-term key reuse. |
| Share by Email or Link | File Transfer Methods | A file sharing method where recipients receive access via an emailed invitation or a direct URL, commonly used for simplicity and accessibility. |
| Share Ratio | Torrent & P2P Specific Terminology | A metric indicating the ratio of uploaded data to downloaded data by a peer in a torrent network, used to encourage fair data contribution. |
| Shared Branding | Customization & Branding | Branding elements, such as logos and colors, that are visible to both senders and recipients across shared portals or file transfer pages. |
| Shared Folder | Collaboration Features | A folder structure accessible to multiple users, where files can be uploaded, edited, and reviewed collaboratively, often with role-based permissions. |
| Shared Storage | Cloud & Storage | A centralized cloud-based space where multiple users or teams can access, store, and manage shared files collaboratively. |
| Shared Transfer Overview | File Management & User Control | A dashboard or log that provides visibility into all file transfers involving shared files, including sender, recipient, and status details. |
| Shared Workspace | Collaboration Features | A centralized area where multiple users can access, upload, and manage shared files, ideal for ongoing projects with evolving content and team-wide visibility. |
| Simultaneous Connections | Torrent & P2P Specific Terminology | The number of peer connections active at the same time during a torrent session, affects download speed and network efficiency. |
| Storage Capacity | Cloud & Storage | The total volume of data that can be stored in a cloud account or service, usually measured in gigabytes or terabytes. You can increase storage capacity by purchasing more storage, or upgrading your plan. |
| Storage Cleanup | Cloud & Storage | The process of deleting, archiving, or managing files to free up storage space and maintain optimal performance or compliance. |
| Streaming Transfer | File Transfer Methods | A technique that delivers data continuously in real time as it’s being transmitted, allowing recipients to begin viewing or processing the file before the transfer is complete. |
| Subdomains/User Group Management | File Management & User Control | Administration of custom subdomains and user groups within an organization’s file sharing system, enabling separation of access, branding, and permissions. |
| Super-Seeding | Torrent & P2P Specific Terminology | A seeding method where the original uploader distributes file pieces efficiently to minimize duplication and accelerate full file distribution across the swarm. |
| Swarm | Torrent & P2P Specific Terminology | The collective group of peers, seeders and leechers, participating in the sharing of a specific torrent file. |
| System Patching and Vulnerability Management | Technical Concepts & Infrastructure | The routine process of updating software to fix security flaws and reduce exposure to potential cyber threats in the infrastructure. |
T | ||
| Throttling | Network Metrics | The deliberate limitation of upload or download speeds to manage bandwidth usage, prevent congestion, or enforce user-specific limits within shared systems. |
| Throughput | Network Metrics | The actual amount of data successfully transferred over a network in a given time period, reflecting real-world performance rather than theoretical limits. |
| Time-Limited Links | File Management & User Control | Shareable file URLs that automatically expire after a defined period, enhancing security by limiting long-term access and reducing the risk of unauthorized downloads. |
| Tokenized Access | Security & Encryption | A method of granting access using time-limited, signed tokens rather than permanent credentials, commonly used in secure download links and API authentication. |
| Torrent | Torrent & P2P Specific Terminology | A metadata file that contains information about files and trackers, used in peer-to-peer networks to initiate decentralized file downloads. |
| Track Views and Downloads | File Management & User Control | A feature that records who accessed or downloaded files, providing insight into engagement and auditability of shared content. |
| Tracker | Torrent & P2P Specific Terminology | A server that coordinates peer connections in a torrent swarm, helping devices find each other to exchange file pieces. |
| Transfer and Sharing | File Transfer Methods | The combined process of sending files to others and providing access, typically via direct uploads, shared links, or integrated distribution tools. |
| Transfer by e-mail | File Transfer Methods | A method of sending files where recipients receive a link or attachment via email, often with tracking, access control, and expiry options. |
| Transfer Customization | Customization & Branding | The ability to tailor aspects of a file transfer, such as sender identity, branding, expiry settings, and permissions, to align with organizational requirements. |
| Transfer Download Path | File Management & User Control | The specified or default destination on the recipient’s system where downloaded files are saved, often configurable in enterprise environments. |
| Transfer Expiry Date | File Management & User Control | A configurable setting that determines how long a file transfer remains accessible before it is automatically deleted or disabled. |
| Transfer Fields Trimming | File Management & User Control | The automatic removal of unnecessary or invalid characters in input fields during a transfer process to maintain formatting consistency and avoid errors. |
| Transfer ID | File Management & User Control | A unique identifier automatically assigned to each file transfer, used for tracking, support, and audit purposes. |
| Transfer ID Tracking | File Management & User Control | The ability to monitor and reference individual transfers using their unique Transfer ID, enabling precise reporting and issue resolution. |
| Transfer Limits | File Management & User Control | Restrictions set on various aspects of a file transfer, such as maximum file size, number of recipients, or frequency of use. |
| Transfer Manager and History | File Management & User Control | A centralized interface that displays past transfers, statuses, and associated metadata, enabling efficient oversight and record-keeping. |
| Transfer Opening & Download Reporting | File Management & User Control | Analytics and logs detailing when a file transfer was opened or downloaded, by whom, and from where, used for auditing and engagement tracking. |
| Transfer Organization | File Management & User Control | Structuring and categorizing transfers, such as by project, department, or client, to streamline access and file lifecycle management. |
| Transfer Report | File Management & User Control | A downloadable document summarizing the details of a file transfer, including timestamps, recipients, file names, and delivery status, often used for auditing. |
| Transfer Speeds | File Management & User Control | The rate at which files are uploaded or downloaded, typically measured in Mbps or MB/s. It directly impacts transfer duration and overall user experience. |
U | ||
| UDP (User Datagram Protocol) | File Transfer Methods | UDP is a lightweight, transport protocol used to send data quickly without ensuring delivery or order. It’s ideal for time-sensitive transmissions like video streaming or online gaming, where speed matters more than reliability. |
| UDP Transfer Acceleration | File Transfer Methods | A custom-built solution that uses the UDP protocol instead of TCP to increase file transfer speed and reliability, especially over long-distance or high-latency connections. The transfer protocol by Filemail builds on top of and enhances UDP, by including mechanisms such as packet acknowledgment, retransmission, and encryption, ensuring high-speed uploads without compromising reliability. |
| Unlimited Bandwidth | Cloud & Storage | A service feature indicating no imposed cap on the amount of data that can be transferred, allowing for unrestricted file movement. |
| Unlimited Transfers | File Management & User Control | The ability to send or receive an unlimited number of file transfers without quotas or restrictions, often tied to subscription plans. |
| Upload Files | Basic Concepts (for New Users) | The action of sending a file from your device to a remote server or cloud service so it can be stored, accessed, or shared with others. |
| User Account Retention | File Management & User Control | Policies and controls governing how long user accounts and associated data are preserved after inactivity, deletion, or expiration. |
| User Management | File Management & User Control | Administrative capabilities to create, modify, and deactivate user accounts, assign roles, and monitor activity within a file sharing environment. |
| User Permissions Management | File Management & User Control | The process of defining and controlling access levels for users, determining what actions they can perform on files or within the system. |
| Users | Collaboration Features | End participants who interact with the file transfer platform—uploading, downloading, sharing, or commenting on files. Users operate within the boundaries set by Admins. |
V | ||
| Version Control | File Management & User Control | A system that tracks changes to files over time, enabling users to access, compare, or revert to previous versions as needed. |
W | ||
| Watermarking | Customization & Branding | The process of embedding visible or invisible marks (text, logos, metadata) into files to indicate ownership, control unauthorized distribution, or track leaks. Common in media and legal workflows. |
| Web Uploader | File Transfer Methods | A browser-based interface that enables users to upload files without the need for installing any software or plugins. |
| Webflow Asset Management | Specialized Tools and Systems | The process of organizing, optimizing, and updating media files used in Webflow websites, ensuring efficient storage and visual consistency. |
| WebRTC (Web Real-Time Communication) | Technical Concepts & Infrastructure | A browser-based protocol that enables real-time peer-to-peer file transfers, voice, and video communication without requiring external plugins or intermediaries. |
Z | ||
| Zero Trust Architecture | Security & Encryption | A security framework where no user or system is trusted by default, even inside a network perimeter. Every access request must be verified, making it especially relevant to modern file sharing platforms. |
| Zip File / Zipping | Basic Concepts (for New Users) | A compressed version of one or more files bundled into a single archive (often ending in .zip) to reduce size and simplify sharing or downloading. |