Sending and receiving files
Use DCC transfers with a clear view of connectivity and privacy limitations.
On this page
Direct Client-to-Client, or DCC, transfers send a file directly between users rather than uploading it to an IRC channel. The transfer request includes connection information such as an IP address and port.
Receive a file
Open Window → File Transfers, then select or control-click the pending transfer to see the available actions. Accept files only when you expect them and trust their source; receiving a file is not a reason to run it.
Send a file
Control-click a nickname in the user list and use the Client-to-Client submenu, or drag a file onto that user. The recipient must accept the transfer and be able to reach the listening connection.
Connection problems
NAT, firewalls and carrier-grade NAT can prevent the recipient from connecting to you, whether you use Wi-Fi or a wired connection. Textual's documented behavior attempts automatic port forwarding with UPnP or NAT-PMP, but that depends on the router and network configuration.
If the sender's address cannot be determined, check the transfer settings and the actual network address rather than assuming that restarting will fix it. Do not expose unrelated services when changing firewall or forwarding rules.
The original documentation describes native IPv6 support, with compatibility depending on the other client. Its detailed error descriptions and transfer screenshot are preserved in the legacy DCC guide.
Transfer errors
| Error | What to investigate |
|---|---|
| No open port | Whether Textual can open a listening port and whether the transfer settings conflict with another process |
| Could not read source file | Whether the file still exists and Textual has access to it |
| Unknown source IP address | Address discovery, connection settings, and the network path |
| Connection was disconnected | Cancellation or an interrupted connection |
| Could not establish connection | Reachability, firewall/NAT restrictions, and the sender's advertised address |
Privacy limitations
The documented DCC file transfers are unencrypted. A TLS connection to IRC or an OTR private conversation does not encrypt the separate transfer, and a direct transfer can reveal your IP address to the other person. Choose another suitable transfer method when those limitations do not fit the file you need to share.
Keep reading
Source material
Adapted from the Textual knowledgebase, with related historical details preserved in the legacy library.
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