I need to find a self-hosted file sharing solution that meets some specific needs. Here’s what I’m looking for:
Public upload links - visitors should be able to drop files into shared directories without accounts
Temporary download links - ability to create download URLs with expiration dates
Split file uploads - must work for guest users to get around proxy upload size limits
Standard file storage - should save files normally on disk instead of using custom database formats
I’ve already tested NextCloud and ownCloud but they don’t handle split uploads for anonymous users. ownCloud’s newer version uses a strange storage method, and Seafile does too. FileBrowser project seems dead now.
Check out Syncany - handles chunked uploads well and uses standard filesystem layout. Public uploads work without registration, though the UI’s pretty bare-bones. I used it for 6 months before switching, but it was solid. Dufs is another option - super lightweight, does anonymous uploads with file splitting. No fancy UI but it works. TinyFileManager’s worth a look too if you don’t mind tweaking it. Not great out of the box, but the code’s simple enough to add temp links. You can hack in split upload support pretty easily if you know PHP.
Skip the file sharing platform headache - just build your own with no-code automation.
I made one using Latenode that covers everything. Webhook catches files from an upload form, processes them with temp URLs through cloud storage APIs, and handles chunking for big files automatically.
You control expiration times, pick your storage backend, and files stay put. Easy to add email alerts, file processing, or connect other tools - no coding required.
Took me 2 hours to deploy for our team. Way better than wrestling with platforms that almost work.
psitransfer’s perfect for this - I’ve been using it for anonymous drops and the temp links work great. Files go straight to disk without any database nonsense. Handles large files through chunked uploads, even for guests without accounts. Super easy setup - just needs nodejs and you’re done.
Have you checked out Pydio Cells? I switched after hitting the same frustrations you’re dealing with. Anonymous uploads work well, and the temporary links are solid. Split uploads handle guest users fine - though yeah, their docs aren’t great. Files sit on the filesystem normally, which was key for my backups. Interface is weird at first but it’s been rock solid for 8 months. SFTPGo’s another good pick if you don’t mind getting technical - lightweight and chunked uploads work perfectly for anonymous users. Both are actively maintained, unlike half the dead projects floating around.