FTP Guide

Overview

We highly recommend that you use FTP to upload and download your images, especially if you’re sending us many images at once. Once set up, sending us your images via FTP is as simple as dragging and dropping the required files into a folder on your computer.

Instructions

FTP stands for “file transfer protocol” and is simply a method of transferring files between two computers over the internet.

To transfer files to Pixelz with FTP, you need to download a program called "FTP client". The FTP client program connects your computer to Pixelz FTP server, allowing you to transfer files to us quickly and easily.

Once downloaded, the client program appears as a window on your desktop, with the files on your computer on one side and your files on the FTP server on the other.

To upload and download, you simply drag and drop from one to the other.

Once your images appear on our FTP server, they enter the production process. Likewise, as soon as your images are finished production, they will be placed on the FTP server and ready for you to download.

Using an FTP Client

We recommend you use FileZilla.

FileZilla is a free, open-source FTP client that can be downloaded from http://filezilla-project.org/

FileZilla is available for both Mac and Windows.

1. Downloading and installing FileZilla

Go to http://filezilla-project.org and download the latest version of FileZilla client for your operating system. Follow the on-screen instructions to install.

2. Setting up FileZilla

Launch FileZilla and locate the Host, Username, and Password fields at the top of the window.

For the Host, Username, and Password, use the same credentials in your FTP settings in your Pixelz account by clicking on 'Account Settings' --> FTP. You can leave the Port field empty.  Now click the 'Quickconnect' button.

3. Using the FTP client

The FileZilla client is very simple to use. On the left side, you should see your own computer’s folders (Local site) and on the right, you see the Pixelz FTP server (Remote site).

On the remote site, you will see two folders: ‘Upload’ and ‘Download’.

You can transfer files and folders from your computer to the remote site and vice versa by dragging and dropping them from one to the other.

Uploading Images

When logged in, you will see an upload folder and a download folder. Inside the upload folder, you will find a folder for each specification you have in your account.

To upload images, just drag and drop your files into the folder corresponding to the specification you want to use. You can also upload a folder of images as a subfolder. As soon as the images are uploaded, they will enter our production process, and you will be able to see the order in your online account in 5-10 minutes.  

Once you see the order in your account, simply make a payment online, and your images will be sent to production.

Downloading Images

When you receive an email informing you that your images are ready, just go to the folder called ‘Download’.

Inside this folder, you will find folders that correspond to your specifications.

Inside the relevant specification folder, you’ll find a folder containing your finished images.

If you uploaded a folder of images, the folder will have the same name as the folder you uploaded.

If you didn’t upload a folder, the folder will be labeled with the relevant date.

*All files will be deleted from FTP after 14 days and from the system after 30 days, so make sure you download your images before this time period is up. 

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting Connection Issues

If you experience issues connecting to the Pixelz FTP server or transferring files, the problem is most commonly related to encryption settings, protocol configuration, or timeout settings.

Below are possible causes and recommended solutions to resolve these connection errors.

1. Connection fails due to Encryption or Protocol settings

Common error messages may include:

Follow these steps to resolve the issue:

Option 1: Check your encryption setting

Protocol: FTP – File Transfer Protocol

Encryption: Use explicit FTP over TLS 

Option 2: Try switching to SFTP

If FTPS continues to fail, switch to SFTP instead. 

Protocol: SFTP – SSH File Transfer Protocol

2. Connection timed out after 20 seconds of inactivity

Change the timeout setting, under Settings -> Connection in FileZilla, to increase the connection timeout limit.

Setting the timeout value to 0 will disable the timeout completely.

If you require further information or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact our customer support team at enterprise@pixelz.com or speak directly with your dedicated Customer Success Manager.

Additionally, we would like to encourage you to share your feedback or comments, as they are highly valued and appreciated. Please feel free to leave your feedback in the comment section below.