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denislupookov/altersend

Cross-platform app for sending files directly between devices over the internet, end-to-end encrypted, with no cloud storage or size limits.

Open-source alternative to:WeTransferDropboxGoogle Drive

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1,872
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116
Open issues
22
Last commit
19 days ago

What is it?

AlterSend is a free, open-source app for sending files directly from one device to another. Files move peer to peer, so nothing is uploaded to or stored on a server, and there is no account signup or file size cap.

To connect, one device shows a join code or QR code and the other scans or types it. Discovery runs over a Hyperswarm DHT, where peers rendezvous on a hash of the code rather than the code itself. Transfers are encrypted with Noise, and each chunk is verified with BLAKE2b. When a direct connection is impossible, traffic falls back to a relay that forwards encrypted bytes it cannot read. Paired devices can later send without a new code.

The project ships desktop apps for macOS, Windows and Linux, mobile apps for iOS and Android, and a browser receiver for recipients who do not want to install anything. It is built with Electron, React Native and Expo.

Key features

  • 01Direct peer-to-peer file transfer with no cloud upload step
  • 02End-to-end encrypted connections with no accounts required
  • 03Join with a code or QR code, and pair devices to skip it later
  • 04Browser-based receiving via a share link
  • 05Relay fallback for peers that cannot connect directly, which can be turned off
  • 06Desktop and mobile apps across macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android

Use cases

  • Sending large video or photo files to someone without a cloud drive
  • Moving files between your own laptop and phone privately
  • Sharing files with a recipient who only has a web browser
  • Avoiding upload limits and storage retention from services like WeTransfer

Quick start

  1. 1

    Clone the repository

    git clone https://github.com/denislupookov/altersend.git
  2. 2

    Enter the project folder and install dependencies

    cd altersend && npm install
  3. 3

    Copy the desktop environment file

    cp apps/desktop/.env.example apps/desktop/.env
  4. 4

    Start the desktop app in development mode

    npm run dev

Things to know

  • Transfers fall back to a relay when both devices are behind symmetric NAT, such as both on a VPN, and the relay is on by default.
  • Developer setup requires Node.js 20+ and npm 10+, and mobile development also needs Xcode or Android Studio.

Topics

#file-transfer#peer-to-peer#end-to-end-encryption#privacy#cross-platform#hole-punching#decentralized#data-transfer#file-sharing#open-source

FAQ

What is altersend?
Cross-platform app for sending files directly between devices over the internet, end-to-end encrypted, with no cloud storage or size limits. AlterSend is a free, open-source app for sending files directly from one device to another. Files move peer to peer, so nothing is uploaded to or stored on a server, and there is no account signup or file size cap.
Is altersend free to use? What license does it have?
altersend is open source under the Other license. Check the license terms before using it in commercial products.
Is altersend still maintained?
Actively maintained. The last commit to altersend was on Oct 1, 2026.
What can I use altersend for?
Sending large video or photo files to someone without a cloud drive Moving files between your own laptop and phone privately Sharing files with a recipient who only has a web browser Avoiding upload limits and storage retention from services like WeTransfer
How do I install altersend?
Clone the repository: git clone https://github.com/denislupookov/altersend.git Enter the project folder and install dependencies: cd altersend && npm install Copy the desktop environment file: cp apps/desktop/.env.example apps/desktop/.env Start the desktop app in development mode: npm run dev
Where can I get altersend?
The source code and installation instructions are on GitHub: https://github.com/denislupookov/altersend

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