---
title: "Download File with SFTP/FTP"
slug: "using-a-flow-to-download-a-file-via-sftp-ftp"
description: "File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a secure method to transfer files across a network. Some FTP servers allow an anonymous connection, but many require that you enter the user name and password for the FTP server when connecting. Use a flow to download a file from an FTP server, using the authentication information you specify."
updated: 2026-05-22T20:05:49Z
published: 2026-05-22T20:05:49Z
canonical: "documentation.decisions.com/using-a-flow-to-download-a-file-via-sftp-ftp"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://documentation.decisions.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Download File with SFTP/FTP

## Overview

**File Transfer Protocol (FTP)** and **Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP)** are methods for transferring files across a network. While certain FTP servers allow an anonymous connection, the majority require a user name and password for the FTP server when connecting. A Flow can be used to download a file from an FTP or SFTP server once the authentication information has been specified.

## Example

In the following example, a Flow will be built to download a file from an FTP server.

1. In the Designer Project, click CREATE FLOW from the **Global Action Bar** and select **Flow**. Name the Flow and click CREATE.
2. Click the **Done** path of the **Start** step. Navigate to **Integrations > All Integrations > FTP** and select the **Download** step. Click ADD.This example's configuration can be done SFTP, simply replace the Download step with the **Download by SFTP** step**.**![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/image-1779217560047.png)
3. On the **Properties** panel, enter the credentials for the **Host** of the FTP server and the **Username**, and **Password** for the account connecting to the FTP server under the FTP category.The following are additional settings the FTP/SFTP Download step has that can be used based on specific situations: 

| Setting Name | Description |
| --- | --- |
| Get Configuration From Data | Allows the FTP Hostname and Authentication credentials to be mapped in from flow data |
| File Compression | Compressing the data for network transit, used for very large files |
| Proxy Type | Allows the user input their FTP environment proxy settings ![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/image-1779217606948.png) |
4. Click **Unknown** next to the **Output File Name** field under the INPTS category and select **Constant**. Enter the name of the file that will be downloaded. For the **Remote File Path**, enter the path on the FTP server where the file will be downloaded from. This value should be input as a full file path after the hostname; for example, /FileData/exampledoc.txt.
5. Under the OUTPUTS category, in the **file** field, enter a new name for the file once it has been downloaded.![](https://cdn.document360.io/6ef8bcc1-6489-4486-9ad1-83acff7e5df0/Images/Documentation/image-1779217694603.png)
6. Connect the **Done** path to the **End** step. Click **Save** to save changes.

## Debug

1. Click **Debug** from the top action bar.
2. Click START DEBUGGING.
3. If a file is found in the FTP location, it will be downloaded and added to memory and Flow data, not in a local file system.