Linux Mint wants to make it easier to transfer files between Linux computers that share the same network.

To get a file from one PC to another PC at present users might reach for a USB stick; leverage a cloud sync service like Dropbox; or attempt Bluetooth file sending (which I swear never works for anyone).

But sending files over the local network is (usually) a much faster way to fling files between machines — and it’s precisely this use case that Linux Mint’s new tool is built for.

New Linux File Transfer App

Linux Mint's new file transfer app network shares

Linux Mint’s aspiring new app is called (for the moment) “Warpinator“. It’s basically a lot like the GTK file transfer app Teleport we highlighted last summer, just a bit more Mint-y and offering a touch more control.

For a CLI tool that does a similar job, check out Wormhole

Mint says the app is inspired by Giver, an app the distro used to ship with. With the same simple aims in mind the new file sending tool lets users share files over the local network without needing to set up server or tend to any other configuration.

A simple, straight-forward UI guides users through the steps needed to transfer files wirelessly from PC to PC, without any third-party cloud intermediaries, obscure copy/paste codes, or other hurdles.

A small bug focused set of features and settings are available in this Python-based app, including:

  • Accept/deny file transfers
  • Connect to multiple computers
  • File transfer history
  • Set device nickname
  • Designate a receiving folder
  • Specify a port

Simple, concise, useful — does this sound like something you’ll use it? If so, check out the source code upon Github. The app is likely to come pre-installed in Linux Mint 20.

Warpinator is also available to install from Flathub.