Explaining SCP/FTP
In a very simplified explanation, SCP (Secure Copy) is a way of copying files between two computers (including from computer to server) using the SSH (Secure Shell) protocol. FTP (File Transfer Protocol), or SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol), is also a way of transferring files between two computers but using a different technology.
SCP/FTP and The Forge
Some power users on The Forge have asked about SCP/SFTP support on The Forge. We do not, and will not implement this feature.
SCP/SFTP is a security nightmare, and most users would never utilize the feature owing to its inconvenience for the average user. Having such an option would only lead to additional confusion and complication and user error from the majority of the Forge users and would provide no benefits at all when compared to the options we currently already offer.
It is also worth noting that the majority of the user files on The Forge are not simply stored on a specific server, but are instead distributed using The Forge’s unique solution and are thus incompatible with such technologies. Unsurprisingly, most storage providers and cloud services (such as Dropbox, Google Drive, or even Roll20) do not offer SCP/SFTP access to remote files.
Alternatives on The Forge
Here on The Forge, we offer several different upload and download options to simplify the data management process, and replace the need for SCP/SFTP programs. As always, we want to provide the best possible experience for all of our users.
For importing content into your Forge account, our Import Wizard will automate the task and make it as easy as a few clicks.
You can at any time export your worlds and backup your data using our Export functionality and you can even synchronize and backup your assets library to your local game at any time using our Assets Sync feature of the Forge VTT Module.