Start with the handoff.
A CAD package sent to a supplier is not the same job as a scheduled export between servers or a team editing a shared model. “Secure file transfer” is a workflow decision: transport protection is one part, alongside recipient access, storage, availability, and evidence of delivery.
Identify the people and systems involved first. Then compare the controls and operational work each method requires.
Five common approaches
Match the method to the job.
These methods can overlap, but they do not provide the same recipient experience or controls.
| Method | Useful for | What to evaluate |
|---|---|---|
| Browser-based HTTPS services | A person handing finished files to an external recipient. | The browser connection is protected with TLS. Check the service's storage protection, recipient controls, availability window, and delivery visibility separately. SendThisFile fits this workflow: deliver engineering files to clients, suppliers, and partners through a browser-based download process. |
| SFTP | Scheduled transfers and server-to-server workflows with managed accounts or keys. | SFTP transfers files over SSH; it is a different protocol from FTP. Someone must manage server access, keys, permissions, operations, and the recipient workflow. |
| FTPS | An existing FTP-based workflow that needs TLS protection and compatible clients. | FTPS adds TLS to FTP. Certificate handling and protection of both control and data connections matter; firewall and client configuration can add operational work. |
| Cloud collaboration links | A team working in shared folders or repeatedly updating the same material. | Check external-sharing policy, account requirements, link permissions, and who can reshare or retain a copy. Collaboration and one-time delivery are different jobs. |
| Email attachments | Small, routine files that fit the sender's and recipient's mail policies. | Attachment limits and copied versions can make large packages awkward. Transport protection does not give the sender control over an attachment after delivery. |
Terms, without shortcuts
TLS and AES answer different questions.
- TLS protects a connection
- Transport Layer Security protects data moving across a connection. HTTPS uses TLS to protect communication between a browser and a service. It does not, by itself, describe how a stored file is protected or who may download it.
- AES is a cipher family
- The Advanced Encryption Standard defines a family of symmetric block ciphers. AES is often used within systems for encrypted storage or archives; it is not a file-transfer workflow or a recipient-access policy. AES can also be used within TLS to encrypt data in transit; AES and TLS are not competing alternatives.
An algorithm name is not a security assessment. Configuration, key handling, access controls, endpoints, and operational practices also matter. A service naming an algorithm does not prove that its entire transfer workflow is secure.
In SendThisFile Files are encrypted during transfer and while temporarily stored awaiting download. Recipient protections and access availability are separate controls to consider when choosing your plan.
Technical references: TLS specification, NIST AES standard, OpenSSH SFTP documentation, and FTP over TLS specification.
A practical evaluation checklist
Check the whole path, from sender to recipient.
Sender and recipient experience
Can both people complete the handoff with their available devices, accounts, and software? Test the recipient's path, not only the upload.
Transport and temporary-storage protection
Confirm how files are protected while moving and while waiting for download. Ask where protection begins and ends.
In SendThisFile Files are encrypted during transfer and temporary storage awaiting download.
Recipient verification and access controls
Decide who should be able to download, how that person is verified, and whether forwarding a link changes access.
In SendThisFile Recipient protections vary by plan; compare the options your transfer requires.
Expiration and revocation
Check the availability window and whether you can end access sooner. Ending future access cannot recall a copy already downloaded.
In SendThisFile Check when access is scheduled to end in Activity, or end access sooner. This does not remove copies already downloaded.
Delivery and activity visibility
Determine which events are recorded and what they prove. A sent message, an opened link, and a completed download are different signals.
In SendThisFile Activity shows the transfer and its delivery outcome.
Automation versus human handoff
Choose server tooling for a scheduled system workflow; choose a usable recipient experience for a person receiving a project package.
File-size and operational constraints
Check current plan limits, available bandwidth, browser or client requirements, interrupted-transfer behavior, and the time needed to deliver the package.
Organizational compliance and process requirements
Use the organization's approved process. Confirm required agreements, access policy, retention, recordkeeping, and review responsibilities before sending.
Where SendThisFile fits
Choose SendThisFile for the external handoff.
Use SendThisFile to deliver engineering files to a client, supplier, contractor, or partner through a controlled download workflow.
- Files are encrypted during transfer and temporary storage awaiting download.
- Recipient protections are available by plan.
- Activity provides visibility into the transfer and delivery outcome.
- You can end access sooner when the handoff no longer needs to remain available.
SendThisFile is not SFTP/FTPS hosting, CAD co-authoring, version control, real-time synchronization, project management, or native engineering-software integration.
Explore engineeringfile sharing
Common questions
Practical answers before you choose.
How do I encrypt a file transfer?
Choose a transfer method that protects the connection, then verify storage protection and recipient access separately. HTTPS uses TLS; SFTP uses SSH; FTPS uses TLS with FTP. Follow your organization's approved configuration and verify the recipient before sending.
Should I look for AES or TLS when comparing secure file-transfer tools?
They describe different layers. TLS protects a connection. AES is a cipher family that can be used within encryption systems, including storage or archives. They can work together: a TLS connection may use AES to encrypt the data it carries. Neither term alone tells you who can access a file, how long it remains available, or what happens after download.
What should engineering teams check for secure file access?
Start with who needs the file and for how long. Evaluate recipient verification, permissions, expiration, the ability to end access, and activity visibility alongside encryption. Confirm that the chosen controls fit the organization's requirements.
Is online file sharing the same as engineering collaboration?
No. A file handoff delivers a package to another person. Collaboration may involve shared working folders, co-authoring, synchronization, or version control. Choose the workflow that matches the job instead of assuming a transfer service provides collaboration features.
Does SendThisFile provide SFTP or FTPS hosting?
No. SendThisFile's fit here is browser-based external file handoff. It is not SFTP/FTPS hosting, CAD co-authoring, version control, real-time synchronization, project management, or native engineering-software integration.
Ready for an external handoff?
Review the engineering workflow and current plans, or start a transfer.