Magic Wormhole
Magic Wormhole safely transfers items from one computer to another through a software library and command-line tool.
About Magic Wormhole
Magic Wormhole provides a library and a command-line tool named wormhole to transfer files, directories, and short pieces of text from one computer to another. The sending machine generates a short, human-pronounceable single-use code that is entered on the receiving machine, with tab-completion available for codewords.
It uses a mailbox server and a transit relay maintained in separate repositories. The library supports Python 3.10 and higher, and packages are included in many operating systems.
Key features
- Command-line tool named wormhole for computer-to-computer transfer
- Transfer of arbitrary-sized files and directories
- Transfer of short pieces of text
- Single-use human-pronounceable codes to identify endpoints
- Tab-completion of codewords on the receiving side
- Library for use in other software
Best for: People comfortable with the command line who need to move files, directories, or short text between two computers.
Good for
- Released under the MIT license
- Handles arbitrary-sized files, directories, and short text
- Packages are included in many operating systems
Watch out for
- Both endpoints must use the same single-use code
- Library requires Python 3.10 or higher
- Requires use of a mailbox server and transit relay
Magic Wormhole at a glance
- Category
- Online Tools › File Sharing & Transfer
- Type
- Open-source project
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Open source
- Yes · Source code
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 5, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
Guides for File Sharing & Transfer
Magic Wormhole alternatives
Tools and sites you could use instead, ranked by how closely they match.
Files and other items can be sent between computers with croc, a transfer utility.
Open source
24 alternatives
Sendme transfers files and directories between users using the iroh-blobs protocol.
Open source
24 alternatives
qrcp transfers files over Wi-Fi to a mobile device by displaying a QR code in the terminal.
Open source
24 alternativesqrcp transfers files over Wi-Fi from a computer to a mobile device by displaying a QR code in the terminal.
WebWormhole uses peer-authenticated WebRTC to transfer files between computers.
Open source
24 alternatives
Cross-platform file and folder transfers are handled by Photon, an application built with Flutter and HTTP.
Open source
24 alternativesPopular in File Sharing & Transfer
Well-known listings from the same topic.
Catboxcatbox.moeSnapdropnode-snapdrop.onrender.comDashBeamdashbeam.netUguuuguu.seJustBeamItjustbeamit.comToffeeSharetoffeeshare.com
Magic Wormhole FAQ
How do two computers connect?
The sending machine generates and displays a wormhole code, which must then be typed into the receiving machine. Both endpoints use identical codes.
What can be sent?
Arbitrary-sized files and directories, or short pieces of text.
What is needed to install it?
Packages are included in many operating systems. Without an OS package, follow the Installation docs. The library supports Python 3.10 and higher.
Is something wrong or out of date?
Tell us and an editor will check it.
Own this website?
Claim this listing
Claim the listing and suggest updates yourself. An editor checks every claim first.