Photon
Cross-platform file and folder transfers are handled by Photon, an application built with Flutter and HTTP.
About Photon
Photon is a file and folder transfer application built with Flutter that uses HTTP to transfer files between devices running Photon. It preserves folder structure including sub-directories on the receiver, supports selecting multiple files, and can share raw text to save as a txt file or copy to clipboard.
Both devices must be connected to the same router or via mobile hotspot on the same local area network, and no internet connection is required. Version 3.0.0 or above supports HTTPS with token-based validation; older versions use a secret code in the URL path and remain vulnerable to brute-force attack, so use within trusted networks is advised.
Key features
- Preserves entire folder structure including sub-directories on receiver
- Transfers files between devices running Photon over HTTP
- Pick and send multiple files in one transfer
- Share raw text and save as txt or copy to clipboard
- Works over same router or mobile hotspot without internet
- Editable file saving location, defaults to Download/Photon
Best for: People who need to transfer files and folders between their own Android, Windows, Linux, and macOS devices on a local network.
Good for
- Works without an internet connection over a local network or hotspot
- Preserves entire folder structure including sub-directories on the receiver
- File saving location can be edited by the user
Watch out for
- All participating devices must run Photon to send or receive files
- Devices must be on the same local network via router or hotspot
- Versions before v3.0.0 lack HTTPS and are vulnerable to brute-force attack
Photon at a glance
- Website
- github.com/abhi16180/photon
- 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
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Photon FAQ
Do I need an internet connection or Wi-Fi router to use Photon?
No. Photon works between devices connected to the same router or via mobile hotspot, without an internet connection.
Where are received files stored?
By default files are stored at internal_storage/Download/Photon directory, and the saving location can be edited.
What are the security differences between versions?
Version 3.0.0 or above supports HTTPS with token-based validation and a random URL path for each session. Older versions use a generated secret code as the URL path, which is vulnerable to brute-force attack, so the source advises using HTTPS when possible and only within trusted networks.
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