An open source multiplatform AirDrop alternative
Unlike the operating-system-specific AirDrop, LocalSend is open source, multiplatform file sharing tool [1][2]. Developed using the Flutter framework, LocalSend offers a consistent user interface across various operating systems, including Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. LocalSend operates on a decentralized peer-to-peer protocol, ensuring that data does not pass through a proprietary server. Privacy is safeguarded with end-to-end encryption, protecting users from unauthorized access. Additionally, no registration or personal information is required. If you are looking for an alternative to Apple's AirDrop, LocalSend offers quick and convenient data transfer capabilities.
Installation and Configuration
LocalSend's installation and configuration are simple and straightforward. The easiest way to download LocalSend is from its download page [3]. On Linux, you can proceed by downloading the binary files or relying on your package manager. If you choose the binary route, you only need to extract the archive, which contains the application and the necessary support files. Available archive formats include TAR, DEB, and AppImage. Once the archive is extracted, simply click on the corresponding icon and launch the LocalSend executable to start the graphical interface. If you prefer to proceed from the terminal using a TAR archive, simply type the following to decompress it and launch the application:
tar -xf LocalSend-1.15.2-linux-x86-64.tar.gz localsend_app
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.

News
-
ONLYOFFICE v9 Embraces AI
Like nearly all office suites on the market (except LibreOffice), ONLYOFFICE has decided to go the AI route.
-
Two Local Privilege Escalation Flaws Discovered in Linux
Qualys researchers have discovered two local privilege escalation vulnerabilities that allow hackers to gain root privileges on major Linux distributions.
-
New TUXEDO InfinityBook Pro Powered by AMD Ryzen AI 300
The TUXEDO InfinityBook Pro 14 Gen10 offers serious power that is ready for your business, development, or entertainment needs.
-
Danish Ministry of Digital Affairs Transitions to Linux
Another major organization has decided to kick Microsoft Windows and Office to the curb in favor of Linux.
-
Linux Mint 20 Reaches EOL
With Linux Mint 20 at its end of life, the time has arrived to upgrade to Linux Mint 22.
-
TuxCare Announces Support for AlmaLinux 9.2
Thanks to TuxCare, AlmaLinux 9.2 (and soon version 9.6) now enjoys years of ongoing patching and compliance.
-
Go-Based Botnet Attacking IoT Devices
Using an SSH credential brute-force attack, the Go-based PumaBot is exploiting IoT devices everywhere.
-
Plasma 6.5 Promises Better Memory Optimization
With the stable Plasma 6.4 on the horizon, KDE has a few new tricks up its sleeve for Plasma 6.5.
-
KaOS 2025.05 Officially Qt5 Free
If you're a fan of independent Linux distributions, the team behind KaOS is proud to announce the latest iteration that includes kernel 6.14 and KDE's Plasma 6.3.5.
-
Linux Kernel 6.15 Now Available
The latest Linux kernel is now available with several new features/improvements and the usual bug fixes.