Getting Started with Handrive

Welcome to Handrive! This guide will help you get up and running with your first shared folder in just a few minutes.

What is Handrive?

Handrive is a privacy-first, peer-to-peer file sharing application. Unlike cloud storage services, your files stay on your devices and sync directly between them. There's no central server storing your data — you're always in control.

Key benefits:

• Privacy-first: Your files never leave your devices unless you share them
• Peer-to-peer: Direct transfers between devices, no cloud middleman
• Multi-device: Access your shares from any of your devices
• Collaborative: Share folders with friends and colleagues with fine-grained permissions

Installation

macOS

1. Download the latest .dmg file from handrive.ai
2. Open the downloaded file
3. Drag Handrive to your Applications folder
4. Launch Handrive from Applications

Note: On first launch, macOS may show a security warning. Click "Open Anyway" in System Preferences > Privacy & Security, or right-click the app and select "Open".

Windows

1. Download the latest .msi installer from handrive.ai
2. Run the installer
3. Follow the installation wizard
4. Launch Handrive from the Start menu

Note: Windows SmartScreen may show a warning for unrecognized apps. Click "More info" then "Run anyway" to proceed.

Linux

Handrive is available as an AppImage, .deb, and .rpm package for x64, plus ARM64 and ARMv7 builds. Download from handrive.ai/download. For headless servers and NAS devices, see the Headless Guide.

Creating an Account

When you first launch Handrive, you'll be prompted to sign in or create an account.

Option 1: Email Sign-In

1. Enter your email address
2. Click "Continue"
3. Check your email for a one-time password (OTP)
4. Enter the 6-digit code in the app
5. You're signed in!

Tip: Check your spam folder if you don't see the email within a minute.

Option 2: Google Sign-In

1. Click "Continue with Google"
2. Select your Google account in the browser window
3. Authorize Handrive to access your basic profile
4. You're signed in!

Interface Overview

After signing in, you'll see the main Handrive interface:

Left Sidebar

• Logo & Status — Connection indicator (green = online, yellow = reconnecting, red = offline)
• + New — Create a new share or add a contact
• All Shares — View all shares from you and your contacts
• My Shares — Your locally created shares
• Contacts — Collapsible sections showing each contact's shares
• User Profile — Access profile, settings, and sign out

Main Area

• File browser with breadcrumb navigation
• Grid and list view options
• Action bar for selected files (download, copy, star, tags, delete)
• Info panel showing share details and team members

Creating Your First Share

A "share" in Handrive is a folder on your computer that you can share with others. Files stay on your device — creating a share doesn't copy or upload anything.

Step 1: Open Create Share Dialog

1. Click "+ New" in the sidebar
2. Select "New Share"

Step 2: Configure the Share

1. Enter a name for your share
2. (Optional) Add a description
3. Click Browse to select a folder on your device
4. Click Create

Step 3: Your Share is Ready

Your share now appears under "My Shares" in the sidebar. Click on it to browse files and invite collaborators.

Inviting Your First Member

Sharing with others is easy. You can add members with different permission levels.

Step 1: Open Team Members Panel

1. Click on your share in the sidebar
2. Look at the Info Panel on the right side
3. Find the "Team Members" section

Step 2: Add a Member

1. Click the + button in the Team Members panel
2. Enter their email address
3. Select a role:
   • Viewer — Can view and download files
   • Editor — Can upload and edit files
   • Admin — Can manage members
4. Click Add

Step 3: They Discover Your Share

Handrive uses an asymmetric sharing model for privacy. After you add someone as a member:

1. They sign into Handrive with that email address
2. They add you as a contact
3. Your share appears under your name in their sidebar

Why this extra step? It prevents unwanted content from appearing in someone's app. They choose to connect with you by adding you as a contact — only then can they see shares you've given them access to.

Understanding Permissions

Handrive uses four permission levels:

• Owner: The person who created the share. Full control, can delete the share.
• Admin: Can add/remove members and change permissions.
• Editor: Can upload, rename, move, and delete files.
• Viewer: Read-only access. Can view and download files.

Adding Files to Your Share

There are several ways to add files:

Upload Button

1. Click the Upload button in the header
2. Select files or folders in the dialog
3. Click "Open" to upload

Direct to Folder

Since shares are just folders on your computer, you can also:

1. Open the folder in Finder/Explorer
2. Add files normally
3. Click Scan in Handrive to refresh the file list

Drag and Drop

You can also drag files from Finder/Explorer directly into the Handrive window.

Syncing Across Devices

Handrive works across all your devices. Here's how to set it up:

Add a New Device

1. Install Handrive on your second device
2. Sign in with the same account
3. Your shares automatically appear

How Sync Works

• Changes sync when both devices are online
• Files transfer directly between devices (peer-to-peer)
• No cloud storage means no subscription fees for storage

Quick Tips

Keyboard Shortcuts

Star Important Files

Click the star icon on any file to mark it as important. Use the star filter next to the search bar to show only starred files.

What's Next?

Now that you're set up, explore these guides:

• MCP Guide — AI integration with Claude
• Headless Guide — Run on servers and NAS devices
• Troubleshooting — Common issues and solutions

Need Help?

Visit our Support page for FAQs and contact information.