# OnionShare — Secure Anonymous File Sharing via Tor

> OnionShare lets you securely and anonymously share files, host websites, and run chat rooms using the Tor network with no server required.

## Install

Save as a script file and run:

# OnionShare — Secure Anonymous File Sharing via Tor

## Quick Use
```bash
# Install on Ubuntu/Debian
sudo apt install onionshare
# Share a file (generates a .onion URL)
onionshare-cli --share /path/to/file.zip
# Or launch the GUI
onionshare
```

## Introduction
OnionShare is an open-source tool that lets you securely share files, receive files, host static websites, and run anonymous chat rooms using Tor onion services. It creates a temporary .onion address directly on your machine, so data never passes through a third-party server and both sender and receiver can remain anonymous.

## What OnionShare Does
- Shares files by creating a temporary Tor onion service with a unique URL
- Receives files from others through an anonymous upload portal
- Hosts static websites as .onion hidden services
- Runs ephemeral chat rooms over Tor with no accounts or registration
- Operates without any centralized server or cloud dependency

## Architecture Overview
OnionShare connects to the Tor network and creates an ephemeral onion service on the local machine. For file sharing, it runs a lightweight web server accessible only through the generated .onion address. Files are served directly from disk with no intermediate storage. The URL includes a private key slug for access control. When the transfer completes or the application closes, the onion service disappears, leaving no trace.

## Self-Hosting & Configuration
- Install via package manager on Linux, Homebrew on macOS, or download for Windows
- No configuration required for basic usage; just select files and share
- Use the CLI version for headless servers and automated workflows
- Configure persistent onion addresses for long-running websites or receive portals
- Optionally set passwords for additional access control on shared links

## Key Features
- End-to-end anonymous file transfer with no middleman servers
- Built-in Tor integration requiring no separate Tor Browser for the sender
- Desktop GUI and command-line interface for flexible usage
- Auto-stop sharing after files are downloaded once for security
- Cross-platform support for Windows, macOS, and Linux

## Comparison with Similar Tools
- **Magic Wormhole** — uses relay servers; OnionShare routes entirely through Tor
- **croc** — requires a relay; OnionShare is fully peer-to-peer via Tor
- **Firefox Send (discontinued)** — centralized server; OnionShare is decentralized
- **SecureDrop** — designed for whistleblower submissions; OnionShare is for general secure sharing
- **Syncthing** — continuous sync tool; OnionShare is for one-time secure transfers

## FAQ
**Q: Does the recipient need Tor Browser to download files?**
A: Yes. The .onion URL is only accessible through the Tor network, typically via Tor Browser.

**Q: How fast are transfers over Tor?**
A: Speeds are limited by the Tor network, typically 1-5 MB/s. It prioritizes privacy over throughput.

**Q: Can I share files with multiple people simultaneously?**
A: Yes. Multiple recipients can access the same .onion URL. You can disable auto-stop to keep sharing active.

**Q: Is OnionShare audited?**
A: Yes. OnionShare has undergone independent security audits and is recommended by journalists and privacy organizations.

## Sources
- https://github.com/onionshare/onionshare
- https://onionshare.org/

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Source: https://tokrepo.com/en/workflows/asset-379e7ff5
Author: Script Depot