qrcp — Transfer Files Over Wi-Fi by Scanning a QR Code

Introduction

qrcp creates a temporary HTTP server on your machine and displays a QR code in the terminal. Scanning the QR code from any device on the same network opens a browser page to download or upload files. No client app is needed.

What qrcp Does

• Generates a terminal QR code pointing to a temporary local HTTP server
• Allows sending files from computer to phone by scanning and downloading
• Allows receiving files from phone to computer via a browser upload page
• Supports sending multiple files at once, automatically zipped
• Works across any device with a browser on the same Wi-Fi network

Architecture Overview

qrcp is a single Go binary that starts an HTTP server bound to a local network interface. It encodes the server URL into a QR code rendered in the terminal using Unicode characters. The server serves the file for download or presents an upload form for receiving. After the transfer completes, the server shuts down automatically.

Self-Hosting & Configuration

• Install via Homebrew, AUR, Scoop, or go install
• On first run, qrcp will prompt you to select the network interface
• Configuration is stored at ~/.config/qrcp/config.json
• Custom port and path can be set via flags or the config file
• Supports HTTPS with custom certificates for secure transfers

Key Features

• Zero-dependency file transfers without installing apps on the receiver
• Automatic zip compression when sending multiple files
• Works with any device that has a browser and camera
• Configurable network interface selection for multi-NIC setups
• Clean terminal QR rendering that works in most terminal emulators

Comparison with Similar Tools

• AirDrop — Apple-only; qrcp works across all platforms and operating systems
• croc — requires installing a CLI on both ends; qrcp needs only a browser on the receiver
• magic-wormhole — CLI on both ends; qrcp uses QR code plus browser
• KDE Connect — requires app installation and pairing; qrcp is instant and app-free
• Snapdrop/LocalSend — browser or app based; qrcp is fully terminal-native on the sender side

FAQ

Q: Does qrcp work without internet access? A: Yes. It only requires both devices to be on the same local network.

Q: Can I send directories? A: Yes. qrcp automatically zips directories before serving them.

Q: Is the transfer secure? A: By default it uses plain HTTP on the local network. You can enable HTTPS with a custom certificate.

Q: Does it work over SSH? A: The QR code displays in the terminal, so it works in SSH sessions if the terminal supports Unicode.

Sources

• https://github.com/claudiodangelis/qrcp