HFS v3: The Ultimate Self-Hosted File Sharing Solution!
What If You Could Be Your Own File Server?
Hey everyone! 
I just discovered something amazing that I have to share with you all - HFS (HTTP File Server) version 3! If you’ve ever been frustrated with cloud storage limits, slow upload speeds, or privacy concerns, this is going to blow your mind. 
Imagine this: You can share files directly from your computer’s hard drive through a web browser - no uploading to third-party servers, no storage limits, no bandwidth caps. Just pure, direct file sharing magic! 
What Makes HFS So Special?
HFS transforms your computer into a powerful web-based file server that you can access from anywhere. Think of it as creating your own personal Dropbox or Google Drive, but YOU control everything. The best part? It works on pretty much everything - Windows, Linux, macOS, FreeBSD, and even Android! 
Here’s what makes it absolutely brilliant:
Lightning Fast Performance
Remember waiting hours to zip and upload a massive folder? Those days are OVER! With HFS, when someone wants to download your files, the transfer starts immediately. Got 100GB of photos to share? No problem - no pre-zipping required! The download begins right away while HFS handles the compression on-the-fly. 
Total Flexibility
HFS gives you complete control over what you share and how you share it:
- Share entire folders or just a single file
- Rename files virtually (the original stays unchanged on your disk)
- Create a custom file structure that doesn’t match your actual folders
- Present things exactly the way YOU want
Smart & Secure
HFS isn’t just powerful - it’s intelligent! It actively monitors for issues and suggests solutions. Plus, it comes with:
- Built-in HTTPS support
- Easy certificate generation
- Account system with permission controls
- Geographic firewall capabilities
- Anti-brute-force protection via plugins
Feature Highlights That’ll Make You Smile
Let me break down some of the coolest features:
File Management Made Easy
Resumable downloads AND uploads (no more starting over!)- Download entire folders as ZIP archives
- Delete, move, and rename files through the web interface
- Integrated media player for streaming
- Real-time monitoring of all connections
Power User Features
Bandwidth throttling - decide exactly how much speed to allocate- Plugin system for endless expandability (themes, thumbnails, LDAP, and more!)
- Virtual hosting support
- Reverse-proxy compatibility
- Dynamic DNS updater
- Fully customizable with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript
Access From Anywhere
The interface is mobile-friendly, so you can manage and access your files from your phone just as easily as from a desktop. The multi-language front-end means people around the world can use it in their preferred language! 
Getting Started is Super Simple!
For Most Users (Windows 10+, Mac, Linux):
Head to the GitHub releases page
Click on Assets and download the version for your system
Unzip and launch the hfs file
Your browser automatically opens to the admin panel - that’s it! 
Mac users: If you get a security warning, just hold Control while clicking the file, then select “Open”
For Other Systems:
If you prefer or need to use Node.js:
npx hfs@latest
That’s literally it! One command and you’re running your own file server! 
How Does It Actually Work?
The workflow is beautifully simple:
Step 1: Run HFS on your computer - the admin panel pops up automatically 
Step 2: Select which files and folders you want to share 
Step 3: Access those files from ANY device with a browser (phone, tablet, another computer) 
Step 4: [Optional] Create user accounts and set specific permissions for different people 
That’s it! No complicated setup, no technical wizardry required. Just straightforward file sharing the way it should be!
Hidden Gems & Pro Tips
Here are some awesome hidden features that power users will love:
Add #LOGIN to the URL to instantly open the login dialog
Use ?lang=CODE to force a specific language
Append ?search=PATTERN to trigger an automatic search
Add ?autoplay=shuffle to create an instant slideshow with shuffled media
Right-click the “check for updates” button to manually install a specific version
Start typing a filename to instantly focus it in the list (super handy for large directories!)
Press Ctrl+Backspace to quickly navigate to the parent folder
Use ?get=basic for a simplified interface on older browsers
Perfect Use Cases
HFS is incredibly versatile! Here are just a few ways people use it:
Share work files with colleagues without email attachment limits
Share photo albums from events without uploading to social media
Stream your media collection to any device in your home
Share game files with friends for LAN parties
Create a family file archive accessible to everyone
Run a small business file server without expensive hosting
Why I’m Excited About This
In a world where we’re constantly giving our data to big tech companies, HFS represents something refreshing: true digital independence. You own the server, you own the data, you make the rules. 
The fact that it’s:
- Free and open-source
- Cross-platform
- Actively maintained
- Feature-rich yet simple
- Expandable with plugins
…makes it an absolute no-brainer for anyone who shares files regularly!
Ready to Try It?
If you’re tired of:
Storage limitations- Slow upload speeds
- Privacy concerns
- Monthly subscription fees
- Complicated server setups
Then HFS is calling your name! The project is actively developed, has a supportive community, and the GitHub repository is full of helpful information.
Credits: Massimo Melina rejetto [ Hit Star 
]
Future ideas
My stack
Inspiration
Let’s Discuss!
Have you tried HFS? What’s your favorite feature? Or are you considering giving it a shot? Drop your thoughts, questions, or experiences below! I’d love to hear what use cases you come up with! 
And if you’re already using it, what plugins or customizations have you found most useful? Let’s share knowledge and help each other get the most out of this amazing tool! 
Happy file sharing, everyone! Hit Like 
P.S. - The admin interface is accessible from localhost without login by default (you can change this), making initial setup a breeze. But don’t worry - you can easily set up proper authentication for remote access! Security is built-in, not bolted on. 
!