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.app
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.app
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

Linux support is coming soon. For now, you can run Handrive in headless mode on Linux servers. See the Headless Guide for details.

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

• Shares — Your shared folders (click to expand)
• + New Share — Create a new shared folder
• Recent — Recently accessed files
• Starred — Files you've marked as important
• Shared — Files shared with you by others
• Trash — Deleted files (recoverable)
• Settings — Account and app settings

Main Area

• Displays files and folders from the selected view
• Supports grid and list views
• Drag and drop files to upload

Creating Your First Share

A "share" in Handrive is a folder on your computer that you can share with others or sync across your devices.

Step 1: Create a Share

1. Click "+ New Share" in the sidebar
2. A folder picker dialog opens
3. Navigate to the folder you want to share
4. Click "Select Folder"

Step 2: Configure the Share

After selecting a folder, you'll see a configuration dialog:

• Name: A display name for the share (defaults to folder name)
• Color: Pick a color to identify this share in the sidebar

Click "Create Share" to finish.

Step 3: Your Share is Ready

Your share now appears in the sidebar. Click on it to see its contents.

Inviting Your First Member

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

Step 1: Open Share Settings

1. Click on your share in the sidebar
2. Click the gear icon or right-click the share name
3. Select "Manage Members"

Step 2: Add a Member

1. Click "Add Member"
2. Enter their email address
3. Select a permission level:
   • Viewer — Can view files, cannot edit
   • Editor — Can view and edit files
   • Admin — Can manage members and edit files
4. Click "Invite"

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, cannot be removed.
• Admin: Can add/remove members, change permissions, and delete the share.
• Editor: Can upload, rename, move, and delete files.
• Viewer: Read-only access. Can download files but cannot modify anything.

Adding Files to Your Share

There are several ways to add files:

Drag and Drop

1. Open your share in Handrive
2. Drag files or folders from Finder/Explorer
3. Drop them into the main area

Upload Button

1. Click the Upload button (or press ⌘U / Ctrl+U)
2. Select files in the dialog
3. Click "Open"

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. Handrive automatically detects changes

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. Access all starred files from the "Starred" section in the sidebar.

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.