Flare

Self-Hosted

Open-source self-hosted file sharing with drag-n-drop & single-click uploads

Overview

Flare is a self-hosted file sharing tool enabling quick uploads via drag-n-drop or single-click actions. It generates shareable links with customizable expiration times and password protection, supporting bulk uploads and multiple file types. Deployable via Docker (simple docker-compose setup) or traditional methods, it integrates with local storage, S3, or FTP. Ideal for individuals/teams prioritizing privacy, it avoids third-party data risks. Its clean interface and flexible storage options make it a reliable alternative for secure, self-managed file transfers.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  flare:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: flare
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Drag-n-drop & single-click file uploads
Customizable link expiration & password protection
Multiple storage backend support (local, S3, FTP)
Bulk file uploads
Intuitive, clean user interface

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Flare hard to install?

Flare is easy to install using Docker Compose—pull the image, configure environment variables (like storage backend), and run. No complex dependencies, making it accessible for most self-hosters.

? Is it a good alternative to WeTransfer?

Yes—Flare offers core file-sharing features (links with expiration) but is self-hosted, so you retain full data control. It lacks WeTransfer’s marketing integrations but excels at privacy and cost (free).

? Is Flare completely free?

Yes—Flare is open-source under the MIT License, so it’s free to use, modify, and self-host without hidden costs or subscriptions.

Top Alternatives

WeTransfer Search Google

Dropbox Transfer Search Google

Google Drive Compare

Tool Info

Pricing Open Source

Category File Transfer - Single-click & Drag-n-drop Upload

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused (full data control via self-hosting)
⊕ No subscription fees
⊕ Easy Docker deployment
⊕ Flexible storage options

Cons

⊖ Requires a server/VPS to host
⊖ No native mobile app (web-based only)
⊖ Limited advanced collaboration features compared to SaaS tools