Live relay
Sender and recipient connect to the same active transfer session. The goal is immediate delivery while both sides are online, not delayed pickup from storage.
Ephemeral transfer is a different file model
Traditional hosted-transfer tools turn sends into stored pickup links. PhotonFile Relay is built for active delivery: encrypted chunks move through the live session, while Vault remains available when persistence is actually needed.
Memory-only handling
Relay handles encrypted transfer data in memory during the active session rather than making stored delivery the default behavior.
End-to-end client-side encryption by default
Relay encrypts file contents on the client side before the live transfer whenever the browser supports it. You can turn it off for extra browser compatibility while the Relay connection still uses TLS.
How it works
1. Select a file
Choose the file you want to send in the app.
2. Create a live session
PhotonFile prepares a relay session instead of a stored pickup link.
3. Stream encrypted chunks
Data moves live from sender to receiver through the relay as encrypted chunks.
4. End the session
Once the transfer ends, the session closes instead of leaving a stored copy behind by default.
Why people choose it
- Immediate delivery without turning every send into stored cloud content
- A tighter privacy envelope for one-time transfers
- End-to-end client-side encryption on by default, with a compatibility toggle
- Strong fit for large files that should move now, not wait for later pickup
- Resumable behavior in supported environments
When it is not the right model
Ephemeral transfer is not meant to replace every storage workflow. If you need files to stay available after upload, want version history, need scoped share links that remain active over time, or need Secure Inbox, then Photon Vault is the better fit.
For retained storage, sharing, and intake workflows, use Photon Vault.
Ephemeral transfer vs stored delivery vs Vault
| Model | What happens after upload | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Ephemeral File Transfer | Data moves through a live session and operates ephemerally by default. | Immediate delivery while both sides are online |
| Stored delivery | A stored copy remains available for later download. | Pickup later workflows |
| Photon Vault | Encrypted data is stored for ongoing access by authorized clients. | Persistent encrypted storage, sharing, intake, and versioning |
Choose the PhotonFile workflow
Start with the outcome. Send live with Relay, keep files in Vault, collect from outsiders through Secure Inbox, or compare PhotonFile's separated file models.
Relay guide
Use live handoff when delivery, not retention, is the job.
Vault overview
Keep files encrypted and available when persistence matters.
Secure Inbox
Give outsiders an upload page, not a workspace view.
Compare all file models
Use the hub page to choose between Relay, Vault, and stored
delivery.