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PhotonFile - FAQ

Quick answers about Ephemeral File Transfers, plans, File Passes, retries, limits, and why PhotonFile is built around a live, in-memory relay with ephemeral-by-default handling.

What is PhotonFile?

PhotonFile is a privacy-focused Ephemeral File Transfer service. Instead of depending on stored delivery, both peers connect to a live, in-memory relay that keeps bytes only while they're in flight.

Transfers always travel over encrypted connections, and you can optionally enable client-side encryption in your browser so that only someone with your key can decrypt the file. The default behavior is ephemeral: transfer data is handled in memory during the session and cleared when the session ends.

Do you store my files on your servers?

PhotonFile is built to forget, not to remember. By default, the relay holds file bytes in memory only long enough to move them from sender to receiver, then clears transient state when the session ends. PhotonFile does not provide a stored "inbox" or a browseable library of your uploaded files.

Should I use a File Pass or a subscription?

File Passes are pay-per-file. They are best for one-off large sends, with no ongoing commitment.

Subscriptions include a monthly pool of relay bandwidth for regular use, with overage billed at the same rate.

You can use both: if a file exceeds your plan's per-file limit, you can apply a File Pass for that transfer.

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What's a File Pass?

A File Pass lets you send files larger than what's allowed in the free tier, using the same Ephemeral File Transfer relay. Each pass covers one file.

File Passes can also be used alongside a subscription for occasional oversized transfers that exceed your plan's per-file size limit.

View File Pass tiers

Is there a max file size?

The practical limit is usually your browser, disk, and network, not an arbitrary server-side cap. Subscription plans include a per-file limit (shown on the pricing page), and File Passes can be used for occasional oversized transfers. For very large files, Tier 4 uses a base price plus a metered portion beyond the included size.

What if my transfer fails?

If something breaks mid-transfer, you can retry. For File Pass transfers, the pass is only consumed once both sides have fully transmitted all required bytes through the relay and nothing remains in flight. If the transfer fails, your pass stays valid and you can try again.

How many retries do I get if there's a connection issue?

As many as you need. We log retry counts only to improve reliability, not to limit you. If a transfer ever fails, both peers see exactly what happened. No guessing, no hidden throttles, and no silent timeouts.

Do you support client-side encryption?

Yes. For supported browsers, PhotonFile can encrypt your file in the browser before it ever leaves your machine. The decryption key is encoded into the URL fragment (the part after #...), which never gets sent to the server.

That means the relay only sees encrypted chunks, and only someone you share the full link with can decrypt the content. If you want to understand the details, check the Technology page for diagrams and implementation notes.

What can I send?

Anything you're legally allowed to share. You are responsible for the content you transmit and for complying with local laws and our Terms of Service.

Why did you build this?

Because many "file transfer" services rely on stored delivery, throttle speeds, track users, or cap file sizes.

PhotonFile is built around an ephemeral-by-default model.
We built an Ephemeral File Transfer relay that keeps bytes in memory while they are moving, offers optional client-side encryption, and avoids surveillance economics.

If it's free, am I the product?

No. PhotonFile is funded by paid usage (subscriptions and File Passes), not by selling your data.

We do not inspect your files, sell file contents, or mine your transfers for marketing profiles. We may use limited measurement to understand whether ads are working, but this does not inspect your files and is not used to build cross-site behavioral profiles.

What are the limits of the free tier?

You can send files up to 10 GiB.

Free transfers use our standard pool and may be queued during periods of high demand. If you send large files regularly, check Pricing and Plans for options that include higher priority and additional features.