FileBridge — Local File Sync Dashboard
Zero cloud. Zero friction. Just files, over your own network.
What
FileBridge is a secure local file-sharing tool with a tkinter desktop GUI and a browser-accessible dashboard. It lets you transfer files across devices on the same network using HTTPS/TLS encryption and QR code access — no internet, no third-party service, no account.
Why
Every existing file-sharing solution either requires the cloud, a proprietary app, or gives up on security. I wanted something that worked instantly on a local network, was genuinely private, and required nothing from the recipient except a browser and a QR scan.
How I built it
Built a Python HTTP server with TLS/SSL configured using self-signed certificates for encrypted local transmission.
Created a tkinter desktop application for the host side — drag-and-drop file selection, server start/stop controls, and live connection status.
Generated QR codes dynamically encoding the local HTTPS URL, allowing any device on the network to connect by scanning.
Built a clean browser-based dashboard for the receiving device — file listing, download buttons, and transfer progress.
Packaged the tool so it runs as a standalone desktop app without requiring the recipient to install anything.
Challenges
Self-signed TLS certificates trigger browser warnings — worked around this with clear UX guidance and a trust-once flow.
Network interface detection across Windows and Linux required platform-specific socket handling.
Making the tkinter GUI responsive while the server thread ran required careful threading with queue-based communication.
Outcome
A fully working, privacy-first file transfer tool used for day-to-day file sharing between my laptop and phone. Demonstrated practical knowledge of networking, encryption, threading, and desktop GUI development.
Tech Stack
Language
GUI
Networking
Utilities