File Management

Store, organize, and manage your files on PC2.

Storage Architecture

PC2 stores your files in two layers:

1. Local Filesystem — Fast access, on your hardware
2. IPFS (Helia) — Content-addressed, distributed storage

All files are scoped to your wallet address—complete isolation from other users.

File Manager App

The built-in File Manager provides:

• Browse — Navigate folders, view files
• Upload — Drag-and-drop or click to upload
• Download — Right-click → Download
• Create — New folders and files
• Rename — Right-click → Rename
• Delete — Right-click → Delete
• Move — Drag files between folders

Uploading Files

Drag and Drop

1. Open File Manager
2. Navigate to destination folder
3. Drag files from your computer
4. Drop on the folder area

Upload Button

1. Click “Upload” in toolbar
2. Select files from your computer
3. Files upload automatically

Size Limits

• Default: 100MB per file
• Configurable in settings

Folder Structure

Default folders:

/
├── Desktop/     # Desktop icons
├── Documents/   # Documents
├── Pictures/    # Images
├── Videos/      # Video files
├── Music/       # Audio files
├── Downloads/   # Downloaded files
└── Public/      # Publicly accessible files

File Operations

Create Folder

1. Right-click in empty space
2. Select “New Folder”
3. Enter folder name
4. Press Enter

Rename

1. Right-click file/folder
2. Select “Rename”
3. Enter new name
4. Press Enter

Move

Drag files to a different folder, or:

1. Right-click → Cut
2. Navigate to destination
3. Right-click → Paste

Delete

1. Right-click file/folder
2. Select “Delete”
3. Confirm deletion

File Types

PC2 recognizes and handles:

Real-Time Sync

Changes sync across all connected clients via WebSocket:

• Upload on laptop → Appears on phone
• Delete on phone → Disappears on laptop
• Rename anywhere → Updates everywhere

IPFS Integration

Files are stored on IPFS for:

• Content Addressing — Files identified by content hash
• Deduplication — Identical files stored once
• Distribution — Optional sharing via IPFS network

Public Files

Files in /Public/ folder:

• Accessible without authentication
• Can be shared via direct link
• Useful for profile pictures, public documents

Desktop Files

Files on the Desktop:

• Appear as icons on the desktop
• Quick access to frequently used items
• Drag from File Manager to Desktop

Search

Use the search bar in File Manager:

• Search by filename
• Results update as you type
• Click result to navigate

Keyboard Shortcuts

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