{"id":51814,"date":"2026-08-11T12:33:53","date_gmt":"2026-08-11T12:33:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ubuntuhandbook.org\/?p=51814"},"modified":"2026-08-11T12:33:53","modified_gmt":"2026-08-11T12:33:53","slug":"the-airdrop-alternative-localsend-1-18-0-released-with-cli-support","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ubuntuhandbook.org\/index.php\/2026\/08\/the-airdrop-alternative-localsend-1-18-0-released-with-cli-support\/","title":{"rendered":"The AirDrop Alternative LocalSend 1.18.0 Released with CLI Support"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

LocalSend, the popular AirDrop alternative application for Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, released new 1.18.0 version.<\/p>\n

The new version of this popular free open-source application added initial command line interface (CLI)<\/b> support, allowing to send or receive files in terminal or server without graphical desktop environment.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

The new CLI starts in interactive<\/b> mode. It reads configuration file for the default device name, saved directory, listening port etc, while, user can pass CLI options or environment variables for custom ones.<\/p>\n

When the app starts in CLI, user may use hotkeys to discovery nearby devices, send \/ receive files, and do other operations. And, nearby devices can find it tagged as CLI.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

As you see in the screenshot, this version now supports listening on IPv6<\/b>. In the case, the devices can communicate directly without router support, VPN or subnet conflicts, which is great for enterprise or mobile networks.<\/p>\n

The new 1.18.0 version also added a new “Receive via link<\/b>” button in the Receive tab. It allows to input IP address in remote browsers or scan QR code in mobile devices to upload files even without the LocalSend app installed.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

It now unifies the file sizes by using decimal units<\/b> (1 GB = 1000 MB) to match macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. And, it added checksum support<\/b> (enable by default) to make sure the files in the send and receive sides are identical.<\/p>\n

For Linux, it now uses native window decorations instead of large GTK3 header-bar which looks compact. And, it added CJK font support for Chinese, Japanese, and Korean text.<\/p>\n

macOS now has a new button to quickly open firewall settings from troubleshoot page, and, a new Command+Comma<\/code> keyboard shortcut is added to open settings.<\/p>\n

It now uses user-friendly Computer Name instead of the technical hostname in mac, and, supports Dock icon text-dropping even when the app is not running.<\/p>\n

\"\"

native GTK3 header bar in Linux<\/p><\/div>\n

For Windows, the app is added to share sheet, meaning user can now select a file in File Explorer, then click “Share” in the context menu and choose LocalSend in the pop-up selection dialog.<\/p>\n

Android user can now launch the app quickly from the Quick Settings panel, and, the file transfer can run in the background.<\/p>\n

Other changes include:<\/p>\n