FTP Auto Conversion

What is FTP?

FTP is an acronym for File Transfer Protocol. As the name suggests, FTP is used to transfer files between different machines on a network. You can use FTP to exchange files between your computer and our Zmags Publicator system as well.

What can I do with FTP in Zmags?

- Upload large PDFs to be automatically converted into publications.
- Upload XML files containing items to be added to the Products database.
- Upload CSV files containing links to be added to your publication.

How can I use FTP?

There are a few different types programs available for connecting to FTP servers:

 - Web Browsers: Programs such as Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome. You can use a web browser to connect to FTP addresses exactly as you would to connect to HTTP addresses. Using a web browser for FTP transfers makes it easy for you to browse large directories and read and retrieve files. Your web browser will also take care of some of the details of connecting to a site and transferring files. While this method is convenient, web browsers are often slower and less reliable and have fewer features than dedicated FTP clients.

To use your web browser to connect to an FTP site such as ftp.zmags.com, where you normally enter a URL, enter:
ftp://publicator_username_here@upload.zmags.com/
You will be asked to enter your Zmags Publicator password as well.

- Graphical FTP clients: Graphical FTP clients simplify file transfers by allowing you to drag and drop file icons between windows. When you open the program, enter the name of the FTP host (e.g., upload.zmags.com) and your username and password. If you are logging into an anonymous FTP server, you may not have to enter anything. Two common FTP programs are Cyberduck (for Mac) and FileZilla (for Windows).

- Command line FTP utilities: For advanced users, command line utilities provide a quick no-frills interface by skipping the graphical windows entirely. Some examples include Microsoft FTP and Mac OS Command Line.

FileZilla: Example Setup and Usage

Each FTP client will have a slightly different process for setting up and connecting to FTP servers, but for the sake of example we're providing the procedure for FileZilla here. The connection settings for our FTP server itself (step 3 below) may be used with any client.

- Download and install FileZilla.
- When finished, open FileZilla.
- In the "File" menu, choose "Site Manager" and create a new site.
- Use the following connection info:

Host: upload.zmags.com
Port: 21
Protocol: FTP - File Transfer Protocol
Encryption: Choose either "None" (normal) or "Require explicit FTP over TLS" (FTPS)
Logon Type: Normal
Username: (same as Zmags Publicator)
Password: (same as Zmags Publicator)


FTPS (File Transfer Protocol Secure)

FTPS (also known as FTP Secure and FTP-SSL) is an extension to the commonly used File Transfer Protocol (FTP) that adds support for the Transport Layer Security (TLS) and the Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) cryptographic protocols.

Note: Do not use FTPS unless the server you are connecting to supports it, otherwise you will receive an error and be unable to connect.

Publication Upload Details

You can use the FTP auto conversion to speed up the creation of your publications. Instead of uploading the PDF using the web-based option in the Publicator, you can simply upload the PDF to our FTP site. Once uploaded, the system will automatically start converting the publications to your account.

Publications created in this fashion will use the default settings selected in your account. You can change these settings by doing the following:

- Log into the Zmags Publicator and click on "All Publications".
- Click "Create Publication" and then "Settings".
- Customize settings as desired, click "Save" when finished.

CSV Links Upload Details

When uploading links via CSV file, it is necessary for the CSV and publication names to match, so that Publicator will know which publication to add the links to. This is accomplished in the following manner:

- Name should match, except for the file extension (the 3 letters at the end).
- Publication name should end with ".pdf"
- CSV file name should end with ".csv"
- Note that by default, Windows will hide your file extensions. To see it, right-click the file, choose "Properties", and look for the "Type of file" line.

So, for example, if your publication's name is "My Cool Publication.pdf", you will want to name your CSV file "My Cool Publication.csv" before uploading.

To change your CSV file's name, do the following:
- Right click (or command-click on a Mac) the file and choose Rename.
- Type a new file name and press enter / return.

To change your publication's name, do the following:
- Log into the Zmags Publicator and click on "All Publications".
- Click on the name of the publication to open publication settings.
- Change the contents of the "Name" box and then click "Save".