DS file

DS File: Access and Manage Your Synology NAS Remotely

DS file is the official mobile application from Synology that provides direct, secure access to files stored on your personal Synology Network Attached Storage (NAS) device. This powerful tool transforms your smartphone into a remote control center for your entire data library, enabling comprehensive file management, multimedia playback, and document editing from anywhere. The primary appeal of DS file is the ability to bypass cloud storage subscriptions and intermediaries, giving you private, instant, and encrypted access to your own data repository. Users seeking a professional and secure method to interact with their personal cloud will find DS file to be an indispensable utility for both work and personal use.

Remote File Browsing and Organization

Users begin by connecting DS file to their Synology NAS using a QuickConnect ID, DDNS, or IP address. Once authenticated, the app presents a familiar file explorer interface, displaying the folder hierarchy stored on the NAS. Users perform actions like navigating through directories, previewing files, and checking detailed properties. The workflow is designed for clarity, allowing users to locate specific documents, photos, or videos stored on their home server without physical access to the hardware. This core function of DS file makes the vast storage capacity of a NAS instantly available in your pocket.

Secure File Transfers and Downloads

A central task in DS file is moving data between the mobile device and the NAS. To upload, users select the plus icon, choose files from their phone's local storage, and designate a destination folder on the NAS. Downloads are initiated by selecting a file on the NAS and choosing the download action. DS file manages these transfers in the background, even supporting batch operations for multiple items. All data is encrypted in transit using HTTPS, ensuring security. The result is a seamless flow of data, making DS file a reliable tool for offloading photos or retrieving work documents.

Integrated Multimedia Player and Viewer

DS file includes built-in players that eliminate the need for third-party apps. Users tap on a video or audio file stored on their NAS, and DS file automatically opens a native player with standard playback controls. For images, the app functions as a gallery, allowing users to swipe through photos and view them in full resolution. This direct streaming capability means large media libraries don't consume valuable local phone storage. The experience provided by DS file is akin to having a personal streaming service for your privately owned content, all accessible remotely.

Document Editing and Annotation

Beyond viewing, DS file facilitates light editing of documents on the go. Users can open text files, spreadsheets, and PDFs directly within the app. For supported files, edits can be made in real-time, and changes are saved automatically back to the NAS. A particularly useful feature is the ability to annotate PDFs and images by drawing or adding text comments. This workflow allows for quick reviews and markups of important documents accessed through DS file, turning a mobile device into a productive workstation connected to a central file server.

Photo and Video Backup Automation

DS file can be configured to automatically back up mobile content to the NAS. Users enable this by navigating to the backup settings within DS file and selecting which local folders (like Camera Roll) to monitor. The app can then be set to upload new content whenever it is on the same Wi-Fi network as the NAS or immediately via cellular data. This automated process ensures that precious photos and videos are safely duplicated onto a private server without manual intervention, making DS file a crucial tool for data preservation.

QuickAccess and Home Screen Shortcuts

For frequently accessed files or folders, DS file offers a QuickAccess feature. Users can long-press on an item and pin it to the QuickAccess list for one-tap opening in the future. Furthermore, the app supports creating home screen shortcuts on Android devices that directly link to a specific file or folder on the NAS. Tapping this shortcut launches DS file and immediately opens the designated item, bypassing the need to navigate the directory structure. This function streamlines the workflow, making DS file an even more integrated part of a user's daily routine.

Link Sharing and File Distribution

Sharing files stored on the NAS is straightforward with DS file. Users select a file, choose the share option, and DS file generates a secure, time-limited hyperlink. The user can then copy this link and send it to anyone via email or messaging apps. The recipient can download the file directly from the Synology NAS without needing any special software or login credentials. This feature of DS file provides a secure and efficient alternative to public cloud sharing services, keeping the original file safely stored on your own private server.