Uploading files to the Unity filesystem

The only way to add files to the Unity filesystem is through an SSL encrypted connection. You can use Unity OnDemand, FileZilla, Globus, or the command line.

  • Unity OnDemand is the most intuitive interface, but can’t transfer large files.
  • FileZilla is good for those who have their SSH keys set up and are familiar with the software already.
  • Globus is useful for large file transfers between Globus endpoints, including your personal computer with Globus Connect.
  • Command-line tools like scp and rsync are good for quick work via the command line.
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Uploading files using American residential internet is typically very slow. UMass Amherst has a fiber line going directly to MGHPCC to improve speeds.

Your key file

The FileZilla and Console methods require setting up public/private SSH keys. This can be the same key you use to SSH to Unity. scp and rsync use OpenSSH, and FileZilla prefers .ppk but can work with .rsa. Depending on which software you use, you can generate one of each. You can also convert between these keys using a program like PuTTYgen.

warning

Windows users using PowerShell SSH only must add MACs hmac-sha2-512-etm@openssh.com to their ~/.ssh/config file, or use the flag option in your SSH command so that it reads ssh -m hmac-sha2-512-etm@openssh.com <rest of the cmd>.

This is necessary due to a known bug in Microsoft’s SSH library which causes problems connecting to newer OpenSSH installs from Microsoft’s SSH client included in PowerShell.

For more information, see the configuring SSH keys article. To update SSH keys in your Unity account, visit account settings in the Unity portal.