> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pads4.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connecting a FTP Folder

The **FTP folder provider** in **PADS4** allows you to connect to a **remote FTP server** and access its files for use in your **digital signage presentations**.

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## **Steps to Add/Modify an FTP Folder Connection in PADS4**

### **1. Start the Data Provider Wizard**

* Open the **Data Provider Wizard** using the steps in **Adding a Data Provider** or **Editing a Data Provider**.
* Select **FTP Folder** as the **provider type**.

### **2. Specify FTP Server and Connection Settings**

* **Enter the FTP URL** (e.g., `ftp://yourserver.com/folder/`).
* **Authentication (if required):**
  * Enter the **username** and **password** if the FTP server requires login credentials.
* **Proxy Settings (if needed):**
  * Configure a proxy server if required for internet access.
* **Security Options:**
  * Enable **Use SSL** for secure FTP connections (**FTPS**).
  * Enable **Passive Mode** if the client needs to use a port above **1024** when connecting to port **21**.

Click **Next** to proceed.

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### **3. Configure Folder and File Retrieval Settings**

* **Include Subfolders** if you want to retrieve files from subdirectories.
* **File Filtering:**
  * Use **Search Extension Restriction** to filter files by type (e.g., `.jpg`, `.pdf`).
* **Sorting Options:**
  * Choose sorting preferences for **file retrieval order**.

Click **Next** to continue.

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### **4. Complete the Wizard**

* Click **Finish** to finalize the FTP connection.
* The **PADS4 Viewer** will now retrieve **files** from the FTP folder in real time.

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## **Important Considerations**

* **PADS4 Data Server Access:**
  * If using a **PADS4 Data Server**, the FTP folder **must be accessible** from the **server's location**.
  * If **not using a Data Server**, ensure that each **PADS4 Designer and Viewer** has **internet access** to the **FTP folder**.
* **Sorting Behavior:**
  * Generic **sorting options** in the **last steps** of the wizard will **override** folder-specific sorting settings.

By following these steps, you can **successfully integrate FTP folder content** into your **PADS4 digital signage presentations**.