Overview
SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) is a secure file transfer mechanism commonly used by organizations to exchange data with internal systems, partners, or external services. It enables encrypted, authenticated upload and download of files between systems.
The Alchemer integration with SFTP for workflow supports pushing files to remote SFTP servers. The Alchemer SFTP integration allows Alchemer to send files generated in workflows (such as PDFs or exports) from a publicly accessible link directly to an SFTP server without manual intervention.
Common uses for the Alchemer SFTP integration
- Send workflow-generated files (PDFs, CSVs, images) from a link to an SFTP server
- Automate secure file delivery to external systems
- Reduce manual file uploads and operational overhead
- Ensure secure and encrypted file transfer
- Trigger external processes based on newly delivered files
What can the Alchemer SFTP integration do?
You will need
- SFTP server credentials (host, username, password or key)
- Write permissions to the target SFTP directory
- An Alchemer plan that includes integrations and the Integration Manager permission enabled.
- Contact us if you are unsure if your plan includes integrations.
Setup Alchemer SFTP integration in workflow
SFTP | Push file
You will need:
- Valid SFTP authentication credentials
- The directory path where files will be uploaded
- Survey data to populate inside the generated file
Configure the action
- Open your workflow in Workflow builder.
- On the right side, drag and drop the SFTP connection where you want the action to trigger.
- In the connection box, click the pencil icon in the top right corner.
- Select SFTP | Push file to SFTP.
- SFTP | Authentication: Select an existing authentication or create a new SFTP connection by entering host, port, username, password/private key.
- SFTP | Directory: Select the directory where you would like to push your files to.
- SFTP | Select URL: Select the field in this workflow that contains the URL you would like to push to your SFTP server. This URL must be publicly accessible.
- SFTP | File name: You can set a file name, this is optional. The current UNIX timestamp will be used if no file name is set.
- Save the action.
Status codes
- 200: Successfully pushed file to SFTP server
- 400: The external integration returned an error
Testing and Troubleshooting
Testing and Validation
How to test
- Trigger the workflow and monitor individual runs in monitor tab in your workflow
- Click on individual workflow runs to see metadata outputs
- Confirm the file appears on your SFTP server.
- Use metadata for verification and debugging.
How to verify results
- Check the destination directory on the SFTP server.
- Ensure file name, size, and contents match expectations.
Monitoring Integration Activity
Where to find logs
- Go to Results → Monitor
- Select a the integration step you want to inspect.
What logs display
- Input/Output
Troubleshooting
Authentication issues
- Incorrect username, password, or SSH key
- Server host or port misconfiguration
Upload failures
- Invalid remote directory path
- Insufficient permissions on the SFTP server
Connection issues
- Firewall or IP restrictions blocking access
- SFTP service not running or unreachable
FAQs
What permissions do I need?
Integration Manager in Alchemer and access to the SFTP server.
Integration Manager in Alchemer and access to the SFTP server.
When does the integration run?
When the workflow triggers and reaches the SFTP step.
When the workflow triggers and reaches the SFTP step.
Can I use multiple SFTP actions in one workflow?
Yes. Actions can work independently or together.
Yes. Actions can work independently or together.
Why isn’t my file uploading?
Check authentication, remote path, and file configuration.
Check authentication, remote path, and file configuration.
What if I need additional functionality?
Contact Alchemer Support for enhancement requests.
Contact Alchemer Support for enhancement requests.
