Share content between two computers

Let the two computers discover each other

Both computers must be running Hangrail and connected to a local network that lets them communicate. The same Wi-Fi name does not guarantee that devices can reach each other; guest networks may isolate devices.

On Mac, open “Settings → Collection & Transfer → Nearby Sharing” (设置 → 收集与中转 → 附近分享) and turn it on. On Windows, use “Settings → Permissions & Data → Nearby Sharing” (设置 → 权限与数据 → 附近分享). You can also open “Nearby Sharing…” (附近分享…) from the Hangrail menu and enable sharing at the top of the window. It is off by default; opening the window does not turn it on.

Give each computer an identifiable “Device name” (本机名称), such as “Study Mac” and “Office PC.” When online, each device appears in the other's “Nearby” (附近) list. Click Refresh if it does not appear.

Select cards and send

1. On the sending computer's shelf, select the cards to share. Select one card or multiple text, image, or file cards.
2. Choose “Send to Device…” (发送到设备…) from the card or multiple-selection menu.
3. Select an online receiving device in the device window. Before the first send, match the device verification code shown there with the receiver's “This device's verification code” (本机校验码). Do not identify a computer by its name alone.
4. Click “Send N Selected Items” (发送所选 N 项). You can view progress or cancel during preparation and transfer.
5. Confirm the request on the receiving computer and wait for the sender to show completion.

After sending succeeds, the original cards stay on the sender's shelf. Sharing does not remove them. Currently, each transfer supports up to 100 items and 2 GiB in total. Ordinary files are supported, but folders cannot be sent directly. To deliver a whole folder, compress it using your system's tools, then add the archive to Hangrail and send it.

Receive and remember devices

The receiver shows a “Receive Nearby Sharing” (接收附近分享) window with the sending device, verification code, some filenames, and total size. Check these and choose “Accept” (接收), or “Decline” (拒绝) if unsure of the source. Closing the request window or not responding within 60 seconds also declines the request.

For computers that exchange content frequently, choose “Accept & Remember” (接收并记住). The device will then appear under “Remembered Devices” (已记住的设备), but each receipt still requires confirmation by default. To skip confirmation on this computer, separately select that device and enable “Automatically accept” (自动接收). This does not grant permission on the other computer.

Received content is saved as local cards. It is not opened automatically or written to the system clipboard. You can then copy, preview, or drag it to another app. Files received nearby remain after dragging out and are not automatically removed under transfer-file rules.

Troubleshoot missing devices

First confirm that sharing is enabled on both computers, neither is asleep, and the other computer is still running Hangrail. If using guest Wi-Fi, switch to a network that allows devices to communicate. When Windows first shows a firewall prompt, allow Hangrail to communicate on private networks. You do not need to turn off the firewall.

If automatic discovery still fails, enter the other computer's local IP address in the device window, such as 192.168.1.23, with the default port 53319, then click “Connect” (连接). Use the other computer's current private IP, not a public address or website domain. Manual connection replaces only automatic discovery; it cannot bypass network isolation or a firewall.

If a transfer fails, check available disk space on the receiving computer, address the reported error, and send again. Resuming incomplete files is not currently supported. Successfully received files remain, so check completed items before resending.

One-time sharing versus continuous sync

Nearby Sharing is for sending the current selection to another online computer. It does not support internet relaying or offline queues, and does not automatically keep two libraries identical. Turning off Nearby Sharing or quitting Hangrail stops ongoing transfers.

Content received through Nearby Sharing is not automatically added to WebDAV sync, even with ordinary file and video sync enabled. Configure WebDAV separately for continuous sync of content you collect yourself. To keep received items, include them in a full backup.