Setting Up Fetch for LIS 458

Fetch is a simple, long-standing Mac FTP client with a free educational license available to students.

01_download_and_install

Step 1: Download Fetch and Get Your Free License

Fetch is not free by default, but students and educators can get a free license.

  1. Go to fetchsoftworks.com.
  2. Click Download Fetch to get the trial, then look for the Free licenses for qualifying students and faculty link on the same page.
  3. Submit the request form using your .edu email address. A free license key will be emailed to you.
  4. Open the downloaded .dmg file, drag Fetch into your Applications folder, and launch it.
  5. When prompted, enter the name and license key from the email to unlock the full version.
02_new_connection

Step 2: Open a New Connection

Fetch opens a connection dialog automatically on launch. Fill it in with your server credentials:

  1. Hostname: Enter the server address provided by your professor.
  2. Username: Enter your assigned username.
  3. Password: Enter your assigned password.
  4. From the Connect using drop-down, choose FTP or SFTP as directed by your professor.
  5. Click Connect.

To save this connection for next time, go to Bookmarks > New Bookmark after connecting.

03_navigating

Step 3: Navigating the Server

Fetch shows a single-window list of files and folders on the server — similar to a Finder window. Since your account is restricted to public_html, you should land there automatically. If you see other folders, look for public_html and double-click to open it.

04_uploading

Step 4: Uploading Your Files

There are two easy ways to upload with Fetch:

  • Drag and Drop: Open your project folder in Finder, select your index.html and all your folders (css, images, etc.), and drag them directly into the Fetch window.
  • Put Files button: Click the Put Files button in the toolbar, navigate to your project folder, select everything, and click Choose.

A progress indicator will show the upload. When it stops, your files are on the server.

05_check_your_work

How to Check Your Work

Open a browser and go to your subdomain:

http://firstinitial-lastname.lis458.com

If your site loads, you're all set. If you see a file listing instead of your page, double-check that your home page is named index.html (all lowercase).

06_tips

Tips for Fetch Users

  • Case sensitivity: The server is case-sensitive. Always use lowercase for file and folder names to avoid broken links.
  • Overwriting files: If Fetch asks whether to replace an existing file, choose Replace to make sure the latest version of your work goes live.
  • Quick edit: Right-click a file in the Fetch window and choose Edit to open it in your default text editor. Fetch will re-upload it automatically when you save.