# Downloading files from your node

## Using the secure file transfer protocol (SFTP)

An easy way to extract (i.e. download) files from your validator node onto your working laptop is to make use of SFTP - an extension of the SSH protocol.

To connect your working laptop to your validator node via SFTP, run:

```sh
sftp -P <port> -i <ssh_key_filepath> <user>@<IP_address>
```

{% hint style="info" %}
Note the difference in order and capitalisation of the port (-P) and identity (-i) flags from the SSH syntax.
{% endhint %}

Once you are connected, you will now be in the home folder of your validator node and you can then download your desired file by running:

**If file is in home folder:**

```
get <file_name>
```

**If file is in other folders:**

```
get <full_file_path>
```


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