Netatalk, Open Source File Server for Macs
Netatalk is a Free and Open Source file server for Macs. The Netatalk software runs on a UNIX-like operating system (such as Linux, BSD or macOS) and allows Macintosh computers to easily connect with each other and share files on a local network or over the Internet.
Written in pure C, it is light-weight, performant, and portable. Conforming to the Apple Filing Protocol specification up to and including AFP 3.4, any macOS, Mac OS X, or Mac OS system can talk to a Netatalk file server out of the box.
Since 1990, Netatalk has been leveraged by universities, enterprises, and home users for collaboration and remote data backup on Macs. With Netatalk, any UNIX-like host is able to integrate seamlessly with macOS network file system services.
Getting Started
There are roughly three ways to get started with Netatalk: Install a pre-built binary package, pull a container image, or build the software yourself from source. Knowledge of how to install packages, edit configuration files, and starting/stopping system services are required.
1. Install a pre-built package for your distribution
Use your operating system's package manager to install the latest available netatalk package. This is the recommended option for most users. Below follows a dynamic, non-exhaustive list of current packages.
2. Pull a container image
This option is either for users who already leverage containers extensively in their setup, or for when a binary package is outdated and you want to run the latest Netatalk version. Running a docker image has a relatively lower barrier to entry compared to building from source.
With Docker Engine or equivalent installed, do:
$ docker pull netatalk/netatalk:latest
Then follow the instructions on how to configure the container.
3. Build from source
You want to build from source when neither of the previous options are feasible, or when you want to do an optimized Netatalk deployment with only a subset of features enabled.
Arrange a C compiler (we use gcc or clang), the Meson build system with Ninja, together with needed libraries. Read more in the Netatalk manual or the OS specific guides in the wiki.
How to Use
By default, Netatalk shares the home directory of each authorized user, with secure authentication methods compatible with macOS, Mac OS X, Mac OS 9 and Mac OS 8.
If you need a different setup, you have to configure the host system before starting Netatalk. Netatalk has a dizzying amount of options which can be daunting initially. The Configuration chapter and afp.conf page in the Netatalk manual are good places to start.
Once Netatalk is up and running, in the macOS Finder, active Netatalk file servers appear under Locations, or in the Network drawer. On Classic Mac OS, you use the AppleShare client within the Chooser desk accessory.
Features
Below is an overview of the capabilities and bundled utilities that the latest version of Netatalk provides.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Tested and Supported on | Linux, DragonFlyBSD, FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, macOS, OmniOS, OpenIndiana, Solaris 11 |
| Client Support | macOS, Mac OS X, Mac OS 8/9, Macintosh System Software 6.0.x/7.x, Apple IIGS, Apple //e |
| AFP Protocol Versions | 1.1, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3. 3.4 |
| AFP over TCP | Yes |
| AFP over AppleTalk | Yes (supported on Linux, NetBSD) |
| Macintosh File System Metadata | macOS / OSX extended attributes, Classic Mac OS resource forks |
| Service Discovery | Bonjour-compatible on macOS / OSX, AppleTalk on Classic Mac OS |
| Remote Backups | Time Machine-compatible |
| Indexed Search | Spotlight-compatible on macOS / OSX, CatalogSearch on Classic Mac OS |
| Macintosh Network Booting | NetBoot 1.0-compatible (Ex: kea-mboot) |
| Apple II Network Booting | Yes: //e and IIGS (via a2boot) |
| AppleTalk Printing to modern printers | Yes (via papd) |
| Printing to LocalTalk printers | Yes (via pap) |
| AppleTalk Time Server | Timelord-compatible (via timelord) |
| AppleTalk Router | Yes (via atalkd) |
| MacIP Gateway | Yes (via macipgw) |
| Administrative GUI | Webmin module |
Latest News
15th of November 2024
Netatalk 4.0.6 is available
The Netatalk development team is proud to announce the latest release of the Netatalk 4.0 release series. This release contains fixes for older AppleShare Clients, the Webmin module, and the Meson build system.
See the upgrade chapter of the manual for instructions how to upgrade existing 3.x or 2.x deployments. All users of previous Netatalk versions are encouraged to upgrade to 4.0!
For a summary of news and a detailed list of changes see the Release Notes.
10th of November 2024
Netatalk 4.0.5 is available
The Netatalk development team is proud to announce the latest release of the Netatalk 4.0 release series. This release contains fixes for AppleTalk (atalkd, macipgw), the Webmin module, and the Meson build system, among other things.
See the upgrade chapter of the manual for instructions how to upgrade existing 3.x or 2.x deployments. All users of previous Netatalk versions are now encouraged to upgrade!
For a summary of news and a detailed list of changes see the Release Notes.
2nd of November 2024
Netatalk 4.0.4 is available
The Netatalk development team is proud to announce the latest release of the Netatalk 4.0 release series. This is a minor bugfix release that addresses build and distribution specific issues. Additionally, the bundled test suite has seen major refinement.
See the upgrade chapter of the manual for instructions how to upgrade existing 3.x or 2.x deployments. Early adopters are encouraged to upgrade to the 4.0 release series. We look forward to your feedback!
For a summary of news and a detailed list of changes see the Release Notes.
