Macspiration 108 – Sharing files through iChat

Did you know you can send files to a person through iChat? In fact the process is quicker than typing an email and clicking send. This is assuming you have an active chat with the person you are sending the file to. This is just one of the many fileshare options available

Drag and Drop

The first method is as easy as dragging and dropping the file to the current chat window. The person you are sending the file to will be asked if they want to accept the file. Assuming the person says yes, the file will be transferred to them through the chat. You can also drag and drop the file to the person’s name in your Buddy List. When the “+” icon appears drop the file and off it goes.

If both involved computers have Leopard you can also drag and drop files through the screen sharing feature of iChat. I’ll save screen sharing for another day.

Menu Option

The second option is found in the “Buddies” menu. First you choose the person you want to send the file to from your Buddy List. Next choose “Send File” from the “Buddies” menu.

A window will drop in your Buddy List where you need to find the file. The window is similar to the window you see for opening files. You choose the file, and off it goes. As with the drag and drop method the recipient will be asked if he/she wants to accept the file.

So, now you can share files using iChat. One word of caution: if you are chatting with a person who you don’t really know well (a friend of a friend of a friend who has your ichat name) be careful when you accept (or send) a file. You never know what might be sent your way, or what will happen to the file once you send it.

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