Change Download Path in the Aspera Client

Changing Download Destination for Aspera Downloads

The default location for Aspera downloads is typically unsatisfactory as it defaults to a local path (OSX and Windows) or to your home directory (on Linux). Fortunately we can change this via the Aspera client.

Each OS variant requires different specific steps- I’ve attempted to capture as best as possible in this document. Future work will describe these steps in greater detail

Start the Aspera Client

The client typically starts when you browse to the Aspera URL. The client will be shown as an icon in the session’s toolbar- this will enable you to access the preferences window.

Locate Preferences

On OSX and Linux, a context click (right click) will bring up a menu from which you can select the preferences for the application. In Windows this is available by starting the application then choosing the “Hamburger Button” at the top left.

Update Transfers Configuration

One of the tabs in the preferences window is “transfers”. This is where you can configure the destination for downloads. Two options are available- a fixed path and “always prompt”.

Most find the “always prompt” the better option- you’ll be prompted for a download path each time you download data from Aspera. If you do have a regular path you’d prefer, update the path in the “save to” text box.

Apply and Go

Now all that is left is to apply those changes via the appropriate button (OK, apply) and start your downloads.