Rclone API App

A basic application concept for managing file operations through rclone’s Remote Control API.

What it does

The app provides a user interface for requesting operations such as listing files or starting a transfer between configured rclone remotes. A backend service sends requests to rclone and returns the results to the interface.

How it works

  1. Start rclone with Remote Control enabled.
  2. The app backend sends an HTTP POST request to an RC endpoint.
  3. Rclone performs the requested operation and responds with JSON.
  4. The backend displays the operation result or an error.

Example local startup command:

rclone rcd --rc-addr localhost:5572

Example endpoint: http://localhost:5572/rc/noop. RC API calls use POST and exchange JSON.

Example request

curl -X POST http://localhost:5572/rc/noop \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{"message":"hello"}'

This calls rclone’s no-operation endpoint, which can be used to check that the API is reachable.

Security note

The RC API is powerful. Keep it bound to localhost for local testing, enable appropriate authentication when needed, and avoid exposing the API directly to the public internet. For a web application, send API requests from a protected backend rather than placing secrets in client-side HTML or JavaScript.

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