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Quick start

Get your encrypted file storage up and running in 5 minutes. This guide walks you through creating your first encrypted volume and storing files securely.

Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have:

  • Kurpod installed and running (see Installation guide)
  • A web browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Edge)
  • A strong password ready (20+ characters recommended, but anything works)

Step 1: Access the web interface

Open your web browser and navigate to:

http://localhost:3000

You should see the Kurpod welcome screen. If you see an error:

  • Check that Kurpod is running in your terminal
  • Verify no other service is using port 3000
  • Try http://127.0.0.1:3000 instead

HTTPS setup

For production use, set up HTTPS with a reverse proxy. See our Reverse proxy guide for instructions.

Step 2: Create your encrypted volume

First-time setup

  1. Click "Create New Storage"
  2. You'll see the volume creation screen

Choose your setup mode

You have two options:

  1. Enter a strong password in the "Standard Password" field
  2. Leave "Enable Hidden Volume" unchecked
  3. Click "Create Volume"

Option B: With hidden volume (Maximum security)

  1. Enter a password for your standard volume
  2. Check "Enable Hidden Volume"
  3. Enter a different password for your hidden volume
  4. Click "Create Volumes"

Password security

  • Use different passwords for standard and hidden volumes
  • Store passwords in a password manager
  • Never use passwords you've used elsewhere
  • Consider using passphrases: "correct-horse-battery-staple"

Wait for initialization

The volume creation process:

  1. Generates encryption keys
  2. Initializes the storage structure
  3. Creates metadata indexes
  4. Tests the encryption

This typically takes 5-10 seconds.

Step 3: Your first file upload

Once your volume is created, you'll see the main interface.

Upload a file

Method 1: Drag and drop

  1. Drag any file from your computer
  2. Drop it anywhere on the Kurpod interface
  3. Watch the upload progress

Method 2: Click to browse

  1. Click the "Upload" button
  2. Select files from your computer
  3. Click "Open"

Method 3: Folder upload

  1. Drag an entire folder
  2. Kurpod preserves the folder structure
  3. All files are encrypted individually

What happens during upload

  1. File is read in your browser
  2. Encrypted using your password-derived key
  3. Uploaded to the server as encrypted chunks
  4. Server stores only encrypted data

Your password and unencrypted files never leave your browser.

Step 4: Working with files

Viewing files

  • Images: Click to preview inline
  • PDFs: Built-in PDF viewer opens
  • Text files: View and edit directly
  • Other files: Click to download

Organizing files

  1. Create folders:

    • Click "New Folder"
    • Enter folder name
    • Drag files to organize

  2. Rename items:

    • Right-click → Rename
    • Enter new name
    • Press Enter

  3. Move files:

    • Drag to new location
    • Or cut/paste with keyboard

Downloading files

  1. Click any file to select
  2. Click "Download" or right-click → Download
  3. File is decrypted in your browser
  4. Standard browser download starts

Step 5: Using hidden volumes

If you created a hidden volume, here's how to use it:

Switching volumes

  1. Click your username/avatar
  2. Select "Switch Volume"
  3. Enter your hidden volume password
  4. You now see completely different files

Best practices

  • Keep some files in standard volume: Makes it believable
  • Use hidden volume sparingly: For truly sensitive data
  • Different types of content: Don't make it obvious
  • Regular access patterns: Don't only use hidden volume

Plausible deniability

The hidden volume only works if you maintain plausible deniability. Keep innocuous files in your standard volume so it appears to be your only storage.

Troubleshooting

"Cannot connect to server"

  • Verify Kurpod is running
  • Check firewall settings
  • Try different browser

"Upload failed"

  • Check disk space
  • Verify file permissions
  • Try smaller file first

"Incorrect password"

  • Passwords are case-sensitive
  • Check Caps Lock
  • Try both volume passwords

"File won't preview"

  • Some formats not supported
  • File may be corrupted
  • Try downloading instead

Next steps

Now that you're up and running:

  1. Learn about security:

  2. Set up for production:

  3. Advanced features:

Getting help

Welcome to the Kurpod community. Your privacy journey starts here.