Thonny IDE File Transfer: Move Files Device to PC

Video Tutorial (Optional)

Watch first if you want to follow along in the Thonny UI.

Project Overview

Thonny IDE file transfer: This beginner workflow shows how to move files between your MicroPython device and your local computer using the Thonny IDE Files view, so you can upload and download scripts quickly.

Transferring files between your local computer and device is essential for any workflow. Thonny supports this in the UI, but it can be non-intuitive when you are just getting started.

Time: 2 to 5 minutes
Skill level: Beginner
What you will build: A repeatable process to upload files to your device and download files back to your computer in Thonny

Support: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/mmshilleh

Parts List

From ShillehTek

None required for this tutorial

External

Thonny IDE - the editor used to browse your computer and device files
A compatible device connected to Thonny - your MicroPython-capable board connected over USB

Note: You must be connected to your device in Thonny for the device file browser actions (upload/download) to work.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1 - Enable the Files view in Thonny

Goal: Open the file browser panel so you can see both your computer files and your device filesystem.

What to do: In Thonny, go to the View tab and select Files.

Thonny IDE showing the View menu with the Files panel enabled for browsing computer and device files — Enable the Files panel from the View menu.

Expected result: The Files panel appears, allowing you to browse file locations in Thonny.

Step 2 - Connect to your device

Goal: Make sure Thonny is actively connected so file transfer options are available.

What to do: Confirm you are connected to your device in Thonny.

Expected result: Your device filesystem is accessible from the Files panel.

Step 3 - Upload files from your computer to the device

Goal: Copy one or more files from your local computer onto the device.

What to do: In the Files panel, select the three lines menu in the top right corner.

Thonny IDE Files panel highlighting the top-right three-lines menu used for uploading files to the device root — Use the top-right menu in the Files panel to access upload options.

Select the file(s) you want to transfer and click Upload to /.

Expected result: The selected files appear on the device (in the target folder, such as the device root).

Step 4 - Download files from the device to your computer

Goal: Copy files back from the device to your local computer.

What to do: To upload from device to computer, select the three lines menu below and do the same action from the device side.

Expected result: The selected device files are saved onto your computer.

Conclusion

You now know how to move files between your MicroPython device and your local computer using the Thonny IDE Files view. Once you know where the menus are, uploading to the device and downloading back to your computer is quick and repeatable.

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