How to associate a keyfile with a site in FileZilla

Question

Initially, I had a problem with creating a site within FileZilla as I needed to use a private key to log in to the server, but there wasn't any option listed for logging in with a keyfile. As per this answer I was able to add a keyfile, but I noticed that the site that I created originally hadn't been saved. When I went to create another site, I figured that I just needed to use "normal" as the authentication type, but after selecting "ok", the type changed to "ask for password" for some reason.

The problem is that I don't have the keyfile associated with that site, even though the keyfile is stored in the system so when I log back in, it still asks me for my password. Given that I'm having to retroactively add the keyfile, how can I associate the keyfile with each site that I create?

Solution

Sorry, the previously mentioned is not true. I was too naive that things can work out together.

In FileZilla you have to add the key using, menu Edit → Preferences → SFTP, as you did. Or make sure the key is in your ssh-agent before starting FileZilla (ssh-add -l should list the key).

You account in Site Manager has to have the "Normal" logon type with an empty password and the key should be tried automatically.

Comments

[Abbas]

Latest FileZilla has feature to specify Key-File for each site entry. Please follow this FileZilla Forum

[Nash]

You will probaby have to convert the open ssh key to .ppk with putty-tools first.

[loremIpsum1771]

I added the config file in the \.ssh directory and then back in the site manager in filezilla I selected "Interactive" as the logon type, as that one was the option where a password prompt wasn't required. After selecting "connect", it seems to have connected to the server; however, I'm not sure if the keyfile was even used for authentication How can I tell if the keyfile was used?

[loremIpsum1771]

It seems to be working now