Darkdrive

7 min read Original article ↗

Your Private Cloud.
Securely Encrypted.

Store your files with uncompromising security – for personal and work use. Fully encrypted with AES-256-GCM and a client-side split-key architecture. Developed and operated in Germany.

Benefits

End-to-End Encryption

Secure upload and complete encryption of all files and filenames. Only your key can decrypt your data. Ideal for confidential content.

Benefits

Organic Structuring

Organize your files with tags instead of rigid folder hierarchies. Combine them flexibly by project, topic, or client and find everything in seconds.

Benefits

Selected Features

Store all common file formats – from mobile devices or via drag & drop. Search, delete, and export your data at any time. Share selected files securely via a link.

Self-Host Darkdrive

Use Darkdrive independently on your own webspace. Choose the server location and performance yourself. Includes automatic updates and technical support.

Download

Compatible with common web servers from PHP 8.1 and ready in one minute. Licensed under AGPLv3 or a separate commercial license.

Managed Darkdrive

We operate your Darkdrive instance on high-performance shared servers in an ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certified data center in Germany. With 100 GB of storage space.

€19 / Month

Price incl. VAT. Your Darkdrive is usually ready in a few hours. Use your-name.darkdrive.de or your own domain. Cancellable monthly.

How Darkdrive Works

Can Darkdrive see my files?

No. Files and filenames are encrypted directly upon upload using AES-256-GCM. Without your password, neither we nor third parties can read the content.

How secure is it really?

Darkdrive uses AES-256-GCM encryption, split-key authentication, CSRF protection, rate-limiting, strict Content Security Policies, and automatic memory-zeroing. Only with complete unauthorized server access could data be intercepted during upload or viewing.

What happens if I lose my password?

Your password is the only key to your data. Since it is not stored anywhere – neither in plaintext nor in a derivable form – your files cannot be recovered without your password. We therefore recommend creating regular backups using the export function.

What file types can I upload?

Darkdrive supports over 80 file types in nine categories: Images (JPG, PNG, GIF, WebP, SVG, AVIF, HEIC, etc.), Audio (MP3, FLAC, OGG, WAV, etc.), Video (MP4, MKV, MOV, WebM, etc.), Documents (PDF, DOCX, XLSX, PPTX, ODT, etc.), Archives (ZIP, RAR, 7z, TAR, etc.), Text and Code (TXT, MD, CSV, JSON, PY, JS, etc.), Fonts, Contacts (VCF), and Design Files (PSD, Sketch, Figma, etc.).

What preview features are there?

Images, videos, and audio can be displayed or played directly in the browser. PDFs are opened in the browser, and an encrypted preview of the first page is generated for Office documents. Audio files automatically detect cover images with the same tag and display them as a thumbnail. Automatically generated, encrypted thumbnails appear for all these file types.

How do I use tags?

Tags allow for the thematic organization of files. Multiple tags can be assigned to each file, and the file overview can be filtered by individual tags. Multiple files can be tagged simultaneously using the multi-select feature. A tag is removed by entering it again. All tags are stored encrypted.

Can I share files?

Yes. Individual files can be shared as a decrypted copy via a temporary link. The share can be revoked at any time. The original file remains continuously encrypted – only the shared copy is accessible without a password.

How do I export my files?

Individual files can be downloaded directly from the detail view. For a full export, a ZIP archive can be downloaded decrypted, containing all files or files filtered by tag or type. Specific individual files can also be exported in a bundle using the multi-select feature.

How do I sync my files?

With the separate synchronization tool, files can be automatically synchronized in both directions. New or changed files are downloaded as a decrypted backup, and files are automatically uploaded and encrypted via an upload folder.

Does Darkdrive work on a smartphone?

Yes. The interface is fully responsive and optimized for mobile browsers. Using the "Add to Home Screen" function, Darkdrive can be used like a native app.

Terms of Use

Our software enables the secure storage, management, and access of files via a web interface. Authentication is done using a key known only to you. The range of functions can be expanded through updates; core functions will be retained.

The software is provided "as is" and developed with the highest standards of security, quality, and usability. However, we do not guarantee that it will function without errors. We provide technical support and automatic updates with improvements within the agreed framework.

These terms apply to the use of the Darkdrive software by all customers. Deviating terms are only valid if they have been confirmed in writing.

Self-Host Darkdrive is installed on the customer's own infrastructure. The customer is responsible for data backup, operation, and system security.

Managed Darkdrive is operated on ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certified shared servers in Germany. The storage is 100 GB. Security updates are performed. The contract term is monthly and renews automatically. Cancellable monthly.

The software may only be used in accordance with these terms and applicable law. It is forbidden to store or distribute illegal content. It is forbidden to violate the rights of third parties. It is forbidden to distribute malware or circumvent security measures. The user is responsible for their own content.

The provider is liable without limitation for intent and gross negligence. In case of slight negligence, the provider is only liable for typical, foreseeable damages. For Self-Host, the customer bears full responsibility for operation and system security. Managed Darkdrive is operated reliably, but interruptions may occur. Regular backups should be performed by the customer using the export function. Liability under the Product Liability Act remains unaffected.

In case of violations of these terms, the provider may remove content, block access, or terminate the contract. The place of jurisdiction is Stuttgart. German law applies.

Imprint

plue GmbH
Dresdener Str. 37
D-73730 Esslingen am Neckar

Contact

service@plue.tech
+49 178 1812864

Managing Director

Benjamin Scherer

Register Entry

Amtsgericht Stuttgart
HRB 784950

VAT ID

DE354618443

Privacy Policy

When visiting the website, technical data is stored. This includes date, time, browser, operating system, anonymized IP address, and pages visited. This data is stored for 30 days and then deleted. No cookies, tracking, or profiling are used. For forms, name, email, and concern are stored only for processing. There is no disclosure to third parties without consent.

Processing is carried out for contract fulfillment, customer communication, fulfillment of legal obligations, and on the basis of consent for voluntary contact. When purchasing via Stripe, this privacy policy is accepted.

The controller is plue GmbH, Dresdener Str. 37, 73730 Esslingen, Germany.
Email: service@plue.tech, Phone: +49 178 1812864

Customers have the right to information, correction, deletion, restriction, objection, revocation, data portability, and complaint to the supervisory authority.

Data is not passed on to third parties, except for contract fulfillment. Managed Darkdrive uses servers in the EU/Germany. Self-Host customers decide on data storage themselves. Despite all measures, security vulnerabilities can exist. Log files are stored for 30 days. Customer data is kept as long as the contractual relationship exists and legal obligations require it.

Right of Revocation

Consumers have the right to revoke a purchase contract within 14 days of receiving the goods without giving reasons. Please contact support@darkdrive.de.

Right of Revocation for Digital Products

For digital content, such as this software, which is not sold on a physical data carrier, there is no right of revocation according to § 356 Abs. 5 BGB (German Civil Code), provided you were informed and agreed to this at the time of purchase.