How to Download Specific Files from Torrent Ubuntu

When handling large torrents on Ubuntu, downloading every included file is often unnecessary and wasteful. This article outlines the methods for selecting and retrieving only specific files from a multi-file torrent using standard Linux clients. You will learn how to filter content within Transmission and qBittorrent to conserve disk space and bandwidth effectively.

Using Transmission

Transmission is the default torrent client for Ubuntu. While it often starts downloads immediately, you can select specific files by adjusting the properties before data transfer begins.

1. Open Transmission and click the folder icon to add a torrent file or magnet link.
2. If the download starts automatically, right-click the torrent in the list and select Pause.
3. Right-click the paused torrent again and select Properties.
4. Navigate to the Files tab in the properties window.
5. Uncheck the boxes next to the files you do not wish to download.
6. Click Close and resume the torrent by right-clicking and selecting Start.

Using qBittorrent

qBittorrent is a popular alternative available in the Ubuntu repositories that offers a more straightforward selection process during the addition phase.

1. Install qBittorrent via the terminal using sudo apt install qbittorrent if it is not already installed.
2. Open the application and click the Add Torrent Link button or drag a torrent file into the window.
3. A dialog box will appear listing all files contained within the torrent before downloading begins.
4. Uncheck the specific files you want to exclude from the download.
5. Click OK to start downloading only the selected content.

Using the Command Line

Advanced users may prefer managing torrents via the terminal using transmission-cli or aria2.

1. Install the client with sudo apt install transmission-cli.
2. Run the command transmission-cli <torrent_file>.
3. When prompted to select files, enter the numbers corresponding to the files you wish to download.
4. Enter 0 to download all files or specific indices for selective downloading.
5. The client will proceed to download only the specified indices.