# AirDrop-for-Everything: reimplementing AirDrop file transfer

> AirDrop-for-Everything reimplements Apple's AirDrop discovery and file transfer in a Rust core with command-line, desktop, Android and macOS interfaces. The documented protocol covers mDNS discovery, binary-plist /Discover and /Ask requests, and DVZip-framed cpio uploads. AWDL works where an interface exists; other platforms use LAN transport.

- Type: Case study
- Targets: Protocol
- Category: Independent reconstruction cases
- Relationship: Independent reconstruction project
- Sources reviewed: 2026-11-06
- Added to the catalog: 2026-11-08
- Original resource: <https://github.com/BenItBuhner/AirDrop-for-Everything>
- Primary source: <https://github.com/BenItBuhner/AirDrop-for-Everything/blob/34bdc8dfdd9c3eebd5b5bd8588b2fad2243a8e9c/README.md>
- Catalog page: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/airdrop-for-everything-case/>
- Record JSON: <https://awesomerea.org/resources/airdrop-for-everything-case/record.json>
- Chinese version: [简体中文](https://awesomerea.org/zh/resources/airdrop-for-everything-case/index.md)

## Requirements & limits

- **Prerequisites:** Rust toolchain for source builds; AWDL requires macOS awdl0 or a Linux AWDL implementation.
- **Limits:** Windows and Android lack AWDL discovery and use LAN transport for compatible peers.
- **License:** MIT License.

## Primary sources

1. <https://github.com/BenItBuhner/AirDrop-for-Everything/blob/34bdc8dfdd9c3eebd5b5bd8588b2fad2243a8e9c/README.md>

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## About this entry

The description was reviewed against primary sources.
Original editorial content: MIT. Linked projects, papers and assets retain their own rights and licenses.