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Tixati

Tixati is a , free-of-charge client developed by for , available as standalone and portable versions on Windows, , and platforms. It operates without advertisements, , or bundled software, emphasizing a simple interface combined with advanced functionality such as ultra-fast downloading algorithms, DHT and PEX support, magnet link handling, connection , and detailed charting and management. First released on November 13, 2009, with version 1.21, Tixati has undergone continuous development over more than 15 years, culminating in version 3.39 on November 7, 2025, which introduced enhancements like protocol v3 and v3.1 support to address vulnerabilities and improve private compatibility. The software supports additional features including feed integration, IP filtering, event scheduling, and I2P session management, making it suitable for both novice and experienced users seeking efficient, privacy-focused . Developed in C++ without reliance on or .NET frameworks, Tixati prioritizes and low resource usage across its supported operating systems.

History and development

Origins and initial release

Tixati was developed by , a Canadian software engineer with a background in (P2P) file-sharing applications. Hearn previously authored , a popular P2P program released in that facilitated music and file exchanges until its shutdown in 2005 due to legal pressures from the recording industry. The first beta release of Tixati occurred on June 27, 2009, with version 1.12 beta-1 as a lightweight client. The initial stable release followed on November 13, 2009, with version 1.21. Hearn's motivation stemmed from a desire to provide a straightforward, ad-free alternative to dominant clients like , which had begun incorporating advertisements and bundled software. He emphasized creating a tool that was "simple and easy to use" without , bloatware, or commercial intrusions, aligning with his long-standing commitment to free software. From the outset, Tixati adopted a model, distributed at no cost with optional donations to support ongoing development, which encouraged early user adoption among those seeking privacy-focused torrenting options. The software launched with support for Windows and platforms, offering standalone executables for both 32-bit and 64-bit systems to ensure broad accessibility.

Key updates and versions

Tixati is maintained by Tixati Software Inc., which oversees its proprietary development using a C++ designed for efficiency and cross-platform compatibility, with each version offering standalone and portable builds that do not require . This approach allows users to run the software directly from a folder, facilitating easy updates and testing without system modifications. The software's evolution since its initial 2009 release has focused on iterative enhancements to core functionality, , and user privacy, with regular updates addressing protocol standards, network optimizations, and emerging technologies. Significant milestones include the addition of encrypted private messaging in channels in version 2.52, released in early 2017, which bolstered secure communication within the decentralized sharing system. In 2022, version 3.11 introduced full support for Protocol version 2 (BEP-52), incorporating hashing to improve torrent integrity and compatibility with modern standards. This update also refined tracker and peer connection logic, alongside a new seed creator tool offering flexible file structure options. A major expansion occurred in 2024 with version 3.31, which debuted experimental builds compatible with Android 7 and later, extending Tixati's reach to mobile platforms while ceasing the automatic setting of sparse attributes on downloaded files to reduce potential fragmentation issues. Advancements in anonymity followed in 2025, beginning with version 3.34's complete rewrite of integration via the I2CP protocol, enabling torrenting over the Invisible Internet Project for enhanced by routing traffic through a local I2P router. Subsequent releases built on this: version 3.36 optimized I2P session management and tunnel creation, while version 3.38 added full support for channels over I2P, allowing decentralized forums and sharing to operate anonymously. The most recent update, version 3.39 released on November 7, 2025, introduced a new seed protocol selection window and Protocol versions v3 and v3.1 support, specifically designed to address vulnerabilities and improve private torrent compatibility, alongside various performance optimizations for transfers and network handling. Ongoing development continues to prioritize privacy features like and protocol security, ensuring Tixati remains adaptable to evolving landscapes.

Features

BitTorrent protocol support

Tixati provides full compatibility with the core protocol, enabling users to and share files through decentralized swarms. It supports standard . files, which contain such as file lists, piece sizes, and information, allowing users to initiate transfers by opening these files directly in the application. Additionally, Tixati handles magnet links, which use hash-based identifiers to fetch from peers or trackers without requiring a separate . , streamlining the process for trackerless or distributed content discovery. Tixati supports protocol versions 1 through 3.1, with v3 and v3.1 (introduced in version 3.39) providing SHA-256 hashing, mandatory encryption, and better privacy against DHT scrapers for enhanced and compatibility with torrents. In terms of swarm management, Tixati implements efficient peer discovery and connection handling to facilitate and leeching. Peers are discovered through tracker announcements, the (DHT) for decentralized lookups, and (PEX), where connected peers share lists of other active participants to enhance swarm connectivity and visibility. occurs automatically once a download completes, with leeching prioritizing rare pieces via a bitfield representation that tracks availability across ; Tixati employs optimized and unchoking algorithms to balance upload slots among peers, maximizing overall transfer efficiency. extensions like DHT enable tracker-independent operation by routing queries through a global , while PEX augments this by propagating peer addresses laterally within . For file handling, Tixati accommodates multi-file torrents by treating each as an independent unit within the torrent structure, allowing selective downloads or skips during the process. Users can configure queuing to allocate preferentially to specific files or transfers, ensuring critical completes faster while deprioritizing others. Partial downloads are supported through granular selection, with visual bitfield graphs displaying completion status per file and , enabling resumption from interruptions without restarting the entire . These features align with BitTorrent's hybrid content-addressed and ordered delivery model, where pieces are verified via cryptographic hashes such as (for protocol v1) or SHA-256 (for v2, v3, and v3.1) before assembly into files.

User interface and usability

Tixati employs a tabbed designed for efficient navigation and management of torrent activities, with dedicated tabs for transfers, channels, RSS feeds, and settings that persist user preferences across sessions. This structure allows users to switch seamlessly between monitoring active downloads, participating in decentralized chat channels, and configuring options without cluttering the main workspace. The interface emphasizes a straightforward, text-focused layout that prioritizes functionality over graphical embellishments, enabling quick access to core tools while maintaining a lightweight footprint suitable for extended use. Detailed views enhance usability by providing granular insights into transfer operations. Bandwidth graphs offer real-time and historical visualizations, including mouse-wheel zooming, smoothing options, and extended timelines spanning weeks, complete with tooltips for precise data interpretation. Peer lists display comprehensive details such as connection protocols (e.g., BitTorrent v1/v2 or HTTP/HTTPS), client versions, and locations, with features like copy-paste support and event logging for troubleshooting. File progress trackers organize content in the original folder hierarchy, featuring searchable find-bars, priority adjustments via checkboxes, and progress bars that accurately render even for complex torrents with numerous small files. RSS feed integration streamlines automated downloads through a built-in reader accessible via a main , supporting feed selection, filtering by match/exclude rules and episode ranges, and direct loading from items. Users can feeds and automate actions based on XML-parsed , with enhancements for and URL parameters like #dltag for organization. is facilitated by a web interface, activatable from settings, which supports , category views, peer details, and graph rendering for management from external devices like phones or other computers. Scripting capabilities within the web interface allow basic , such as disabling specific or customizing behaviors, extending usability for advanced users seeking tailored workflows. Overall, these elements contribute to Tixati's reputation for intuitive operation, with hotkeys (e.g., Ctrl- for tab switching, for editing) and compact modes for narrow further improving and performance.

Privacy and security features

Tixati is a closed-source client that explicitly avoids , advertisements, or any form of user tracking, as stated by its developer on the official website. Despite its closed-source nature, which limits independent , the software has been described as well-audited and free of known vulnerabilities through community and user verification over years of use. The client supports robust encryption for peer connections using the standard Message Stream Encryption (MSE/PE) protocol, which employs a Diffie-Hellman followed by to secure data transfers. Additionally, Tixati's decentralized sharing channels include encrypted private messaging, where messages are protected using the recipient's public key for . This encryption extends briefly to functionalities within channels, enhancing secure communication among users without relying on external services. For IP address protection, Tixati allows binding outgoing connections to a specific interface, such as a VPN adapter, to route all traffic through the VPN and prevent IP leaks; users configure this via Settings > Connections by selecting the VPN interface under IPv4. It also supports SOCKS5 configuration for peer connections, trackers, and DHT traffic, enabling users to mask their IP by entering details in Settings > > , with options to disable features like UPnP and Peer Discovery to further minimize exposure. Furthermore, Tixati integrates with the anonymity for torrenting, allowing users to route transfers over via an external I2P router (such as i2pd or ) configured through Settings > , which supports I2P DHT and tracker injection for hidden peer discovery and enhanced privacy. As of 2025, Tixati maintains a strong record with no reported incidents or security breaches attributed to the client itself, provided downloads are obtained from the official site and users employ to scan transferred files.

Platforms and compatibility

Supported operating systems

Tixati is compatible with various editions of Windows, ranging from to , as well as editions starting from 2003 onward. This broad support ensures that users on systems can continue utilizing the software without immediate need for upgrades, while maintaining functionality on installations. For Linux, Tixati provides builds that have been extensively tested on popular distributions including , , , and Mandriva. It requires GTK3 for the and works on most recent distributions with it installed. It offers both 32-bit and 64-bit versions to accommodate different system architectures, and is designed to function on most other recent Linux distributions through its standalone format. In 2024, Tixati introduced support for devices running version 7 or later, enabling mobile file transfers via a dedicated that remains in experimental stages. Additionally, Tixati offers portable editions for both Windows and , which require no and can be extracted directly to a USB drive for use on multiple computers while preserving user settings.

System requirements

Tixati has minimal hardware requirements to ensure broad and efficient operation on older systems. The minimum specifications include a CPU with a speed of at least 1 GHz, 256 MB of , and a hicolor with 1024x768 or higher. These thresholds allow the software to run basic operations without significant performance issues on entry-level . Tixati is designed as a lightweight application with no external dependencies beyond standard system libraries for Windows, while builds require GTK3.

Related projects

Fopnu

Fopnu is a companion (P2P) file-sharing application developed by the creators of Tixati, serving as a standalone for direct file exchange outside of torrent-based protocols. Released on July 20, 2017, it was introduced after several years of development to provide a modern alternative for decentralized content distribution. At its core, Fopnu operates as a non-torrent network designed for direct and , utilizing a fully decentralized where all shared files are indexed locally on users' devices rather than relying on external databases. The employs a pure mesh protocol with , connection , and a recirculating token mechanism to ensure fair bandwidth allocation among participants, enabling efficient transfers through re-combining and re-encoding of data blocks. Unlike traditional torrent clients, Fopnu emphasizes user-driven without the need for files or structured swarms tied to specific content trackers. Fopnu's user interface is designed with visual elements similar to Tixati, promoting familiarity for existing users through a clean, customizable layout that includes , integration, and straightforward tools. This similarity facilitates easy adoption, with features like adjustable colors, fonts, and multi-language support enhancing usability across Windows and platforms. Key unique aspects of Fopnu include user share lists, which allow individuals to organize and expose their available files via share groups for targeted access, and a complete absence of central trackers, fostering fully decentralized swarms where peers connect directly in a mesh network without supernodes or intermediaries. This design prioritizes and resilience by distributing search and indexing responsibilities across the network, enabling organic growth of file availability through peer participation alone.

DarkMX

DarkMX is a decentralized communication and file-sharing application developed by , the creator of Tixati and Fopnu. Released in , it utilizes hidden services for anonymous, censorship-resistant interactions. DarkMX supports , , file search, contact management, and private messaging, along with the ability to create custom .onion sites. It operates without requiring incoming ports or configurations and is available for Windows, , and (version 7 or later). The application includes a built-in client and emphasizes privacy through and decentralized networking. As of June 14, 2025, the latest version is 1.42, which added support.

Super Simple Server

Super Simple Server is a compact software developed by , the same independent developer behind Tixati, Fopnu, and DarkMX. It enables users to easily host simple websites on any computer without complex setup. The software features an all-in-one design for serving static and dynamic content, with built-in support for , databases, and an internal client for anonymous hosting. It runs on Windows and , prioritizing low resource usage and ease of deployment for personal or small-scale web projects. The latest version, 1.25, was released on December 7, 2022, addressing issues in the consensus parser for the internal client.

Integration with other technologies

Tixati integrates with the to enable anonymous for connections, allowing users to over a decentralized . This support, introduced in version 3.32, connects to an external I2P router—such as i2pd or the Java-based I2P client—via the I2CP protocol over the local interface (127.0.0.1). Users can configure individual transfers or channels to use I2P exclusively, the regular , or both, with options accessible via a Networks submenu in the transfer details. The implementation includes a streaming layer for data transfer and a signed layer for (DHT) operations, enhancing by tunneling traffic through I2P's garlic mechanism, which is optimized for applications compared to alternatives like . For Tor, Tixati provides indirect support through its SOCKS4/5 proxy configuration, compatible with external Tor clients for routing tracker announcements and certain connections anonymously. This feature, available since version 1.85, allows users to specify a (e.g., Tor's SOCKS port at 127.0.0.1:9050) in the Network settings to mask addresses for outgoing requests, though it does not extend to full peer connections due to Tor's TCP-only limitation and performance constraints in high-bandwidth scenarios. Proxy settings can be applied selectively to trackers, providing a lightweight option without native Tor bundling. Tixati supports natively for peer connections, tracker announcements, and DHT operations, complying with BitTorrent Enhancement Proposal 32 (BEP-32) since version 1.73. Network settings offer modes such as IPv4-only, -preferred, or -only, with automatic detection of local addresses, including temporary extensions. This integration facilitates connectivity in dual-stack environments, enabling hole-punching for peers and filtering of ranges like Teredo and in IP blocklists. Recent updates, such as in version 3.39, have refined hole-punching reliability to improve connection establishment. To enhance connectivity behind NAT routers, Tixati employs (UPnP) and (NAT-PMP) for automatic of and ports used for incoming peer connections and DHT packets. Enabled by default in the Incoming Ports settings, this feature requests routers to map a dynamic port range (typically 10000–30000) to the local machine, reducing manual configuration needs and supporting UDP-based peer hole-punching. The UPnP client was rewritten in version 2.61 for better reliability across router vendors, with ongoing fixes for mapping conflicts and timeouts in subsequent releases. For media playback during downloads, Tixati supports sequential downloading of video files, allowing users to stream content via external players like before completion. By right-clicking a file in the transfer's Files tab, selecting Priority > Sequential (or Ultra High priority), the client prioritizes pieces from the beginning of the file, enabling real-time playback of partially downloaded media over HTTP or local file access. This works in conjunction with trackers and HTTP-based web-seeding (introduced in version 2.12), where torrents can incorporate HTTP sources for hybrid downloads, further aiding progressive streaming. Additionally, Decentralized Sharing Channels feature built-in multimedia broadcasting using network coding for efficient live or on-demand streams to participants. Tixati lacks an official for third-party but offers a web for remote management, accessible via HTTP on a configurable with optional UPnP forwarding. This supports basic operations like adding transfers, monitoring progress, and feed integration for automated subscriptions, serving as a layer without scripting capabilities. Users can extend functionality through command-line options for launching with specific torrents or settings, though advanced scripting requires external tools monitoring the web UI or events.

Reception

Critical reviews

Tixati has been praised by tech reviewers for its robust advanced options and efficient design. A 2012 review from gHacks noted the client's extensive configuration capabilities, including support for feeds, filtering, , DHT, and peer connection , positioning it as an attractive choice for power users seeking detailed control over transfers. Similarly, a 2025 TechRadar assessment highlighted Tixati's lightweight footprint and fast performance, emphasizing its ad-free experience and high level of customization, such as individual peer event logging and low-level swarm details, which cater effectively to both novice and expert users. Reviewers have also commended Tixati's privacy-oriented features. pointed out built-in support for forced encryption and SOCKS5 proxy connections, recommending the use of a VPN to further obscure IP addresses during downloads. In a safety analysis, Hoody confirmed that Tixati exhibits no or unusual network activity, with clean installation files and transparent bandwidth graphs aiding user oversight, while stressing the importance of scanning downloaded content for viruses and adhering to legal usage to avoid risks. Criticisms of Tixati often center on its nature and platform limitations. critiqued the closed-source code for lacking the transparency of open-source alternatives, potentially raising trust issues among users concerned about hidden behaviors. Prior to its experimental release in December 2024, Tixati offered no mobile support, restricting it to desktop environments on Windows and and limiting for on-the-go users.

Popularity and usage statistics

Tixati has garnered recognition within the community through various rankings and polls assessing popular clients. In 2012, it was included among the top 10 alternatives to uTorrent by , praised for its detailed statistics and customizable interface suitable for users seeking advanced monitoring features. By 2015, Tixati ranked fifth in Lifehacker's reader poll for the most popular client, trailing behind uTorrent, , , and , based on audience nominations and votes. The software's community engagement is evident through its dedicated forums, which host ongoing discussions on support, features, and troubleshooting, with active threads continuing into 2024. Users also contribute to its by creating and sharing language files via a dedicated section, enabling translations into multiple s such as and Hebrew. In late 2024, Tixati expanded its platform support with the release of an experimental version in build 3.31, compatible with Android 7 and later, marking a shift toward accessibility.

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