WebDAV API

Introduction

WebDAV (Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning) provides filesystem-like access to WebPal documents using any WebDAV-compatible client. This allows you to mount your WebPal documents as a network drive, use desktop sync clients, or integrate with file browsers.

Endpoint

https://YOURSERVER.webpal.net/webdav

Authentication

WebDAV uses HTTP Basic authentication with your WebPal credentials:

• Username: Your WebPal login
• Password: Your WebPal password

Supported Operations

WebPal's WebDAV implementation supports the full range of WebDAV methods:

Operation	HTTP Method	Description
List directory	PROPFIND	Get folder contents and file properties
Download file	GET	Retrieve file content
Upload file	PUT	Create or update a file
Create folder	MKCOL	Create a new directory
Delete	DELETE	Remove a file or folder
Move/Rename	MOVE	Move or rename a file/folder
Copy	COPY	Duplicate a file or folder
Get properties	PROPFIND	Retrieve metadata and properties
Set properties	PROPPATCH	Update file/folder properties
Lock	LOCK	Lock a resource for editing
Unlock	UNLOCK	Release a lock on a resource

Version Tracking

WebPal automatically manages document versions when files are uploaded via WebDAV:

• When a file with the same name already exists, WebPal creates a new version entry
• Previous content is preserved in version history
• All versions are accessible from the web interface
• Version comments can be added through the web interface after upload

Permission Enforcement

WebDAV operations respect the same permission system as the web interface:

• Read-only folders will reject write operations with 403 Forbidden
• Users can only access folders and files they have permissions for
• Shared folders appear in the root directory
• System shares are accessible based on user permissions

Mounting as Network Drive

Windows

1. Open File Explorer
2. Right-click This PC and select Map network drive
3. Enter the WebDAV URL: https://YOURSERVER.webpal.net/webdav
4. Check Connect using different credentials
5. Enter your WebPal username and password
6. Click Finish

macOS

1. Open Finder
2. Press Cmd+K or select Go > Connect to Server
3. Enter: https://YOURSERVER.webpal.net/webdav
4. Click Connect
5. Enter your WebPal username and password
6. Click Connect

Linux (Nautilus/Files)

1. Open Files (Nautilus)
2. Select Other Locations
3. In Connect to Server, enter: davs://YOURSERVER.webpal.net/webdav
4. Enter your WebPal username and password
5. Click Connect

Client Applications

Desktop Sync Clients

WebPal's WebDAV endpoint is compatible with popular sync clients:

• Cyberduck (Windows, macOS) — File transfer and sync client
• Mountain Duck (Windows, macOS) — Mounts WebDAV as network drive
• DAVx⁵ (Android) — CalDAV/CardDAV/WebDAV sync
• WebDAV Navigator (iOS) — WebDAV file browser

Command Line Tools

Access WebDAV from the command line using standard tools:

curl

# List directory
curl -X PROPFIND https://YOURSERVER.webpal.net/webdav \
  -u username:password

# Download file
curl -u username:password \
  https://YOURSERVER.webpal.net/webdav/document.pdf \
  -o document.pdf

# Upload file
curl -u username:password \
  -T localfile.pdf \
  https://YOURSERVER.webpal.net/webdav/localfile.pdf

cadaver

# Interactive WebDAV client
cadaver https://YOURSERVER.webpal.net/webdav

# Commands:
ls              # List files
get file.pdf    # Download
put file.pdf    # Upload
mkcol folder    # Create folder
rm file.pdf     # Delete

Limitations

Be aware of these WebDAV limitations:

• Metadata: Document title and comments must be set via the web interface
• Sharing: Document sharing is only available through the web interface or APIs
• Search: Full-text search is not available via WebDAV
• Thumbnails: Thumbnail generation happens asynchronously after upload

Troubleshooting

Connection Refused

Ensure you're using HTTPS and the correct server URL. Some clients require explicit port specification: https://YOURSERVER.webpal.net:443/webdav

Authentication Failed

Verify your username and password are correct. Some clients may require the domain to be specified separately from the username.

Slow Performance

WebDAV performance depends on network latency. For large file transfers or frequent syncing, consider using the REST API with a custom sync client.

Windows Specific Issues

If Windows fails to connect:

1. Ensure the WebClient service is running: services.msc
2. Check registry settings for file size limits
3. Use https:// instead of http://