transmission-create

Create BitTorrent torrent files

TLDR

Create a torrent with a tracker

$ transmission-create -o [output.torrent] -t [http://tracker.example.com/announce] [file_or_directory]

Create with multiple trackers

$ transmission-create -o [output.torrent] -t [tracker1] -t [tracker2] [file_or_directory]

Create a private torrent

$ transmission-create -p -o [output.torrent] -t [tracker] [file_or_directory]

Create with comment

$ transmission-create -c "[My torrent description]" -o [output.torrent] -t [tracker] [file]

Create with custom piece size

$ transmission-create -s [2048] -o [output.torrent] -t [tracker] [file]

Create with custom name

$ transmission-create -n "[Custom Name]" -o [output.torrent] -t [tracker] [file]

SYNOPSIS

transmission-create [options] file|directory

transmission-create generates .torrent files from files or directories. It's part of the Transmission BitTorrent client suite and provides command-line torrent creation without needing the GUI.The tool calculates SHA1 checksums for all pieces in the source content and bundles them with tracker information into the torrent file. Piece size is automatically selected based on content size but can be overridden.Multiple trackers can be added for redundancy. Private torrents disable DHT and peer exchange, requiring users to obtain peers only from the specified trackers.

PARAMETERS

-o, --outfile file

Save the generated .torrent to this filename.

-t, --tracker url

Add tracker announce URL. Can be used multiple times.

-p, --private

Mark torrent as private (for private trackers).

-c, --comment text

Add a comment to the torrent metadata.

-s, --piecesize KiB

Set piece size in KiB (default auto-calculated).

-n, --name name

Override default torrent name derived from source.

-h, --help

Display help and exit.

-V, --version

Display version and exit.

INSTALL

sudo apt install transmission-cli

sudo dnf install transmission-cli

sudo pacman -S transmission-cli

sudo apk add transmission-extra

brew install transmission-cli

CAVEATS

Large files take time to hash. At least one tracker is required for most use cases. Private flag cannot be changed after creation. Piece size affects torrent file size and download granularity.

HISTORY

transmission-create is part of the Transmission project, an open-source BitTorrent client started in 2005. The CLI tools were developed to allow automation and server-side torrent management without requiring a graphical interface.