Vidensdatabase

This guide explains how to use the cPanel File Manager to upload, edit, organise, and manage your website files directly from your browser. It is ideal for quick changes, small uploads, and general file maintenance without needing an FTP client.

1. Accessing File Manager

1. Log in to your cPanel dashboard.
2. Scroll to the Files section.
3. Select File Manager.

You will be taken to a file explorer style interface showing the folders and files in your hosting account.

2. Understanding the File Manager Layout

The File Manager interface includes several key areas:

• Left Sidebar: Shows your directory tree, including public_html, home directory, and system folders.
• Main File List: Displays the contents of the selected folder.
• Top Toolbar: Contains actions such as Upload, Create File, Create Folder, Copy, Move, Delete, and Permissions.
• Breadcrumb Navigation: Helps you see your current location and move between folders quickly.

The most important folder for most users is public_html, which contains the files for your main website.

3. Uploading Files

To upload files:

1. Navigate to the folder you want to upload into (for example, public_html).
2. Click Upload in the top toolbar.
3. Drag and drop files into the upload window or select them manually.
4. Wait for the progress bar to reach 100 percent.
5. Return to File Manager to confirm the files have appeared.

Note: File Manager is best for smaller uploads. For large files or many files at once, FTP is usually faster.

4. Creating and Editing Files

Creating a New File or Folder

• Click + File or + Folder in the toolbar.
• Enter a name and confirm the location.

Editing Files

File Manager includes two editors:

• Edit: A basic text editor for quick changes.
• Code Editor: A syntax highlighted editor ideal for HTML, CSS, PHP, and JavaScript.

To edit a file:

1. Select the file.
2. Click Edit or Code Editor.
3. Make your changes and click Save.

5. Managing Files and Folders

You can perform common file operations directly from the toolbar or by right-clicking a file.

Copy and Move

• Select the file or folder.
• Click Copy or Move.
• Choose the destination path.

Rename

• Right-click the file and choose Rename.
• Enter the new name.

Delete

• Select the file and click Delete.
• Choose whether to send it to the Trash or permanently delete it.

Extract and Compress

File Manager supports ZIP archives.

• Compress: Select files and choose Compress to create a ZIP.
• Extract: Select a ZIP file and choose Extract to unpack it.

6. Setting File Permissions

Every file and folder has permissions that control who can read, write, or execute it.

To change permissions:

1. Select the file or folder.
2. Click Permissions or right-click and choose Change Permissions.
3. Adjust the checkboxes or enter the numeric value (for example, 644 or 755).
4. Save your changes.

Be cautious when changing permissions. Incorrect settings can break your website or create security risks.

7. Working With Hidden Files

Some important configuration files, such as .htaccess, are hidden by default.

To show hidden files:

1. Click Settings in the top-right corner.
2. Tick Show Hidden Files (dotfiles).
3. Click Save.

This is essential when editing rewrite rules, redirects, or security settings.

8. Troubleshooting Common File Manager Issues

Cannot Upload Files

• File may be too large for the upload limit.
• Try compressing the file or use FTP instead.

Permission Denied Errors

• The file or folder may have incorrect permissions.
• Update permissions to the recommended values.

Changes Not Showing on the Website

• Clear your browser cache.
• If using a CMS, clear its internal cache as well.

Missing Files

• Check the Trash folder.
• Ensure you are in the correct directory, such as public_html.