How to Use cPanel File Manager to Manage Your Website Files
Categories: cPanel
You can manage your website files from your browser with cPanel's File Manager, a robust tool that eliminates the need for an FTP client. Uploading, editing, deleting, and moving files are all made simple and effective using the File Manager. This tutorial will teach you how to efficiently manage the files on your website using cPanel File Manager.
Step 1: Accessing File Manager
To start, log in to your cPanel account by navigating to yourdomain.com/cpanel and entering your credentials. Once logged in, locate the Files section on the main dashboard and click on File Manager. This will open a new window displaying the directory structure of your web hosting account.
Step 2: Understanding the File Manager Interface
The File Manager interface is similar to your computer’s file explorer. On the left side, you will see a directory tree that allows you to navigate through different folders, and on the right side, you’ll see the contents of the selected folder. The most important folder is public_html, which is where your website files are stored.
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Toolbar: The toolbar at the top provides various options, such as Upload, Download, Delete, Edit, Move, Copy, and Compress.
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Navigation: Use the folder icons on the left to navigate through your directories, and click on files or folders on the right to select them.
Step 3: Uploading Files
To upload files, navigate to the folder where you want to upload them (typically public_html for website files). Click the Upload button in the toolbar, and a new window will open where you can either drag and drop your files or click to select them from your computer. Once the upload is complete, the files will be available in the selected folder.
Step 4: Editing Files
If you need to make changes to your website files, you can easily do so by selecting the file you want to edit and clicking the Edit button in the toolbar. This will open the file in a text editor, allowing you to make changes directly. This is particularly useful for editing HTML, CSS, or PHP files without needing to download them first.
Step 5: Moving and Copying Files
To move or copy files, select the desired file or folder, then click on either Move or Copy from the toolbar. You will be prompted to enter the destination path. This feature is useful for reorganizing your website files or duplicating them for backup purposes.
Step 6: Creating New Files and Folders
You can also create new files or folders within the File Manager. To create a new file, click + File in the toolbar and enter the file name and location. Similarly, you can click + Folder to create a new directory. This can be helpful for organizing content, images, scripts, and other website resources.
Step 7: Deleting and Restoring Files
To delete a file or folder, select it and click the Delete button. Deleted files are moved to the Trash folder, where you can either restore or permanently delete them. If you accidentally delete something, go to the Trash folder and click Restore to recover the file.
Step 8: Compressing Files
To save space or prepare multiple files for download, you can compress them into a ZIP file. Select the files or folders you want to compress, then click Compress in the toolbar. You can choose different compression formats, such as ZIP or Gzip. Compressed files can also be extracted using the Extract button.
Step 9: Setting File Permissions
File permissions determine who can read, write, or execute a file. To change file permissions, right-click on a file or folder and select Permissions. You can then adjust the settings by selecting or deselecting the read, write, and execute checkboxes. Be careful when changing permissions, as incorrect settings can make your website inaccessible.
Conclusion
The cPanel File Manager is a versatile and user-friendly tool that allows you to manage your website files without needing extra software. From uploading files to editing and organizing them, File Manager has everything you need to keep your website running smoothly. By familiarizing yourself with these features, you can effectively manage your website files and make quick updates whenever necessary.