Articles on: cPanel

How do I use the File Manager in cPanel?​

The cPanel File Manager is a powerful tool that allows you to manage your website files efficiently. This article will guide you through its basic functionalities, including viewing hidden files and setting file and directory permissions.

Accessing the File Manager


You can find the File Manager at cPanel > Files > File Manager. This tool is ideal for quick tasks such as uploading a single file or .zip archive (which you can then extract, e.g., for a WordPress plugin). For larger tasks, such as uploading an entire website, we recommend using an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) client.

Clicking the File Manager icon will open the main interface, which is divided into two sections:
The left pane displays the directory structure.
The right pane shows the contents of the current directory, which is highlighted in bold.

To change directories, simply single-click on a directory in the left pane or double-click the directory name in the right pane. Be cautious; double-clicking on a file or directory name will allow you to rename it.

Viewing Hidden Files like .htaccess


To edit your .htaccess file, you can do so within the File Manager. To view hidden files (dotfiles), click on Settings (located at the top right of the toolbar) and check the box for Show Hidden Files (dotfiles).

If you do not see the expected files when you open the File Manager, ensure that the correct default directory is set—typically, this will be your Home Directory, where you can find all your files for your primary domain, addon domains, and any subdomains.

Deleting Files or Directories and Using the Trash


When you select a file or directory and click Delete, the item is moved to the Trash by default. It won't be permanently deleted until you empty the Trash. If you need to restore something you've just deleted, click View Trash, select the desired files/directories, and click Restore.

If you opted to skip the Trash during deletion, you won't be able to restore those files here. Depending on how long the files have been in place, they may be recoverable from a backup. If the files were newly created or uploaded, you will need to recreate or reupload them.

Setting File and Directory Permissions


To adjust the permissions for files or directories:
Select the item and click on Permissions in the toolbar.
Alternatively, right-click the item and select Change Permissions from the menu.

You can either check/uncheck the boxes to set the desired permissions or enter the appropriate numerical values directly.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to contact our support team or email helpdesk@elitehost.co.za.

Updated on: 21/10/2024

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