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    Using cPanel File Manager

    Upload, edit, and organize your website files directly from your browser

    What is File Manager?

    cPanel File Manager is a web-based file management tool that allows you to manage your website files directly from your browser without needing FTP software. You can upload, download, edit, delete, and organize files and folders.

    Upload

    Add files to server

    Download

    Save files locally

    Edit

    Modify file content

    Delete

    Remove files

    Accessing File Manager

    Step 1: Log into cPanel

    Access your cPanel control panel using your login credentials.

    Step 2: Find the Files Section

    Look for the "Files" section on your cPanel dashboard.

    Step 3: Click File Manager

    Click on "File Manager" to open it in a new window or tab.

    File Manager Interface

    The File Manager interface consists of several main areas:

    Left Sidebar

    Quick navigation to common directories

    Main Panel

    File and folder listing

    Top Toolbar

    Action buttons for file operations

    Path Bar

    Shows current directory location

    Important Directories

    public_html

    Your main website directory. Files placed here are accessible via your domain name.

    Home Directory

    The root directory of your account. Contains public_html and other system folders.

    mail

    Stores email data for your email accounts.

    logs

    Contains access logs, error logs, and other server logs.

    Common File Operations

    Uploading Files

    1. Navigate to the desired directory (usually public_html)
    2. Click "Upload" in the toolbar
    3. Drag files to the upload area or click "Select File"
    4. Wait for upload to complete
    5. Close the upload window to return to File Manager

    Creating New Files

    1. Navigate to the directory
    2. Click "+ File" in the toolbar
    3. Enter the filename (e.g., index.html)
    4. Click "Create New File"

    Creating New Folders

    1. Navigate to the parent directory
    2. Click "+ Folder" in the toolbar
    3. Enter the folder name
    4. Click "Create New Folder"

    Editing Files

    1. Right-click on the file
    2. Select "Edit" or "Code Edit"
    3. Make your changes in the editor
    4. Click "Save Changes"
    5. Close the editor window

    Deleting Files or Folders

    1. Select the file(s) or folder(s)
    2. Click "Delete" in the toolbar
    3. Confirm the deletion

    Warning: Deleted files cannot be recovered unless you have a backup.

    Working with Archives

    Extracting Archives

    1. Upload the archive file (.zip, .tar.gz)
    2. Right-click on the archive
    3. Select "Extract"
    4. Choose extraction location
    5. Click "Extract File(s)"

    Creating Archives

    1. Select file(s) or folder(s)
    2. Click "Compress"
    3. Choose compression type
    4. Name the archive
    5. Click "Compress File(s)"

    File Permissions

    Changing Permissions

    1. Right-click on file or folder
    2. Select "Change Permissions"
    3. Set permissions using checkboxes or numeric value
    4. Click "Change Permissions"
    755

    Directories

    Owner: read/write/execute

    644

    Files

    Owner: read/write

    600

    Sensitive Files

    Owner only: read/write

    Troubleshooting

    Upload Fails

    • • Check file size limits
    • • Ensure sufficient disk space
    • • Try smaller files or use FTP for large files

    Permission Denied

    • • Check file/folder permissions
    • • Ensure correct ownership
    • • Contact support if issue persists

    Files Not Showing on Website

    • • Verify files are in public_html
    • • Check file naming (index.html vs Index.html)
    • • Clear browser cache
    • • Verify file permissions

    Best Practices

    • • Always backup files before making major changes
    • • Use meaningful file and folder names
    • • Organize files in logical directory structures
    • • Remove unused files to save disk space