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    FileZilla FTP Setup

    Upload and manage website files with FileZilla

    What is FileZilla?

    FileZilla is a free, open-source FTP (File Transfer Protocol) client for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It allows you to upload, download, and manage files on your web hosting account.

    Downloading FileZilla

    1. Visit: https://filezilla-project.org
    2. Click "Download FileZilla Client"
    3. Choose your operating system
    4. Download and install

    Note: Download from official site only. Avoid download.com or similar sites that bundle extra software.

    Getting FTP Credentials

    From cPanel Welcome Email

    • FTP Server: ftp.yourdomain.com or yourdomain.com
    • Username: Your cPanel username
    • Password: Your cPanel password

    Creating Additional FTP Account

    1. Log in to cPanel
    2. Go to "FTP Accounts"
    3. Click "Add FTP Account"
    4. Enter login name and password
    5. Set directory (quota optional)
    6. Click "Create FTP Account"

    Connecting with FileZilla

    1Quick Connect Method

    At the top toolbar, enter:

    • Host: ftp.yourdomain.com (or your domain)
    • Username: Your FTP username
    • Password: Your FTP password
    • Port: 21 (or leave blank)

    Click "Quickconnect"

    2Site Manager Method (Recommended)

    1. Click "File" → "Site Manager" (or Ctrl+S)
    2. Click "New Site" and give it a name
    3. In the General tab:
      • Protocol: FTP - File Transfer Protocol
      • Host: ftp.yourdomain.com
      • Port: Leave blank or 21
      • Encryption: Use explicit FTP over TLS if available
      • Logon Type: Normal
      • User: your-ftp-username
      • Password: your-ftp-password
    4. Click "Connect"

    FileZilla Interface Overview

    Left Side (Local Site)

    • Top: Directory tree of your computer
    • Bottom: Files in selected directory

    Right Side (Remote Site)

    • Top: Directory tree on server
    • Bottom: Files on server

    Bottom Section

    • Transfer queue
    • Failed transfers
    • Successful transfers

    Uploading Files

    Drag and Drop

    1. Navigate to public_html on remote side
    2. Find file on local side
    3. Drag file from left to right
    4. Watch progress in bottom panel

    Right-Click Upload

    1. Select file(s) on local side
    2. Right-click
    3. Choose "Upload"

    Double-Click

    Double-click file on local side to automatically upload to current remote directory.

    Downloading Files

    • Select file(s) on remote side (right)
    • Right-click → Download
    • Or drag from right to left
    • To download entire directory: Right-click folder and choose "Download"

    File Permissions (chmod)

    Common Permission Settings

    • 644: Standard files (read/write owner, read others)
    • 755: Directories and executables (full owner, read/execute others)
    • 600: Sensitive files (only owner can read/write)
    • 777: Full access (avoid unless required - security risk)

    Setting Permissions

    1. Right-click file or folder
    2. Choose "File permissions..."
    3. Set permissions (typically 644 for files, 755 for folders)
    4. Click OK

    Secure FTP (SFTP/FTPS)

    SFTP via SSH (More Secure)

    1. In Site Manager or Quick Connect
    2. Protocol: SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol
    3. Host: yourdomain.com
    4. Port: 22
    5. Use same cPanel credentials

    FTPS (FTP over TLS)

    1. Protocol: FTP
    2. Encryption: Use explicit FTP over TLS if available
    3. May need to trust certificate on first connect

    Troubleshooting

    Connection Refused

    • Check hostname is correct
    • Verify port (21 for FTP, 22 for SFTP)
    • Try domain instead of ftp.domain
    • Check if FTP is enabled on server

    Authentication Failed

    • Verify username/password correct
    • Check for extra spaces
    • Reset FTP password in cPanel
    • Ensure account not suspended

    Slow Transfer Speeds

    • Edit → Settings → Transfers
    • Increase "Maximum simultaneous transfers"
    • Check your internet connection
    • Try during off-peak hours

    Directory Listing Failed

    • Edit → Settings → Connection → FTP
    • Try different "Transfer mode" (Active/Passive)
    • Passive mode usually works better

    Best Practices

    • Use SFTP when available for security
    • Don't save passwords in Quick Connect
    • Use Site Manager with encryption
    • Backup existing files before uploading
    • Keep organized directory structure
    • Avoid spaces in filenames (use hyphens or underscores)
    • Disconnect when finished

    Keyboard Shortcuts

    • Ctrl+S: Open Site Manager
    • Ctrl+D: Disconnect
    • Ctrl+R: Reconnect
    • F2: Rename
    • F5: Refresh directory listing
    • Ctrl+U: Add to queue
    • Ctrl+P: Process queue