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

Visit: https://filezilla-project.org
Click "Download FileZilla Client"
Choose your operating system
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

Log in to cPanel
Go to "FTP Accounts"
Click "Add FTP Account"
Enter login name and password
Set directory (quota optional)
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)

Click "File" → "Site Manager" (or Ctrl+S)
Click "New Site" and give it a name
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
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

Navigate to public_html on remote side
Find file on local side
Drag file from left to right
Watch progress in bottom panel

Right-Click Upload

Select file(s) on local side
Right-click
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

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

Secure FTP (SFTP/FTPS)

SFTP via SSH (More Secure)

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

FTPS (FTP over TLS)

Protocol: FTP
Encryption: Use explicit FTP over TLS if available
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