File Manager Access in cPanel

If you’re a web hosting user looking to manage your website files easily, accessing the File Manager in cPanel is essential. File Manager provides a user-friendly interface to add, delete, view, or modify files without needing advanced technical skills. This step-by-step guide will help you quickly navigate and use the cPanel File Manager effectively.

Steps to Access cPanel File Manager

1. Log into your cPanel account.

2. Locate the Files section: On your cPanel dashboard, find the Files section.

3. Click on File Manager: Within the Files section, click the File Manager icon to open it.

By default, File Manager opens to the /home/userdirectory. You can change the default directory via the Settings menu. Also, enable Show Hidden Files (dotfiles) to view system files such as .htaccess.

Important Directory Locations

• Web Root for Primary Domain: public_html — place your website files here so they appear when visitors access your main domain.

• Addon Domains: Located at /home/user/youraddondomain.com — this folder is created automatically when you add an addon domain in cPanel.

Understanding the File Manager Interface

The interface is divided into four main sections:

• File Manager Toolbar: Contains basic tools like creating folders, deleting files, uploading/downloading files, and more.

• File Window: Displays contents of the current directory or shows a message if empty.

• Navigation Toolbar: Helps you move between folders within the file window.

• Current Location Window: Shows the directory path you are currently browsing.

How to Upload a File Using File Manager

1. Open File Manager.

2. Navigate to the folder where you want to upload files.

3. Click the Upload icon.

4. Select files from your computer using Select File or drag and drop files into the upload area.

How to Copy or Move a File

1. Open File Manager.

2. Select one or multiple files (hold Ctrl or Command to select multiple).

3. Click the Copy or Move icon on the toolbar, or right-click and choose the appropriate option.

4. Enter the destination path in the pop-up window and confirm.

How to Delete a File

1. Open File Manager.

2. Navigate to the folder with files you want to delete.

3. Select files and click the Delete icon, or right-click and select Delete.

4. Confirm deletion in the pop-up window. Files are moved to the system .trash folder by default. To delete permanently, check Skip the trash and permanently delete the files.

Conclusion

The cPanel File Manager is a powerful and easy-to-use tool for managing your website files, from uploading and moving to deleting and editing. Understanding how to use File Manager empowers you to efficiently handle your website’s backend without waiting for support, ensuring smoother and hassle-free website management.