The cPanel’s File Manager is an indispensable tool that allows users to manage their websites via HTTP instead of the FTP tool or third party applications. It is a less sophisticated feature that provides all the basic functionality required to manage a website. Whether it’s creating, uploading, and organizing files; or changing file permissions, the File Manager streamlines every task to expedite the process of running a website.
This tutorial will give you detailed instructions on how to use the File manager on your cPanel account.
Let’s roll!
Step 1: Accessing the File Manager
To find the File Manager, log in to your cPanel and go to the Files section File Manager menu.
This should take you to the default setting in the /home/user directory. You can change the default options in the Settings menu:
You can also enable the “Show Hidden Files (dotfiles)” option to access the files like .htaccess in your File Manager.
The public_html folder, which acts as the web root for your domain name, is the location for all your web files that will be displayed every time a visitor types your domain name on the search box.
The File Manager page is divided into four sections: the file manager toolbar, the file window, navigation toolbar, and the location window:
The toolbar, which is the first section in the File Manager contains the basic functions to manager different files like create a new folder, upload or download a file, delete a file, and much more.
Then there is the file> listing area where you will see the content in the directory you selected. If there are no folders created, the directory will be empty.
The navigation toolbar tab allows the user to navigate between folders and files in the file window.
The last section, the location window displays the current directory that you’re working on.
Step 2: Creating a New Folder
Folders allow for easier maintenance of a website since they provide a useful way of adding key information about specific projects maybe working on. It’s easier to list the files in each folder.
To create a new folder on the File Manager, go to the New Folder button.
A pop-up box will appear for you provide the folder’s name and where you want it to be stored. Once you type the details, hit the Create New Folder button.
You folder will appear in the specified location.
Step 3: Uploading a File
To start uploading files via the File Manager, navigate to the location you wish to upload your file. Hit the Upload button.
You will see a new page where you can upload your files to a folder. Hit the Select File button and locate the place where you want to save your file. Click Open/Choose, or you can simply drag and drop the files to your new folder.
Step 4: Creating a New File
To create a new file, click the New File tab.
A new pop up will appear where you will be required to provide the name of the new file and the desired location.
Step 5: Copying/Moving a File
In the File Manager, you can move or copy files to your desired destination in your account. To do so, use the Move or Copy icon.
A new pop up box will appear for the confirmation.
Step 6: Editing a File
You can edit a file through the File Manager when you want to make changes to your site. This step proves to be useful for small changes, but it wouldn’t give optimum results for huge changes. So, to edit your file, go to the file name and click the Edit button.
There are three more options in the file; Edit, Code Editor, and HTML Editor from the menu.
Edit: This option will help you edit any file as a plain text.
Code Editor: This option will allow you to edit a file as a code and provide line numbers on the side of this editor. You can select the code you want to work on with color with the help of the syntax located on the drop-down menu.
HTML Editor: This option will allow you to edit a file as an HTML document. You have the privilege to switch between different options including design view, preview mode, or source view.
Step 7: Deleting a File
To delete a file, go to the folder you want to delete and highlight the files then click the Delete button. You can also right-click on the document you want to delete and click the Delete button. A pop-up box will appear to confirm your deletion.
To delete the files permanently, mark the Skip the trash and permanently delete the files box.
Files that are not deleted permanently will be seen in the trash folder for about 90 days. Then they will be automatically removed from your server.
Step 8: Restoring a File
In the File Manager, go to the .trash folder and choose the files you want to recover. Click the Restore File(s) button. Once the process is done, you will see a pop-up window to confirm that you want to restore these files.
Step 9: Compressing a File
It is important to store your documents in one file to allow for easier transfer and backup for future references. It also allows you to compress huge documents. Compressing files allows you to free disc space to store other files. You can compress the files either into a single *.Gz, *.zip, or *.Bz2.
Go to the File Manager, choose the file you want to compress and click the Compress button. Indicate the Compression Type you prefer and include the name of the file. Click the Compress File(s) button to complete the process.
If you want to extract a file, select the file you want to extract and click the Extract button. Include the path you want the extracted file to go and then click the Extract File(s) icon.
Conclusion
There you have it. A complete guide with step by step instructions on using the File Manager on cPanel. It’s your turn to try them out!
Special note: cPanel is a Linux based web hosting control panel, and is widely regarded as the leading web panel today. Most top web hosting providers offer cPanel as part of their hosting plans.
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