How To Use File Manager In cPanel: Manage, Upload, Edit, And More

File Manager in cPanel is a versatile tool that allows you to manage your website files directly from your web browser. This guide will walk you through the various functionalities of File Manager, including how to manage different file types, upload, download, edit, delete, and compress files, and perform other essential file management tasks. By following these steps, you can efficiently organize and maintain your website's files without requiring advanced technical knowledge.

Accessing File Manager In cPanel

To start using File Manager, you need to access it through your cPanel account. Here’s how:

Step 1: Log In To Your cPanel Account

Log in to your cPanel account by navigating to one of the following URLs, replacing yourdomain.com with your actual domain name:

cpanel.yourdomain.com

yourdomain.com/cpanel

yourdomain.com:2083

Step 2: Navigate To File Manager

Once logged in, scroll down to the Files section and click on File Manager.

Step 3: Choose The Directory To Open

After clicking on File Manager, you’ll be prompted to select the directory you wish to open. Typically, you’ll want to access the public_html directory, which contains your website files. Select the directory and click Go.

Managing Different File Types In cPanel

File Manager in cPanel supports various file types, including HTML, PHP, CSS, JS, images, and more. Here’s how to manage these files:

Viewing Files

To view a file, simply locate the file in the directory and click on it. This will open a preview or allow you to download it, depending on the file type.

Editing Files

To edit a file, locate the file in the File Manager and select it. Then, click on the Edit or Code Editor button at the top. This will open the file in an editor where you can make your changes. Once done, click Save to apply the changes.

Uploading Files

To upload a file, navigate to the directory where you want to upload the file. Then, click on the Upload button at the top of the File Manager interface. You can drag and drop files from your computer or click Select File to browse and upload the file.

Downloading Files

To download a file, locate the file in File Manager, right-click on it, and select Download. The file will be downloaded to your local machine.

Deleting Files

To delete a file, locate the file in the directory, right-click on it, and select Delete. You can choose to move the file to the trash or permanently delete it.

Advanced File Management: Compressing And Extracting Files

File Manager allows you to compress and extract files directly from the interface. Here’s how:

Compressing Files

To compress files into a .zip, .tar, or .gz archive, select the files you want to compress and click on the Compress button. Choose the compression type and click Compress Files.

Extracting Files

To extract an archive, right-click on the file and select Extract. Choose the destination folder and click Extract File(s).

Managing File Permissions

File permissions control who can read, write, or execute a file. To manage permissions:

Step 1: Right-Click On The File Or Folder

In File Manager, locate the file or folder you want to adjust permissions for. Right-click on it and select Change Permissions.

Step 2: Adjust The Permissions

In the permissions window, you can set the read, write, and execute permissions for the owner, group, and public. Once done, click Change Permissions to apply the settings.

Troubleshooting Common Issues In File Manager

If you encounter any issues while using File Manager, here are some common solutions:

Issue: Unable To Upload Files

If you’re unable to upload files, check the file size and ensure it does not exceed the maximum upload limit set by your hosting provider. You may also want to verify your internet connection.

Issue: File Permissions Errors

If you encounter permissions errors, double-check that the file or folder permissions are set correctly. You can adjust them using the Change Permissions option in File Manager.

Issue: Cannot Edit Files

If you’re unable to edit a file, ensure that the file is not write-protected and that you have the necessary permissions to modify it. You may also check if the file is open in another editor.

File Manager in cPanel is an essential tool for managing your website’s files efficiently. By understanding its features and knowing how to troubleshoot common issues, you can take full advantage of this tool to maintain and organize your website files.