File Manager: upload, edit, and backup files

The File Manager in cPanel allows you to manage your website files directly from your browser without using FTP software. You can upload files, edit them, organize folders, and create backups easily.

1. Accessing File Manager

1. Log in to your cPanel account.

2. Go to the Files section.

3. Click File Manager.

Once opened, you will see the directory structure of your hosting account.

Important Folder:

• public_html → This is the main folder where your website files should be uploaded.

Files placed inside public_html will be accessible from your website.

2. Uploading Files

To upload website files:

1. Open public_html (or another desired directory).

2. Click the Upload button in the top menu.

3. Select files from your computer.

4. Wait for the upload to complete.

You can upload:

• HTML files

• Images

• CSS files

• JavaScript files

• ZIP archives of full websites

Tip: If you upload a ZIP file, you can extract it directly in File Manager.

3. Extracting ZIP Files

1. Upload your .zip file.

2. Right-click the file.

3. Click Extract.

4. Choose the destination folder.

This is the fastest way to upload a complete website.

4. Editing Files

You can edit files directly inside cPanel.

Steps:

1. Right-click the file.

2. Click Edit or Code Editor.

3. Make the necessary changes.

4. Click Save Changes.

This is commonly used to edit:

• index.html

• .htaccess

• wp-config.php

• CSS or JavaScript files

5. Managing Files and Folders

File Manager allows you to perform many actions:

• Create new files or folders

• Rename files

• Move files between folders

• Delete files

• Copy files

• Change file permissions

These tools help keep your website organized.

6. Creating Backups

Backing up your files regularly is important.

Method 1: Download Files

1. Select the file or folder.

2. Click Download.

3. Save it to your computer.

Method 2: Compress Files

1. Select the folder you want to backup.

2. Click Compress.

3. Choose ZIP Archive.

4. Download the compressed file.

This creates a full backup of your website files.

7. Restoring Files from Backup

To restore a backup:

1. Upload the backup ZIP file.

2. Extract it inside public_html or the desired directory.

3. Replace existing files if needed.

Your website files will be restored.

8. Best Practices

• Always backup files before editing important configurations.

• Keep your public_html folder organized.

• Remove unused files to save disk space.

• Set correct file permissions for security.

• Use ZIP uploads for large websites to save time.