How to Use File Manager in cPanel

How to Use File Manager in cPanel

cPanel’s File Manager is a web-based tool for managing your hosting files directly from your browser — no FTP client required. It supports uploading, editing, moving, copying, and managing file permissions.

Accessing File Manager

1. Log into cPanel.
2. Navigate to Files > File Manager.
3. The File Manager opens showing your home directory.

Tip: Click Settings (top right) to configure:

• Default document root: Choose which directory to open by default.
• Show Hidden Files: Enable this to see files starting with . (like .htaccess).

Navigating the Interface

• Left sidebar: Directory tree for quick navigation.
• Main area: Files and folders in the current directory.
• Toolbar: Action buttons (Upload, Download, Delete, Copy, Move, etc.).
• Path bar: Shows your current location. Click any part to navigate back.

Key Directory Locations

Common Tasks

Uploading Files

1. Navigate to the destination directory.
2. Click Upload in the toolbar.
3. Drag and drop files or click Select File to browse.
4. Files upload automatically.
5. Click the back link to return to File Manager.

Tip for large uploads: Upload a .zip file and extract it in File Manager to save time.

Creating Files and Folders

• New File: Click + File in the toolbar, enter a name, and click Create New File.
• New Folder: Click + Folder in the toolbar, enter a name, and click Create New Folder.

Editing Files

1. Select the file.
2. Click Edit in the toolbar (or right-click > Edit).
3. Make your changes in the code editor.
4. Click Save Changes.

The editor supports syntax highlighting for PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other common formats.

Moving and Copying Files

• Move: Select files, click Move, enter the destination path.
• Copy: Select files, click Copy, enter the destination path.
• Right-click for context menu options.

Deleting Files

1. Select the file(s) or folder(s).
2. Click Delete in the toolbar.
3. Choose whether to skip the trash (permanent delete) or send to trash.

Recovering deleted files: Navigate to .trash in your home directory to find and restore deleted items.

Compressing and Extracting

• Compress: Select files/folders, click Compress, choose format (zip, tar, gzip), and click Compress Files.
• Extract: Select an archive file, click Extract, choose the destination, and click Extract Files.

Changing Permissions

1. Select the file or directory.
2. Click Permissions in the toolbar.
3. Set permissions using checkboxes or enter a numeric value (e.g., 755, 644).
4. Click Change Permissions.

Working with Hidden Files

By default, files starting with . (like .htaccess, .env) are hidden. To show them:

1. Click Settings in the top right.
2. Check Show Hidden Files (dotfiles).
3. Click Save.

Search Feature

Use the Search button in the toolbar to find files:

1. Click Search.
2. Choose the directory to search in.
3. Enter the filename (or part of it).
4. Click Go to search.

Tips

• Use File Manager for quick edits; use FTP/SFTP for bulk file transfers.
• Always back up files before editing them.
• The code editor is great for quick fixes to PHP, HTML, and configuration files.
• Use Extract to upload and unpack large websites quickly.

For File Manager assistance, contact 10Corp support.