Welcome to Right Servers Inc.'s guide on using File Manager, a convenient tool within cPanel that allows you to manage your website's files directly from your web browser. This article will walk you through accessing File Manager, navigating directories, uploading and downloading files, editing files, creating new files and folders, deleting and renaming files, and provide tips for managing your website's files effectively.
Accessing File Manager
To access File Manager in cPanel, follow these steps:
- Log into your client portal at https://portal.rightservers.com and navigate to your cPanel account.
- In the Files section of cPanel, click on File Manager.
Navigating Directories in File Manager
Once you have accessed File Manager, you'll see a list of directories and files. You can navigate through these by:
- Clicking on a directory to view its contents.
- Using the Up One Level button (an up-arrow icon) at the top of File Manager to move back up the directory tree.
Your website files should be placed in the /public_html/ directory, which is the default document root for your domain. Files uploaded outside this directory will not be visible on the web.
Uploading Files
To upload files to your website:
- In File Manager, navigate to the directory where you want to upload files.
- Click on Upload at the top of the page.
- Select the file(s) from your computer and click Open. You can also drag and drop files into the designated area if supported by your browser.
- Wait for the upload to complete. Once done, you'll see your new file(s) listed in File Manager.
Downloading Files
To download a file from your website:
- Navigate to the directory containing the file you want to download.
- Click on the filename to select it, or Ctrl + Click (Windows) or Command + Click (Mac) for multiple selections.
- At the top of File Manager, click Download.
- Choose a location on your computer to save the file and confirm.
Editing Files Directly in File Manager
cPanel's File Manager also allows you to edit files directly:
- Navigate to the directory containing the file you wish to edit.
- Click on the filename, then click Edit at the top of File Manager.
- Make your changes in the text editor provided.
- When finished, click Save Changes.
Creating New Files and Folders
You can create new files and folders directly within File Manager:
- Navigate to where you want to add the file or folder.
- Click on +New Folder or +New File at the top of File Manager, depending on what you wish to create.
- Enter a name for your new item and click Create New Folder or confirm creation as prompted.
Deleting and Renaming Files
To manage existing files:
- Navigate to the file you want to delete or rename.
- Select the checkbox next to the filename.
- At the top of File Manager, click Delete to remove the file(s), or right-click and select Rename to change its name.
Tips for Managing Website Files
- Backup regularly: Before making significant changes, use File Manager's backup features or create a manual backup of critical files.
- Use directories wisely: Organize your website files into logical directory structures to make management easier.
- Set correct permissions: Directories should be 755 and files should be 644. Incorrect settings can affect site security and functionality.
- Use compression: File Manager can compress and extract .zip and .tar.gz archives — useful for backups or uploading multiple files at once.
If you have any questions or need further assistance with using File Manager in cPanel, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at support@rightservers.com. We're here to help!
