How to Use cPanel's File Manager: An In-Depth Guide

Important: For more intricate details, consult the official documentation on cPanel's website here. For personalized assistance, refer to our knowledge base at www.domainindia.com/knowledgebase or submit a support ticket.

Introduction

The File Manager within cPanel offers an intuitive way to manage files and directories for your website, bypassing the need for FTP clients. Although it doesn't offer the full suite of features that specialized FTP tools offer, it is an invaluable tool for quick file operations.

Pre-requisites:

• Access to cPanel with File Manager permissions
• Basic understanding of file and directory structures on Linux-based systems

Opening File Manager

1. Log in to your cPanel dashboard.
2. Locate the File Manager icon under the Files section and click it.
3. You'll be greeted with the File Manager interface, displaying the directory structure on the left and file details on the right.

Navigation Tips:

• Open Folder: Click the folder icon.
• Go Up One Level: Use the 'Up one level' link.
• Path Navigation: Utilize the breadcrumb trail at the top for quick navigation.

File and Directory Operations

Creating a New Folder

1. Navigate to the location where you want to create the folder.
2. Click on + Folder at the top-left corner.
3. Enter the folder name and click Create.

Uploading Files

1. Navigate to the desired directory.
2. Click the Upload button.
3. Drag and drop files or click Select File to choose files from your computer.
4. (Optional) Check Overwrite existing files if needed.

Advanced Tip:

For bulk uploads or automated tasks, consider using FTP/SFTP for better efficiency and control.

Creating a New File

1. Navigate to the location where the new file will reside.
2. Click on + File.
3. Enter the name with the correct extension (e.g., script.php for a PHP file).

Pro Tip:

For files like Perl and Shell scripts, ensure the Shebang line (#!) is correct.

Editing a File

1. Navigate to the file.
2. Select it and click Edit or Code Edit for a syntax-highlighted interface.

Renaming Files or Folders

1. Right-click on the file or folder and choose Rename.
2. Update the name and press Enter.

File and Directory Permissions on Linux

Understanding file permissions on a UNIX-based system is crucial for web security.

• Read (r): File can be read.
• Write (w): File can be modified.
• Execute (x): File can be executed.

Setting Permissions

1. Right-click on the file/folder and select Change Permissions.
2. Use the checkbox matrix to set the permissions and click Change.

Best Practices:

• HTML files and images: 644
• Folders: 755
• CGI Scripts: 755
• Avoid setting any file or folder to 777.

Deleting Files and Folders

cPanel's File Manager includes a Trash folder, much like the Recycle Bin in Windows.

1. Right-click on the item and choose Delete.
2. Confirm the action.

Restoring from Trash

Right-click the file in the Trash folder and select Restore.

Emptying the Trash

Right-click on the Trash folder and choose Empty.

This guide aims to offer a holistic approach to using the File Manager in cPanel. For additional queries or technical issues, please submit a ticket for specialized assistance.