To create, edit, or delete files effectively, it's important to first understand how to navigate the File Manager. If you're new to the File Manager and unsure of how to use it, we recommend reviewing our article on How to Use the File Manager Efficiently for guidance.
It's highly recommended to back up your files before making any changes in the File Manager. You can rely on our professional service, CodeGuard, to automatically back up your essential website files.
How to Create a File or Folder
To create a file or folder:
STEP 1: Log in to cPanel.
There are two methods to log into your cPanel.
- Method 1: Log in to your cPanel directly.
- Method 2: Log in to your cPanel through your Customer Portal.
Through your Customer Portal;
- Log in to your Customer Portal.
- Click on "Log in to cPanel".
STEP 2: Locate the Files section and click on File Manager.
STEP 3: Navigate to your site's document root or directory, then click on Settings located in the upper-right corner.
STEP 4: Make sure the Show Hidden Files (dotfiles) box is checked.
STEP 5: Click the Save button to proceed.
STEP 6: Click + File (or + Folder) at the top of the page.
STEP 7: In the pop-up window, enter the name for the new file or folder and click Create New File (or Folder).
Note: Files will consist of a name and an extension separated by a dot (.), while folders only have a single name. Files without an extension will be displayed as generic text documents.
How to Edit a File
STEP 1: Log in to cPanel (Refer to the steps above if you need guidance on accessing your cPanel.)
STEP 2: Click on File Manager in the Files section of cPanel.
STEP 3: Navigate to your site's document root and click Settings in the upper-right corner.
STEP 4: Ensure the Show Hidden Files (dotfiles) box is checked.
STEP 5: Click the Save button to proceed.
STEP 6: In the file listing, click on and highlight the file you want to edit, then select Edit from the top menu. Alternatively, right-click on the file and choose Edit.
STEP 7: In the pop-up window, click Edit again to open the file in the editor.
STEP 8: Make the necessary changes to the file.
STEP 9: Once you're done, click Save Changes in the top-right corner of the editor.
How to Delete a File or Folder
STEP 1: Log in to cPanel (Refer to the steps above if you need guidance on accessing your cPanel.)
STEP 2: Click on File Manager in the Files section of cPanel.
STEP 3: Navigate to your site's document root and click Settings in the upper-right corner.
STEP 4: Ensure that the Show Hidden Files (dotfiles) box is checked.
STEP 5: Click the Save button to proceed.
STEP 6: Select the file or folder you wish to remove from the file listing.
STEP 7: From the top toolbar, click Delete. Alternatively, you can right-click on the file or folder and select Delete.
STEP 8: In the pop-up window, click Confirm to permanently delete the file.
Additional File Manager Functions
Here are some other useful functions to help you manage your files and folders in the File Manager.
Renaming a File or Folder
To rename a file or folder:
STEP 1: Log in to cPanel (Refer to the steps above if you need guidance on accessing your cPanel.)
STEP 2: Click on File Manager in the Files section of cPanel.
STEP 3: Open your site's folder.
STEP 4: Select the file or folder you wish to rename.
STEP 5: Click Rename from the top menu, or right-click and select Rename.
Downloading a File
You can easily download a file from your File Manager to your local computer for quick transfers.
To download a file from the File Manager:
STEP 1: Log in to cPanel (Refer to the steps above if you need guidance on accessing your cPanel.)
STEP 2: Click on File Manager in the Files section of cPanel.
STEP 3: Open your site's folder.
STEP 4: Select the file or folder you wish to download.
STEP 5: Click the Download tab from the top menu, or right-click and choose Download.
The download process will begin.
Uploading a File
You can upload files directly through cPanel via the File Manager.
For more details on how to upload files using the File Manager, please refer to our article, How to Upload Files Using the File Manager.
Copying and Moving a File
You can also copy or move files between different directories or folders within your File Manager. For detailed instructions, please check out the article, How to Copy and Move Files in File Manager.
Changing File or Folder Permissions
File permissions play a crucial role in web hosting. For complete instructions on managing file permissions, please refer to the article, How to Change File Permissions (chmod).
