Doc Summary
Introduction #
There are a couple of different file management tools within cPanel. In this doc we will explain which tools you can use and how to make managing your cPanel files way easier.
File Manager in cPanel #
The File Manager in cPanel allows you to view, upload, edit and manage files on your hosting account directly from your browser. It is used to manage website files without needing external software. The File Manager works on the server level. Changes made here apply immediately.
The File Manager in cPanel is used to manage files and folders directly from your browser. It provides a simple way to work with website files without needing separate software.
Common tasks include uploading website files, editing configuration files, managing folders, adjusting file permissions, deleting unused files, and extracting compressed archives. For larger uploads or frequent file transfers, FTP is often a better option.
To open the File Manager:
- log in to cPanel
- Go to the Files section
- Click File Manager
The tool will then open in a new browser window.
Inside the File Manager, you will see the folder structure of your hosting account. One of the most important folders is public_html, which is commonly used as the main website directory. Subfolders inside public_html usually contain website files, assets, or content for specific parts of your site. You may also see hidden files such as .htaccess, which can affect server behaviour and website functionality. Files or folders should not be removed unless you understand their purpose.
To upload files, open the folder where the files should be placed, usually public_html, click Upload, select the files from your device, and wait for the upload to finish. Uploaded files become available immediately.
The File Manager can also be used to edit text-based files directly, including HTML, PHP, CSS, and certain configuration files. To do this, right-click the file and choose Edit or Code Edit, then make your changes and save them. Before editing important files, it is recommended to create a backup first.
Each file and folder also has permissions, which control access. Incorrect permissions can lead to website errors, security issues, or access denied messages. Permissions should only be changed if you understand what they do or if you are following trusted documentation or support instructions.
The File Manager also supports archive handling. It can extract ZIP files and compress folders into archives, which can be useful when uploading full websites or working with backups.
FTP Accounts #
FTP accounts are used to upload, download, and manage website files from your computer through an external FTP client. This is commonly used with Web Hosting and Site Hosting, especially when working with larger numbers of files or full website directories.
At ProRedLine, secure connections are required for FTP access. Standard unencrypted FTP is not supported. Although the term FTP is often used for simplicity, connections must always be configured using FTPS (FTP over TLS). Plain FTP connections are not allowed, and only explicit FTPS connections are supported.
An FTP account includes a username, a password, and access to a specific folder on the server. This allows files to be managed without using the File Manager inside cPanel. The level of access depends on the directory assigned to the FTP account.
To manage FTP accounts in cPanel
- log in to cPanel
- Go to the Files section
- Open FTP Accounts.
From there, you can create new FTP accounts, change passwords, delete existing accounts, and view the directory each account can access.
When creating an FTP account, you will need to define a username, password, and directory. The selected directory determines which files the FTP account can access. For security reasons, access should be limited as much as possible.
When connecting through an FTP client such as FileZilla, it is important to use the correct connection settings. cPanel may display a hostname such as ftp.yourdomain.com, but this should not be used. Instead, the connection should always be made to server.proredline.com to ensure a correct and secure connection to the server.
The connection must be configured to use FTPS (Explicit) on port 21, with encryption set to require explicit FTP over TLS. If FTPS is not selected, the connection will fail.
FTP is generally the better choice when uploading many files, transferring large files, managing full website directories, or working from a local development environment. For small edits or quick file changes, the File Manager in cPanel may be more convenient.
Web Disk (Network Drive) #
Web Disk allows you to access files in your hosting account as a network drive on your computer. This means you can work with hosting files through your operating system, without needing to use a separate FTP client or open the File Manager in cPanel each time.
It uses a secure connection and is available for Web Hosting and Site Hosting accounts.
Web Disk is mainly intended for users who prefer managing files through their local file explorer. It can be used to upload and download website files, manage folders from your operating system, and access hosting files more directly. For most users, however, Web Disk is optional. In many cases, FTP or the File Manager will be easier and more reliable.
Web Disk works by connecting to your hosting account with:
- your cPanel username
- your cPanel password
- a secure WebDAV over HTTPS connection
Once the connection is set up, the hosting directory appears as a network location on your device.
To find Web Disk in cPanel, log in to cPanel, go to the Files section, and click Web Disk. There you will find the connection details and setup instructions for your operating system.
Web Disk can be configured on:
- Windows
- macOS
- Linux
The setup method depends on your operating system and is shown inside cPanel.
By default, Web Disk can provide access to your home directory, including website-related folders such as public_html. If needed, access can be restricted by creating a dedicated Web Disk user with more limited permissions.
Web Disk can be useful if you want simple access through your file explorer, make occasional file changes, or prefer not to use FTP software. It is less suitable for large file transfers, higher-performance tasks, or unstable network connections. In those cases, FTP is generally the better option.
Still need help after reading this article?
