Introduction
Managing your website files is one of the most essential tasks when it comes to web hosting. With cPanel’s File Manager, you can upload, edit, move, organize, and delete your site’s files — all without needing an FTP client or advanced technical knowledge.
Whether you’re updating your website content, editing code, or adding new media, cPanel makes file management fast and easy through a browser-based interface.
How to Access File Manager in cPanel
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Log in to your cPanel account
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Scroll down to the "Files" section
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Click on File Manager
This will open a new window showing the directory structure of your hosting account.
Common File Manager Actions
Upload Files
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Navigate to the desired folder (usually
public_html) -
Click the Upload button from the top menu
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Select your file(s) from your computer
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The upload progress will be shown; once complete, return to File Manager
Edit Files
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Right-click on any file and choose:
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Edit (for plain text or code files)
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HTML Editor (for WYSIWYG editing of HTML pages)
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Make changes and click Save Changes
Extract & Compress
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To save space or create downloadable ZIPs:
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Select multiple files/folders → Right-click → Compress
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To unpack a ZIP: Right-click → Extract
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Move or Copy Files
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Select one or more files/folders
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Click the Move or Copy button
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Enter the destination directory path and confirm
️ Delete Files
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Right-click on any file or folder → Delete
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Deleted files are sent to the Trash (unless you choose "Skip the Trash")
⚠️ Important Folders to Know
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public_html– Your main website directory (files here are publicly visible) -
cgi-bin– Folder for running CGI scripts (advanced use) -
logs,tmp– Contain access and error logs (do not delete)
File Permissions
You can set or change permissions on files:
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Right-click the file → Change Permissions
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Use the checkboxes to set read/write/execute permissions (e.g., 755 or 644)
Tips
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Always backup your files before editing or deleting
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Keep file names lowercase and avoid spaces/special characters
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Use folders to keep your site organized
✅ Conclusion
The File Manager in cPanel is a powerful yet simple tool that gives you complete control over your website files directly from your browser. With just a few clicks, you can perform tasks that would otherwise require an FTP client or technical commands.
