Manage files and folders via cPanel's File Manager

This topic covers processes relating to a cPanel service.
You will need to be logged into the cPanel account to follow the steps.
If you're not sure how to access your cPanel service — please, follow this guide before continuing: How do I Login to cPanel?

The cPanel File Manager provides a user-friendly interface for managing files and folders/directories, allowing for easy uploads, downloads, and file operations directly from your web browser, which simplifies website management and maintenance.

1. First, login to cPanel.

2. Access the 'File Manager' tool, located in the "Files" section of the cPanel tools list

3. Once you are in the File Manager interface, you can begin managing the files and folders stored on your hosting service.

The File Manager is composed of 3 main parts:

• The Directory Tree (left sidebar)
• This shows the overall directory structure
• You can expand and collapse folders by clicking the + or - icons next to them.

• The File List (main/right window)
• This shows the contents of the selected folder. This is where you can view, edit, upload, and manage your files.
• You can sort files by name, size, type, or last modified date by clicking on the column headers

• The Navigation Toolbar (top menu)
  

• At the top, you’ll see a toolbar with options like New File, New Folder, Upload, Copy, Move, Delete, and more.
• Use this toolbar to perform actions on files and folders.

Selecting a Directory

• Click on any folder in the left sidebar to navigate to that directory. The contents will be displayed in the main window.
• You can double-click a folder in the main window to open it.

Navigating Up

• To move up one directory level, you can click the folder icon with the two dots .. at the top of the file list.
• Alternatively, use the breadcrumb navigation at the top of the window to go back to a previous directory.

• Navigate to the location you want to create the file/folder
  
• Click the + File or + Folder button in the toolbar
• You’ll be prompted to enter a name for the new file or folder
• After naming, the new file or folder will appear in the current directory

Uploading files

• Click the 'Upload' button in the toolbar

• You can drag and drop files into the upload window or use the 'Select File' button to browse your computer

• Files will be uploaded to the currently selected directory

Deleting Files or Folders

• Select the item(s) you want to delete and click 'Delete' in the top toolbar
• Confirm the deletion in the prompt that appears. Deleted items will be moved to the Trash unless you tick the box to choose to permanently delete them

Copying/Moving Files

• Select the file/folder you want to copy or move
• Click 'Copy' or 'Move' in the toolbar, and you’ll be prompted to enter the destination path

Editing a File

• Select a file by clicking on it, then click 'Edit' in the toolbar
• The editor will open in a new tab or window, where you can modify the file's contents

Downloading a File

• Select a file by clicking on it, then click 'Download' in the toolbar
• Your browser will then prompt you to save the file, and the download will begin automatically.