Getting started with cPanel’s File Manager

In this article, you will learn the basics of how to use the file manager on cPanel. This includes accessing, searching, managing folders and files. It is very useful to know how to use the file manager as problems can arise that can only be fixed via the file system.

Accessing cPanel File Manager

To access cPanel’s File manage, Follow these steps:

  1. Login to cPanel.
  2. In the search bar type File Manager then click it.
  3. The file manager will now open in a new tab.

Cpanel file manager screenshot conor bradley digital agency

Browsing your files

To navigate through your files, follow these steps:

  1. Login to cPanel.
  2. In the search bar type File Manager then click it.
  3. The file manager will now open in a new tab.
  4. In the left sidebar, click the folder you would like to browse.
  5. On the right-hand side, you will see the contents appear.
  6. You can now click through the folders to find the file you’re looking for.
  7. If you would like to go back to a folder you can click up one level or back.

Searching for a file

If you’re looking for a file, but you’re unsure of its location, follow these steps:

  1. In the top-right corner select from the dropdown where you would like to search:
    • All Files – All files on your account (this can take time if you have a lot of websites).
    • Public_html – The directory your main domain’s website is stored.
    • Current directory – the folder you’re currently in.
  2. In the text box, type the file name you’re wanting to search for.
  3. Press go.
  4. A dialogue will now open of all the files it has found..
  5. When you have found the file in the dialogue double click the file and it will open within the folder.

Searching for files in cpanel file manager screenshot conor bradley digital agency

Creating a new folder

To create a new folder, follow these steps:

  1. In the main menu, click the + folder icon.
  2. Type the name of the new folder.
  3. Make sure the directory of the folder is where you would like it.
  4. Press create new folder.

Creating a new folder in cpanel file manager screenshot conor bradley digital agency

Creating a new file

To create a new file, follow these steps:

  1. In the main menu, click the + File icon.
  2. Type the name of the new file.
    You will need to type the extension of the file if you’re wanting a different file type than generic text e.g filename.html.
  3. Make sure the directory of the folder is where you would like it.
  4. Click Create New File. cPanel creates the file.

Creating new files in cpanel file manager screenshot conor bradley digital agency

Copying files

To copy files in the cPanel file manager, follow these steps:

  1. Select the files or folders.
  2. Click the copy button located in the main menu.
  3. Enter the path you wish to move the files or folders to.
  4. Press Copy file(s).

Copying files in cpanel file manager screenshot conor bradley digital agency

Renaming files

To rename files in the cPanel file manager, follow these steps:

  1. Select the file or folder.
  2. Click the rename button located in the main menu.
  3. Type the new filename.
  4. Press rename file.

Renaming files in cpanel file manager screenshot conor bradley digital agency

Moving files

To move files in the cPanel file manager, follow these steps:

  1. Select the files or folders.
  2. Click the move button located in the main menu.
  3. Enter the path you wish to move the files or folders to.
  4. Press Move file(s).
    This can also be done by selecting then dragging the files to the folder.

Moving files in cpanel file manager screenshot conor bradley digital agency

Deleting files

To delete files in the cPanel file manager, follow these steps:

  1. Select the files or folders.
  2. Click the delete button located in the main menu.
  3. Select skip the trash and permanently delete files If you would like to bypass the trash.
  4. Press confirm.

Deleting files in cpanel file manager screenshot conor bradley digital agency