Knowledgebase

Using File Manager in cPanel (Firstserv Guide)

cPanel includes a built-in File Manager that allows you to manage your website files directly from your browser. It’s ideal for quick tasks such as uploading files, editing content, and changing permissions.

Accessing File Manager

1. Log in to cPanel
2. Navigate to:

   Files → File Manager
   

What You Can Use It For

File Manager is best suited for:

• ✅ Uploading individual files or small archives
• ✅ Extracting .zip files (e.g. WordPress plugins/themes)
• ✅ Editing configuration files (e.g. .htaccess)
• ✅ Managing file permissions

👉 For large uploads (like full websites), we recommend using FTP or SFTP

File Manager Layout

When opened, File Manager is split into two main sections:

• Left Panel: Directory (folder) tree
• Right Panel: Contents of the selected folder

✅ The currently selected directory will be highlighted so you always know where you are.

Toolbar Overview

The toolbar at the top provides key actions:

• + File / + Folder → Create new items
• Upload / Download → Transfer files
• Copy / Move → Relocate files and folders
• Delete → Move items to Trash
• Restore → Recover items from Trash
• Rename → Rename files/folders
• Edit / HTML Editor → Modify files
• View → Preview files
• Extract / Compress → Manage archives
• Permissions → Change file access settings

Navigating Files & Folders

• Click folders in the left panel to navigate
• Double-click folders in the right panel to open them

⚠️ Be careful:

• Double-clicking a file name (not the icon) may rename it

Deleting Files & Using Trash

When you delete a file:

• ✅ It is moved to Trash by default
• ❌ It is not permanently deleted immediately

Restore Deleted Files

1. Click View Trash
2. Select the file
3. Click Restore

⚠️ Important

• If you choose “Skip Trash”, deletion is permanent
• Recovery may only be possible from backups

Viewing Hidden Files (.htaccess, etc.)

Some important files (like .htaccess) are hidden by default.

How to Show Hidden Files

1. Click Settings (top-right corner)
2. Enable:

   Show Hidden Files (dotfiles)
   

✅ Hidden files will now be visible

Setting File & Directory Permissions

Permissions control who can access or modify files.

How to Change Permissions

1. Select a file or folder
2. Click Permissions in the toolbar
   OR
   Right-click → Change Permissions

Setting Permissions

• Use checkboxes, or
• Enter numeric values (e.g. 755, 644)

⚠️ Important

• Incorrect permissions can:
  • Break your site
  • Create security vulnerabilities

👉 Only change permissions if you’re confident in what they do

Best Practices

• ✅ Use File Manager for quick edits and small tasks
• ✅ Use FTP/SFTP for large uploads
• ✅ Keep backups before editing critical files
• ✅ Be careful when deleting or changing permissions

Summary

• File Manager provides an easy way to manage files via cPanel
• Supports uploading, editing, extracting, and permissions
• Includes a Trash system for recoverable deletions
• Hidden files can be enabled when needed

Need Help?

If you’re unsure about file permissions or managing your website files, the Firstserv support team is always happy to assist.