DirectAdmin includes a built-in File Manager that allows you to upload and manage your website files directly from your web browser.

This guide explains how to upload website files using the DirectAdmin File Manager.

Before You Start

Before uploading files, make sure:

• You can log into DirectAdmin
• Your domain is active
• Your website files are ready on your computer

If you have not logged in yet, please see:

• How to Log Into DirectAdmin

Understanding public_html

Most website files should be uploaded into the:

public_html

folder.

This is the main web-accessible folder for your website.

Files uploaded outside this folder may not be visible on your website.

Common Website Files

Common website files include:

• HTML files
• PHP files
• Images
• CSS files
• JavaScript files
• WordPress files

Typical examples:

index.html
index.php
style.css
logo.png

How to Upload Website Files

Step 1 — Log Into DirectAdmin

Open your browser and visit:  https://cp.yourdomain.co.za   (Replace yourdomain.co.za with your own domain name)

login with your username and password.

Step 2 — Open File Manager

From the DirectAdmin dashboard:

Click:

System Info & Files

Then click:

File Manager

Step 3 — Open the public_html Folder

Inside File Manager:

Click the:

public_html

folder.

This is where your main website files should normally be uploaded.

Step 4 — Upload Your Files

Click:

Upload Files

or drag and drop your files into the upload area depending on your DirectAdmin version.

Select the files from your computer.

Then wait for the upload to complete.

Step 5 — Confirm the Files Uploaded

After uploading, your files should appear inside the:

public_html

folder.

You can now visit your website in a browser to test the uploaded files.

Uploading a Full Website

If you are uploading a complete website:

• Ensure the main page is named:
  • index.html
  • or index.php

This is the default page your visitors will normally see first.(note holding pages are added by default called index.php, if a holding page is displaying insted of your website, delete the index.html file.)

Uploading ZIP Files

You can also upload ZIP archives.

After uploading:

• Select the ZIP file
• Click:
  • Extract

This is often faster for large websites.

Editing Files in File Manager

DirectAdmin File Manager also allows you to:

• Rename files
• Delete files
• Edit text files
• Change permissions
• Create folders

Important Tips

Keep Website Files Organized

Try to organize files into folders such as:

images
css
js
downloads

This makes website management easier.

Avoid Uploading Unnecessary Backup Files

Large backup files can:

• use disk space
• slow backups
• create confusion

Only keep files that are needed for the website.

Be Careful When Replacing Existing Files

Uploading files with the same names may overwrite existing website files.

Always keep backups before making major changes.

Troubleshooting

Website Still Shows Old Content

Try:

• clearing your browser cache
• refreshing the page
• checking file names
• confirming files uploaded correctly

Permission Errors

Some files may require different permissions.

If you receive permission errors, contact HostworX support for assistance.

Upload Failed

Possible causes include:

• file size limits
• slow internet connection
• insufficient disk space
• browser issues

Try uploading smaller batches of files if necessary.

Website Does Not Load

Check:

• files uploaded into public_html
• homepage named correctly
• domain DNS active
• no missing files
• if using php make sure the index.html file is deleted, also if you see a holding page showing instead of your site.

Security Tips

• Remove unused files
• Do not upload unknown scripts
• Keep website software updated
• Keep backups before making changes