File Manager allows you to manage your website files directly from your web browser without needing FTP software.

Using File Manager, you can:

• Upload files
• Download files
• Create folders
• Rename files
• Delete files
• Edit website files
• Extract ZIP archives
• Manage website content

This guide explains how to use File Manager in DirectAdmin.

Before You Start

Before using File Manager, make sure:

• You can log into DirectAdmin
• Your hosting account is active

If you have not logged in yet, please see:

• How to Log Into DirectAdmin

What Is File Manager?

File Manager is a built-in tool within DirectAdmin that allows you to manage files on your hosting account directly from your browser.

This is useful when:

• making quick website changes
• uploading files
• editing configuration files
• managing WordPress files
• accessing website backups

How to Access File Manager

Step 1 — Log Into DirectAdmin

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

Enter your hosting username and password.

Step 2 — Open File Manager

From the DirectAdmin dashboard:

Click: System Info & Files

Then click: File Manager

You will now see your hosting account folders.

Understanding Common Folders

public_html

This is the main website folder.

Files placed inside: public_html

are normally visible on your website.

private_html

Used for secure HTTPS website content on some server configurations.

backups

May contain website or account backups.

domains

Contains files and folders related to your hosted domains.

Common File Manager Tasks

Upload Files

To upload files:

1. Open the destination folder.
2. Click Upload.
3. Select files from your computer.
4. Wait for the upload to complete.

Create a Folder

To create a new folder:

1. Click + New Folder.
2. Enter the folder name.
3. Click Create.

Example: images or   downloads

Rename Files

To rename a file:

1. Select the file.
2. Click More
3. Then Click: Rename.
4. Enter the new filename.
5. Save the changes.
6. Alternatively
7. Right click the file with your mouse and select  Rename from there

Delete Files

To remove unwanted files:

1. Select the file or folder.
2. Click More.
3. Then Click: Remove
4. It will move the file to Trash, if you want to save space untick the checkbox.
5. Click: Remove to confirm the deletion.
6. Alternatively you can right click the folder or file and click: Remove from there.

⚠️ Deleted files may not always be recoverable, so be careful before deleting important content.

Download Files

To download a file:

1. Select the file.
2. Click Download.

The file will be saved to your computer.

Edit Files

To edit a file directly in DirectAdmin:

1. Select the file.
2. Click Edit.
3. Alternatively right click and click: Edit.

This is commonly used for:

• HTML files
• PHP files
• CSS files
• configuration files

Extract ZIP Files

To extract a ZIP archive:

1. Upload the ZIP file.
2. Select the ZIP file.
3. Click Extract.

DirectAdmin will unpack the contents into the current folder.

Common Website Files

You may see files such as:

index.php
index.html

These are often the main files used to display your website.

Important Notes

Be Careful When Editing Files

Incorrect changes may:

• break your website
• cause errors
• affect WordPress functionality

Create backups before making major changes.

File Changes Are Immediate

Changes made through File Manager usually take effect immediately.

Upload to the Correct Folder

Most website files should be uploaded to: public_html

unless instructed otherwise.

Troubleshooting

Website Not Updating

Try:

• clearing your browser cache
• refreshing the page
• checking the correct folder

Upload Failed

Possible causes include:

• file size limits
• insufficient disk space
• connection issues

Permission Denied

This may indicate:

• incorrect file permissions
• restricted folders
• account limitations

Extract Option Missing

Some file types may not support extraction directly through File Manager.

Helpful Tips

Keep Files Organised

Use folders to organise:

• images
• downloads
• backups
• website files

Remove Unused Files

Deleting old files can help:

• save disk space
• improve organisation
• reduce security risks

Keep Backups

Always keep backups before:

• updating websites
• editing code
• replacing files

Security Tips

• Keep backups regularly
• Remove unused files
• Use strong hosting passwords
• Avoid editing files unless necessary
• Restrict access to sensitive files