public_html is the main folder where your website files are usually stored on your hosting account.
When someone visits your domain name, the web server looks inside the public_html folder to find the files that should be displayed.
For example, if your domain is: https://yourdomain.co.za
the website files for that domain are usually inside its public_html folder.
Why Is public_html Important?
The public_html folder is important because it is usually the visible website folder.
Files placed inside public_html can be accessed by visitors through your website address.
For example, if you upload a file called: about.html
inside public_html, it may be available at: https://yourdomain.co.za/about.html
What Files Are Stored in public_html?
The files inside public_html depend on your website.
Common files and folders may include:
- index.php
- index.html
- .htaccess
- images
- css
- js
- wp-admin
- wp-content
- wp-includes
- wp-config.php
WordPress websites usually have WordPress files inside public_html.
Custom websites may have HTML, PHP, CSS, JavaScript, and image files.
What Is the Index File?
The index file is usually the main file loaded when someone opens your website.
Common index files include: index.php and index.html
If there is no valid index file inside public_html, your website may not load correctly.
Where Do I Find public_html in DirectAdmin?
You can find public_html using 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 DirectAdmin username and password.
Click: Log In
Step 2 – Open File Manager
Once you are logged into DirectAdmin, open File Manager.
Click: System Info & Files
Then click: File Manager
Step 3 – Open the Domain Folder
In File Manager, open your domain folder.
Click: domains
Then click: yourdomain.co.za
Then click: public_html
Replace yourdomain.co.za with your own domain name.
You should now see the website files for that domain.
public_html and Multiple Domains
If your hosting account has more than one domain, each domain may have its own public_html folder.
For example: domains/yourdomain.co.za/public_html or domains/anotherdomain.co.za/public_html
Make sure you upload files to the correct domain folder.
public_html and WordPress
If WordPress is installed on your main domain, the WordPress files are usually inside public_html.
Common WordPress files and folders include:
- wp-admin
- wp-content
- wp-includes
- wp-config.php
- index.php
Do not delete WordPress files unless you know exactly what you are doing.
Should I Upload Website Files Into public_html?
Yes, in most cases website files should be uploaded into the public_html folder for the correct domain.
If you upload files outside public_html, visitors may not be able to see them through the website.
Important Notes
Please keep the following in mind:
- public_html is usually the main website folder.
- Files inside public_html may be publicly accessible.
- Upload website files to the correct domain’s public_html folder.
- Do not delete files unless you know what they are.
- WordPress websites rely on files inside public_html.
- If your website does not load, check whether the correct files exist in public_html.
When Should I Contact HostworX Support?
Contact HostworX Support if:
- You cannot find the public_html folder.
- You are unsure where to upload your website files.
- Your website files were uploaded but the website does not load.
- You accidentally deleted files from public_html.
- Your website shows a 403, 404, or 500 error.
- You need help restoring files from backup.
Conclusion
public_html is the main folder where your website files are usually stored.
If you are uploading a website, replacing files, or checking your website structure, public_html is usually the folder you need to use.
Always make sure you are working inside the correct domain folder before uploading, editing, or deleting files.
