How to Upload Website Files Using File Manager Print

How to Upload Website Files Using File Manager

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

This guide explains how to upload website files to your ApnCloud Shared Hosting account using DirectAdmin File Manager.

1. Log In to DirectAdmin

First, log in to your DirectAdmin control panel.

You can access DirectAdmin using the login details provided with your ApnCloud Shared Hosting service or through the available options in your ApnCloud Client Area.

2. Open File Manager

From the DirectAdmin dashboard, find and open File Manager.

The File Manager allows you to browse the folders and files stored inside your hosting account.

3. Select Your Domain

If your hosting account contains more than one domain, make sure you are working with the correct domain.

Each domain normally has its own website directory.

Choose the domain where you want to upload your website.

4. Open the Website Directory

Navigate to the document root of your domain.

For many DirectAdmin hosting accounts, the main website files are stored inside a directory similar to:

domains/yourdomain.com/public_html

The public_html folder is usually where publicly accessible website files should be uploaded.

Make sure you are inside the correct domain's public_html directory before uploading files.

5. Click Upload Files

Inside File Manager, click the Upload Files or upload option.

Select the website files from your computer.

You may upload files such as:

• HTML files
• PHP files
• CSS files
• JavaScript files
• Images
• Documents
• Website assets
• ZIP archives

Wait until the upload process is complete before leaving the page.

6. Upload a ZIP File for Large Websites

If your website contains many files, uploading one compressed ZIP file can be easier than uploading each file separately.

Compress your website files into a ZIP archive on your computer and upload the ZIP file to the appropriate public_html directory.

After the upload is complete, select the ZIP file and use the Extract option in File Manager.

After extraction, confirm that the website files are located directly inside the correct website directory.

7. Check Your Main Website File

Your website should normally contain a default homepage file such as:

index.php

or

index.html

Make sure the index file is inside the correct document root.

If no valid index file exists, visitors may see an error, directory listing, or blank page depending on the server configuration.

8. Avoid an Extra Folder Level

A common mistake is uploading a ZIP file and extracting it into an additional folder.

For example, this may be incorrect:

public_html/mywebsite/index.php

when the intended location is:

public_html/index.php

If necessary, move the website files from the extra folder into the correct public_html directory.

9. Check File and Folder Permissions

Your website files and folders need appropriate permissions to work correctly.

Avoid changing permissions unless necessary and do not use overly permissive settings without a specific reason.

Incorrect permissions can cause website errors or create security risks.

10. Test Your Website

After uploading your files, open your domain in a web browser.

For example:

https://yourdomain.com

Check that:

• The homepage loads correctly
• Images appear
• CSS and JavaScript work
• Internal pages open correctly
• Forms and other functions work as expected
• HTTPS works correctly if SSL is enabled

Website Still Showing an Old Page?

If your old website or a default page is still displayed, check the following:

• Your domain points to the correct ApnCloud server
• You uploaded the files to the correct domain
• Files are inside the correct public_html directory
• The correct index.php or index.html file exists
• Your browser or website cache has been cleared
• DNS changes have completed

Important Security Tips

When managing website files:

• Do not upload unknown or untrusted scripts
• Keep your website software updated
• Remove unused installation files
• Do not store sensitive passwords in publicly accessible files
• Keep a backup before replacing important website files

Need Help?

If your website does not load after uploading your files, please open a Support Ticket from the ApnCloud Client Area.

Include your domain name, the error you are seeing, and a brief description of what you changed. Never include your hosting password in the ticket.