Upload Website Files with File Manager or FTP
How Do You Upload Website Files?
After purchasing hosting, one of the first tasks you may need to perform is uploading your website files.
There are two common methods:
- Hosting File Manager
- FTP/SFTP
Both methods can work well.
The best option depends on the size of the website and how often you need to manage files.
What Is File Manager?
File Manager is a browser-based tool available in many hosting control panels.
It allows you to manage website files without installing separate software.
You can usually:
- Upload files
- Download files
- Rename files
- Delete files
- Create folders
- Extract ZIP archives
- Edit text files
- Change permissions
For beginners, File Manager is often the easiest option.
Find the Correct Website Directory
Before uploading anything, find the document root of the domain.
On many hosting accounts, the main website uses a directory such as:
public_html
However, the exact directory depends on the hosting configuration.
Additional domains and subdomains may have different document roots.
Do not assume that every domain uses the same folder.
Upload a ZIP File
If your website contains many files, uploading a ZIP archive can be faster.
Upload the ZIP file and extract it inside the correct directory.
After extraction, make sure the website files are not accidentally placed inside an extra folder.
For example, you may expect:
public_html/index.php
but accidentally create:
public_html/website/index.php
That can cause the website to display incorrectly.
What Is FTP?
FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol.
An FTP client allows you to connect to your hosting account and transfer files between your computer and the server.
FTP is useful for developers and users who regularly upload many files.
Why SFTP Is Better When Available
SFTP provides encrypted file transfers through SSH.
Traditional FTP can transmit credentials without the same level of protection.
If your hosting environment supports SFTP, it is generally preferable for secure file management.
FTP Login Details
Your hosting provider may provide:
- Hostname
- Username
- Password
- Port
- Connection type
Use the exact settings provided for your hosting account.
Do not share FTP credentials with people who do not need access.
Uploading a Website
A basic upload workflow is:
- Prepare your website files.
- Log in to the hosting account.
- Open the correct document root.
- Upload the files.
- Confirm the main index file exists.
- Check file permissions.
- Open the website.
For PHP websites, you may also need to configure a database and update database credentials.
File Permissions
Incorrect permissions can cause website errors.
Permissions should allow the web server to read required files without giving unnecessary write access.
Do not change permissions randomly to solve an error.
If a website stops working after a permission change, restore the previous settings and investigate the actual cause.
Uploading WordPress Files
For WordPress, the installation normally contains directories such as:
wp-adminwp-contentwp-includes
and files in the WordPress root directory.
If you are migrating WordPress, remember that uploading files alone is not enough.
The database also needs to be migrated.
File Manager or FTP?
Use File Manager When:
- You are uploading a few files.
- You are a beginner.
- You need to extract a ZIP archive.
- You want to quickly edit a small file.
Use FTP/SFTP When:
- You regularly manage website files.
- You need to transfer many files.
- You are a developer.
- You want a desktop workflow.
Keep a Backup
Before deleting or replacing important files, create a backup.
This is particularly important when editing:
.htaccess- Configuration files
- Theme files
- PHP files
A small syntax mistake can cause a website error.
Final Thoughts
File Manager and FTP/SFTP are simple tools, but using the correct document root and protecting your credentials is important.
THE HOSTGURU shared hosting environments provide control-panel based website management, making file management accessible to both beginners and experienced users.
Choose File Manager for quick tasks and SFTP/FTP for regular file transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Upload files to the document root configured for your domain.
For beginners and small tasks, File Manager is usually easier.
SFTP encrypts the connection and is generally preferable to traditional unencrypted FTP when available.
You can transfer WordPress files using FTP/SFTP, but you must also migrate the WordPress database.
