FTP and File Management Complete Guide

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) uploads files to your web server. This guide covers FTP setup and file management.

What is FTP?

FTP transfers files between your computer and web server. Essential for uploading websites, themes, plugins, and backups.

FTP vs SFTP:

• FTP: Standard protocol, not encrypted
• SFTP: Secure FTP, encrypted (recommended)
• Port 21: FTP
• Port 22: SFTP

Getting FTP Credentials

Create FTP Account in cPanel

1. Log into cPanel
2. Click 'FTP Accounts' icon
3. Enter username (e.g., john)
4. Set strong password
5. Choose directory (usually public_html)
6. Set quota (unlimited recommended)
7. Click 'Create FTP Account'

FTP Details:

• Host: ftp.yourdomain.com or server IP
• Username: username@yourdomain.com
• Password: Your set password
• Port: 21 (FTP) or 22 (SFTP)

FileZilla Setup

Download FileZilla:

1. Visit filezilla-project.org
2. Download FileZilla Client (free)
3. Install on your computer

Connect to Server:

1. Open FileZilla
2. Click File → Site Manager
3. Click 'New Site'
4. Enter site details:
   • Host: ftp.yourdomain.com
   • Port: 21 or 22
   • Protocol: FTP or SFTP
   • Logon Type: Normal
   • User: username@yourdomain.com
   • Password: your password
5. Click 'Connect'

FileZilla Interface

• Left Side: Your local computer files
• Right Side: Server files
• Bottom: Transfer queue and status
• Top: Quick connect and toolbar

Uploading Files

Upload Single File

1. Navigate to file on local side (left)
2. Navigate to destination on server side (right)
3. Right-click file
4. Click 'Upload'
5. Or drag and drop file from left to right

Upload Entire Website

1. Navigate to public_html on server (right side)
2. Select all website files on local side (left)
3. Drag and drop to public_html
4. FileZilla uploads everything
5. Wait for completion (10-30 minutes)

Downloading Files

1. Navigate to file on server (right side)
2. Right-click file
3. Click 'Download'
4. Choose local destination
5. Or drag file from right to left

File Permissions

What are Permissions? Control who can read, write, execute files.

Common Permissions:

• 755: Directories (owner: all, others: read+execute)
• 644: Files (owner: read+write, others: read only)
• 600: Sensitive files (owner only)
• 777: Full access (insecure, avoid!)

Change Permissions in FileZilla:

1. Right-click file or folder
2. Click 'File permissions'
3. Set numeric value or check boxes
4. For folders: Check 'Recurse into subdirectories'
5. Click OK

cPanel File Manager

Alternative to FTP - Web-Based:

1. Log into cPanel
2. Click 'File Manager'
3. Navigate to public_html
4. Upload: Click Upload button
5. Create File: Click + File
6. Edit File: Right-click → Edit
7. Change Permissions: Right-click → Change Permissions
8. Download: Select file → Download

Best Practices

• Use SFTP: More secure than FTP
• Strong Passwords: 20+ characters
• Backup First: Before major uploads
• Test Locally: Before uploading to live site
• Correct Permissions: 755 for folders, 644 for files
• Organize Files: Keep organized folder structure
• Delete Unused: Remove old files and backups

Common Issues