Using the Index Manager in cPanel

The Index Manager in cPanel allows you to control how directories on your website are displayed when no index file (like index.html or index.php) is present. By default, if a directory doesn’t have an index file, visitors may see a list of all files inside that folder. With Index Manager, you can customize or restrict this behavior to improve security and user experience.

Why Use Index Manager?

• Prevent visitors from browsing sensitive files in directories.
• Control whether directory contents are visible or hidden.
• Customize the way your site handles missing index files.

Steps to Configure Index Manager

1. Log in to cPanel.

2. On the Tools page → Advanced section, click Index Manager.

3. Navigate through the directory tree to select the folder you want to manage.

4. Choose one of the following options:

   • Default System Setting → Uses the server’s default configuration.
   • No Indexing → Prevents directory contents from being listed. Visitors see a 403 Forbidden error.
   • Standard Indexing → Displays filenames only.
   • Fancy Indexing → Displays filenames with additional details (file size, modification date).

5. Click Save to apply changes.

Note

• Use No Indexing for directories containing sensitive files (e.g., configuration files, scripts).
• Fancy indexing is useful for public download directories where you want visitors to see file details.
• Index Manager affects only directories without an index file. If an index file exists, it will always take precedence.