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Getting started with cPanel File Manager

Getting started with cPanel File Manager
This guide introduces cPanel’s File Manager and shows how to perform basic tasks such as creating files and folders, navigating directories, and managing your site’s files.

This article explains how to open and use File Manager, and how to carry out common file management actions.

Starting File Manager and browsing your directories
File Manager makes it simple to explore and manage your website files.

To open File Manager and move through your folders:

  1. Log in to cPanel.
  2. On the Tools page, go to the Files section and click File Manager.
  3. In the left sidebar, select the folder you want to open. The contents will display in the right panel.

Navigation tips:

  • Click a folder name in the left sidebar to open it.
  • Click Up One Level to go back.
  • Click the + icon to expand a folder.
  • Click the - icon to collapse a folder.

Creating new folders and files
You can easily add new folders or files within File Manager.

To create a folder:

  1. In the main File Manager window, click + Folder.
  2. Enter the name of the new folder.
  3. Confirm the location path is correct.
  4. Click Create New Folder.

To create a file:

  1. Click + File.
  2. Enter the file name.
  3. Confirm the location path.
  4. Click Create New File.

Copying, moving, renaming, and deleting files
To manage files, first select the file(s) in File Manager, then choose the action you need:

  • Copy: Click Copy, enter the destination folder, and click Copy File(s).
  • Move: Click Move, enter the new location, and click Move File(s).
  • Rename: Click Rename, enter the new name, and confirm.
  • Delete: Click Delete, then confirm the deletion.

Searching for files
File Manager allows you to search for specific files.

To search:

  1. Use the search box in the top-right corner.

  2. Choose where to search:

    • All files in your account.
    • Only in public_html.
    • Only in the current directory.

  3. Enter all or part of the filename and click Go.