Changing the default directory index via .htaccess

By default, Apache servers look for index.html when a visitor requests a directory (e.g., http://example.com/products). On ruachost.com, you can customize which file loads first by editing the .htaccess file.

Why Change the Default Directory Index?

• Display a different file (e.g., index.php instead of index.html).
• Use multiple fallback options (e.g., home.html, default.php).
• Control how directories behave when no index file exists.
• Improve flexibility for CMSs or custom applications.

Steps to Change the Directory Index

Step 1: Open the .htaccess File

1. Log in via FTP, SFTP, or File Manager.
2. Navigate to your site’s root directory (public_html).
3. Open or create the .htaccess file.

Step 2: Add the DirectoryIndex Directive

Insert the following line:

DirectoryIndex index.php index.html index.htm home.html

• Apache will look for files in the order listed.
• In this example, it will first try index.php, then index.html, then index.htm, and finally home.html.

Step 3: Save and Test

1. Save the .htaccess file.
2. Visit your site in a browser.
3. Confirm the correct file loads when accessing a directory.

Important Notes

• Place the directive in the root .htaccess file to apply site‑wide.
• Subdirectories inherit the setting unless they have their own .htaccess.
• If none of the listed files exist, Apache will either show a 403 Forbidden error or a directory listing (if enabled).
• Always back up your .htaccess file before editing.