Using skeleton files for customer account default content

When you create new customer accounts in WebHost Manager (WHM), their public_html and public_ftp directories are empty by default. Without an index file, visitors see a 403 Forbidden error. To avoid this, you can use skeleton files to automatically provide default content for every new account.

Why Use Skeleton Files?

• Provide a welcome page for new accounts.
• Ensure visitors see a friendly message instead of an error.
• Save time by automatically copying default files into each new account.
• Maintain consistent branding across customer sites.

Setting Up Skeleton Files

1. Locate the Skeleton Directory

• Log in to your reseller cPanel account.

• Navigate to the File Manager.

• In the file listing pane, open the directory:

  /cpanel3-skel/

• Inside, you’ll find two subdirectories:

  • public_html → Files placed here are copied into the public_html directory of new accounts.
  • public_ftp → Files placed here are copied into the public_ftp directory of new accounts.

2. Add Default Content

• Place an index.html file in the public_html directory. Example content:

  <html>
    <head><title>Welcome!</title></head>
    <body>
      <h1>Your site is working, but no content has been added yet.</h1>
    </body>
  </html>

• Add any FTP instructions or placeholder files in public_ftp if needed.

3. Create a New Account

• Log in to WHM.
• Create a new hosting account.
• The files you placed in /cpanel3-skel/public_html and /cpanel3-skel/public_ftp will automatically appear in the new account’s directories.

Note

• Skeleton files apply only at the time of account creation.
• Updating skeleton files later does not affect existing accounts.
• Use skeleton files for branding, welcome messages, or basic instructions.