# Output truncated message when listing files using FTP

> Find out why your FTP client shows an output truncated message in large folders and how to view all your files.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/getting-started/your-account/output-truncated-message-when-listing-files-using-ftp/

When using FTP to connect to your Ruachost hosting account, you may sometimes see the following message when trying to list files in a directory:

```
226 Output truncated to 10000 matches
```

This article explains why this happens and how to resolve it.

## Problem

When you attempt to view the contents of a directory with many files, your FTP client may not display the full list. Instead, it shows the **“Output truncated”** message.

## Cause

This occurs because the FTP server limits directory listings to **10,000 files**.

- If a directory contains more than 10,000 files, the server cuts off (truncates) the listing.
- This is a server-side safeguard to prevent performance issues.

## Resolution

To work around this limitation, you can use one of the following methods (all of which are also more secure than plain FTP):

### 1. Use the File Manager in Ruachost Panel

- Log in to your **[Client Area](https://dashboard.ruachost.com/login)**.
- Navigate to **File Manager**.
- Browse the directory directly in your web browser without FTP limitations.

### 2. Use SFTP (Secure FTP)

- Connect using **SFTP** instead of FTP.
- SFTP does not have the 10,000 file listing limit.
- Most FTP clients (like FileZilla, Cyberduck, or WinSCP) support SFTP.

### 3. Use SSH

- Log in to your hosting account via SSH.
- Run commands like `ls`, `ls -l`, or `find` to view directory contents.
- This method is efficient for directories with very large numbers of files.

### 4. Use SSHFS (Secure Shell Filesystem)

- Mount your hosting account as a local filesystem using SSHFS.
- Browse and manage files as if they were stored locally.
- This is especially useful for developers and advanced users.