File Manager in DirectAdmin
Summary
This guide explains how to use the File Manager in DirectAdmin to upload, edit, move, delete, and manage files on your hosting account. The File Manager provides a fast, browser‑based way to manage your website without needing FTP or SSH.
Overview
The File Manager allows you to:
- Upload and download files
- Edit files directly in the browser
- Create, rename, move, and delete files or folders
- Change file permissions (CHMOD)
- Extract and compress archives
- Manage website content quickly and safely
Requirements
- DirectAdmin user-level access
- A domain or hosting account with file access enabled
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Access File Manager
- Log in to DirectAdmin
- Go to System Info & Files → File Manager
- Select the domain or directory you want to manage
You will see your account’s directory structure, typically starting at:
`/home/username/`
2. Navigate Through Folders
Common directories include:
- `domains/` — contains all website files
- `public_html/` — main website root
- `logs/` — access and error logs
- `backups/` — stored backups
Click any folder to open it.
3. Upload Files
- Click “Upload”
- Select one or multiple files
- Upload begins immediately
Large files may require FTP instead.
4. Create New Files or Folders
- Click “Create”
- Choose:
• New File
• New Folder
- Enter a name
- Save
5. Edit Files
DirectAdmin includes a built‑in editor:
- Click the file
- Choose “Edit”
- Make your changes
- Save
Useful for:
- Config files (.htaccess, wp-config.php)
- HTML, CSS, JS files
- PHP scripts
6. Move, Copy, Rename, or Delete
Select one or more files, then choose:
- Move
- Copy
- Rename
- Delete
Deleted files go to the trash unless permanently removed.
7. Change File Permissions (CHMOD)
- Select a file or folder
- Click “Permissions”
- Enter numeric value (example: 644 or 755)
Common permissions:
- Files: 644
- Folders: 755
- Scripts: 755
8. Compress or Extract Files
- Select files or folders
- Choose “Compress” (ZIP, TAR, GZ)
- To extract:
• Click the archive
• Choose “Extract”
Useful for uploading entire sites or restoring backups.
9. Download Files
- Select a file
- Click “Download”
- Your browser saves the file locally
Troubleshooting
Cannot Upload Files
- File size exceeds PHP upload limit
- Use FTP for large uploads
- Check disk space
Permission Denied Errors
- Incorrect CHMOD settings
- Folder may be owned by root (contact hosting provider)
Website Not Updating After Editing Files
- Clear CMS cache (WordPress, Joomla, etc.)
- Clear CDN cache (Cloudflare)
- Browser may be caching old files
Accidentally Deleted Files
- Check the trash folder
- Restore from backup if needed
Cannot Edit Certain Files
- File may be read‑only
- Change permissions to 644 or 664
- Some system files cannot be edited for security reasons
Security Notes
- Never set folders to 777
- Avoid editing core CMS files unless necessary
- Keep backups before major changes
- Use SSH or FTP for large or sensitive operations
Related Articles
- [Terminal](ca://s?q=Terminal)
- [System Information](ca://s?q=System_Information)
- [User Statistics](ca://s?q=User_Statistics)
- [Site Summary & Logs](ca://s?q=Site_Summary_and_Logs)
- [Backup & Restore](ca://s?q=Backup_and_Restore)