File Manager: upload and edit website files safely

File Manager gives browser-based access to your hosting files. Its folder view can include several websites and private application directories, so establish the destination before uploading.

Use the right folder

1. Open Domains and note the target website’s document root.
2. Open File Manager and navigate to that exact directory. Do not assume every site uses public_html.
3. Use Settings to show hidden files when you need to inspect .htaccess. Treat hidden configuration as sensitive.
4. Back up the original before editing or replacing it. Upload new assets and check their names, case and paths.
5. Test the public URL and application workflow after the change.

Avoid common mistakes

Do not upload the entire private application into a publicly served folder. Frameworks often need only their public directory exposed. Configuration files, database backups and ZIP archives can leak credentials or customer data if visitors can download them.

Editing a live file may break requests immediately. Prefer a staged deployment for application code. If a change fails, restore the saved original rather than deleting unrelated configuration.

Trash can help recover some deletions, but it is not a backup system. Confirm a recoverable backup before removing an installation. Do not empty trash simply to “clean up” when the contents have not been reviewed.