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TL;DR
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cPanel File Manager is a browser-based file browser that lets you upload, edit, move, and delete files in your hosting account without installing FTP software. Open it from cPanel → Files → File Manager, navigate to public_html for your live website, and use the toolbar to upload files, extract ZIP archives, and adjust permissions. Always create a backup before editing .htaccess, wp-config.php, or other configuration files.
If you are new to cPanel, start with our cPanel beginner's guide for dashboard orientation.
public_html is your website root; most live site files live there.htaccess and other dotfiles| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Access | cPanel login (direct or via Pakish One Portal) |
| Target folder | public_html for main site files |
| Backup | Download a backup or confirm JetBackup restore points before editing config files |
Create or confirm a usable backup first. Availability and limits may vary by hosting plan or server configuration.
Warning: Editing .htaccess, wp-config.php, or application configuration files can take your site offline. Keep a copy of the original file before saving changes.
public_html directly — choose that option if offeredpublic_html in the left tree or main paneYour WordPress installation (if present) typically lives at public_html/ with wp-config.php, wp-content/, and index.php.
The .htaccess file in public_html controls URL rewriting and security rules for Apache-based hosting.
public_html/wp-content/uploads/).zip file.zip file| Action | Steps | |---|---| | New file/folder | Click + File or + Folder, enter the name, click Create | | Copy | Right-click → Copy → enter destination path → Copy Files | | Move | Right-click → Move → enter destination path → Move Files | | Rename | Right-click → Rename → enter new name → Rename File |
For WordPress debugging, see known WordPress bugs and fixes.
Avoid 777 unless an installer explicitly requires it — and revert afterward.
wp-config.php, .htaccess, or core application folders unless you are migrating or reinstallingpublic_html or move it outside your home directory| Scenario | Recommended tool | |---|---| | Quick edit or small upload | File Manager | | Upload larger than upload limit | FTP/SFTP with resume support | | Bulk sync of many files | FTP/SFTP client (FileZilla, WinSCP) | | Automated deployment | SFTP, Git, or CI pipeline |
.htaccess changes produce the expected URL behavior (test one page)| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Permission denied | Wrong ownership or permissions | Set 755 (dirs) / 644 (files); contact support if ownership is wrong |
| Upload fails | File exceeds upload limit | Use ZIP compression, FTP/SFTP, or ask support about limits |
| File not visible | Hidden dotfile | Enable Show Hidden Files in Settings |
| Site breaks after edit | Syntax error in .htaccess or wp-config.php | Restore from backup or Trash; revert the file |
| Extract fails | Corrupt ZIP or disk full | Re-download ZIP; check disk usage |
Contact support if you cannot identify a file, permissions reset does not fix access errors, ownership looks wrong, or the site remains down after reverting your edit. Open a ticket via my.pakish.net or visit /support.
Your live website files are stored in public_html inside your home directory (/home/username/public_html). Addon domains may use separate folders under public_html or sibling directories depending on your account configuration.
Open File Manager, click Settings in the top-right corner, enable Show Hidden Files (dotfiles), and click Save. Hidden files including .htaccess will then appear in the file list.
Directories are typically 755 and files are 644. wp-config.php is often set to 440 or 400 for tighter security. Avoid 777 unless a specific application documentation requires it temporarily.
File Manager does not upload folders directly. Compress the folder into a ZIP archive on your computer, upload the ZIP, then use Extract in File Manager to unpack it in the target directory.
Use FTP or SFTP for very large uploads, bulk transfers, or when you need a desktop client with resume support. File Manager is best for quick edits, small uploads, and permission changes.
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