File Manager in cPanel is a browser-based tool that allows you to view, upload, download, edit, move, copy and delete files within your Linux hosting account. For many Apexhost customers, it is one of the quickest ways to manage website content without using separate FTP software.

You would typically use File Manager when you need to upload website files, edit configuration files, check folder structure, create backups of specific items, or troubleshoot missing content. It is especially useful for small changes or when you need direct access to your hosting files from any device with a web browser.

Important: File Manager changes take effect on your hosting account immediately. Deleting or editing the wrong file can cause website errors, broken images, application problems or loss of data.

File Manager is part of cPanel, which is the main control panel used to manage Linux hosting services. Instead of connecting with a separate file transfer application, File Manager lets you work with your hosting files directly inside your browser.

This tool is commonly used to manage website files stored in locations such as public_html, review hidden files such as .htaccess, upload media or application files, and make simple text edits to supported file types.

Common tasks in File Manager include:

* Uploading website files

* Creating folders for site content

* Editing text-based files

* Reviewing website structure

* Changing file permissions where appropriate

* Compressing or extracting archives

* Downloading a copy of specific files

* Removing files that are no longer needed

Before using File Manager, make sure you have:

* An active Apexhost Linux hosting service

* Access to the correct cPanel account

* Permission to manage the website or hosting service

* A recent backup before making important changes

* Confidence that you are working in the correct folder

Important: If you are about to edit configuration files, remove old content, replace a website or upload application files, take a backup first. Even small file changes can affect the live website immediately.

1. Log in to cPanel for the Linux hosting service you want to manage.

2. Locate the Files section on the cPanel home page.

3. Select File Manager.

4. Wait for the File Manager interface to open.

5. Review the folder tree on the left and the selected folder contents on the right.

[Screenshot: cPanel home page showing the File Manager option]

In many cases, your main website files will be stored in public_html. If your hosting account contains more than one site, addon domain or application, make sure you identify the correct folder before making changes.

Understanding the layout of File Manager can make it easier to work safely and efficiently.

Left-hand folder tree

This shows the folder structure of your hosting account. You can expand folders and move between directories from here.

Right-hand file list

This displays the files and folders inside the location you selected. You can select items here to perform actions such as rename, edit, move, copy or delete.

Top toolbar

This usually includes options such as upload, download, delete, restore, rename, edit, permissions, view, extract and compress.

Path display

This helps confirm your current location. Check this carefully before uploading, editing or deleting anything.

Settings

Depending on the interface, you may be able to choose whether hidden files are shown. This is important when working with files such as .htaccess.

1. Open the destination folder where the files should be stored.

2. Select Upload.

3. Choose the file or files from your device.

4. Wait for the upload to complete fully.

5. Return to File Manager and confirm the files appear in the correct location.

This is commonly used for images, website pages, plugin packages, backup archives or verification files.

[Screenshot: File Manager upload screen]

1. Open the location where you want the new folder to be created.

2. Select + Folder or the equivalent folder creation option.

3. Enter the folder name.

4. Confirm the creation.

Folders help organise site files such as images, downloads, scripts or temporary migration content.

1. Select the file you want to change.

2. Choose Edit or Code Edit.

3. Review the contents carefully before changing anything.

4. Make the required changes.

5. Save the file.

Only edit files if you understand their purpose. A small syntax error in files such as .htaccess, configuration files or scripts can cause website failures.

1. Open File Manager settings if available.

2. Enable the option to show hidden files.

3. Refresh or reopen the folder view if needed.

Hidden files often begin with a full stop, such as .htaccess. These files can control important website behaviour including redirects, security rules and application settings.

1. Select the file or folder you want to compress or extract.

2. Choose Compress or Extract.

3. Confirm the destination and format if prompted.

4. Wait for the process to finish.

This is useful when uploading or unpacking website backups, theme packages or grouped site assets.

1. Select the file or folder you want to remove.

2. Confirm that it is no longer needed.

3. Choose Delete.

4. Confirm the action if prompted.

Only delete files when you are certain they are not required by the website, application or another user on the hosting account.

Important: If your website is based on a content management system such as WordPress, important files may exist in folders you do not recognise immediately. Avoid deleting files just to free space unless you have confirmed what they do.

* Keep a backup before making significant file changes.

* Confirm the folder path before uploading or deleting anything.

* Use clear folder and file names where possible.

* Avoid editing application core files unless necessary.

* Be cautious with hidden files and configuration files.

* Upload replacement files carefully so they do not overwrite the wrong content.

* Check the website after making changes.

* Use FTP or another workflow if you need to manage large numbers of files regularly.

The most common reason is that you are not in the correct folder. Check public_html first, then review whether the site uses an addon domain, subdomain or application-specific directory structure.

The file may have been uploaded to the wrong location, the upload may not have completed, or the browser view may need refreshing. Confirm the destination folder and try again.

Hidden files may be disabled in File Manager settings. Enable the option to show hidden files and reload the folder view.

This often means a syntax error or incorrect file content was saved. Restore the previous version from backup if available, or reverse the change if you know what was modified.

This may indicate the file or folder permissions are not suitable for the action being attempted. Review permissions carefully and avoid using overly open permissions, as they can create security risks.

Yes. File Manager can handle many common hosting file tasks directly in your browser. FTP may still be more convenient for large transfers or ongoing development work.

For many Linux hosting accounts, the main website files are usually stored in public_html. Some additional domains or applications may use other folders.

It can be safe for users who understand the files they are changing. However, editing the wrong file or saving an incorrect change can break part or all of a website, so backups are important.

File Manager is most useful for browsing and editing text-based files. Some file types may be downloadable but not practical to edit directly in the browser.

Getting Started (cPanel)

Logging In (cPanel)

Linux Hosting (Web Hosting)

Storage (Web Hosting)

Using Index Manager

Website Migration (Web Hosting)

If you require further assistance, please contact Apexhost Support at support@apexhost.com.au.