How to Use the DirectAdmin File Manager
Browse your hosting folders, upload and edit files, use file actions, and restore items from the Trash.
File Manager lets you manage your account's files from your browser. Always work in the domain path that corresponds to the site, and keep a copy before replacing important content.
The control panel address, server name, domain, username, versions, limits, and available tools may vary depending on your service. Use the details in your hosting welcome email.
1. Open and get to know File Manager
On the dashboard, open System Info & Files → File Manager. The tree on the left lets you browse folders; the path at the top confirms where you are working.
For the site's published files, open domains, the corresponding domain, and public_html. You can select a folder in the tree or open it by double-clicking it in the list. Your account root contains other service folders that are not part of the website.
2. Create folders and files
In the destination folder, click New Folder, enter its name, and confirm with Create. For a text file, use New File and enter its name with the appropriate extension. Check the result in the list before continuing.
3. Upload files from your computer
Click Upload and select the files from your computer. In Upload Files, check their names and click Start Upload. Wait until the upload reaches 100% and confirmation appears; then click Done.
The Overwrite option replaces existing files with the same name. Enable it only when you want to replace them and have a copy of the previous version. Check the file size limit supported by your service if an upload is rejected.
4. Select items and use actions
Select the checkbox next to a file. The toolbar enables the actions available for the selection. Some options appear under More or in the context menu, depending on the available space.
Download saves a copy to your computer.
Copy and Duplicate create another copy; check the destination or new name requested by the dialog.
Move changes the destination directory.
Rename changes the item's name. Check your website's references before renaming files used by the site.
Archive lets you create compressed archives.
Set Permissions modifies the permissions of a file or folder. Change them only when you know your application's requirements, and avoid applying broad permissions indiscriminately.
5. Edit a text file
Select the file and click Edit. Check its name and path in the editor, modify the content, and click Save. Wait for the Saved indicator before leaving. Editing configuration files can affect the site immediately.
6. Delete and recover items with Trash
Select the item and click Delete. In the dialog, keep Move to Trash selected if you want to be able to recover it. Without that option, deletion is permanent.
To recover it, open Trash in the left-hand tree, select the item, and click Restore. Check that it has returned to its original directory. Delete Permanently prevents recovery through this tool; emptying Trash is not a substitute for a backup strategy.