Manage website files in File Manager

Identify the document root

cPanel Domains shows each site's document root, the directory containing its public files. The main site often uses public_html, while additional sites can use separate directories. Confirm the target before replacing files.

Upload or edit a file

1. Open File Manager and navigate to the correct document root.
2. Download a copy of the file you will change. Start larger changes with a website backup.
3. Select Upload, transfer the file and wait for completion. Review any overwrite confirmation carefully.
4. If uploading a ZIP archive, check whether it introduces an extra directory level before using Extract.
5. For a small text change, select the file and Edit. Save only when you understand the change.
6. Enable Settings > Show Hidden Files when needed to find files such as .htaccess.

Check the website

Open the changed address in a private browser window and check the page and its key functions. If old content remains, clear the website cache. If the change breaks the page, restore the file you saved.

Avoid common mistakes

Do not leave backups, database exports or files containing passwords in the public website directory. Do not set permissions to 777 to work around an error. WordPress content also lives in the database, so a file copy alone is not a complete website backup. Emptying the trash permanently removes files.