Files: the file manager or SFTP — when to use which.
Edit and upload files in the panel's file manager, or connect with an SFTP app like FileZilla. How each works and when to pick it.
There are two ways to work with your website's files: the file manager in the panel, and SFTP from an app on your computer. Both reach the same files.
The file manager
Your project → Website → Files.
Good for quick work in the browser:
- upload files and folders (drag them in), download them;
- edit code and settings (
.htaccess,wp-config.php,.env) with a code editor; - create, rename, copy, move files and folders;
- zip and unzip archives — upload one
.zipand extract it instead of hundreds of small files; - change permissions;
- resize or convert images.
Deleted files go to the trash first and can be brought back from there.
The website's own files are usually in public_html (the main domain); other domains have folders of their own — see Domains.
SFTP
For big uploads, syncing a whole folder, or working from your code editor.
Your project → Website → SSH and SFTP shows the connection:
- Server and Port
- User — the hosting username
- Password — the hosting password (sent to you by email; Set a new one if you don't have it)
In FileZilla, Cyberduck, WinSCP or your editor, choose the SFTP protocol (not FTP) and enter these.
To connect without a password, add your computer's public key under SSH keys → Add a key (the contents of ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub; no key yet? run ssh-keygen -t ed25519).
Plain FTP is not offered: it sends passwords unencrypted. Every FTP app also speaks SFTP.
Which to use
| Task | Use |
|---|---|
| Change one setting in a file | File manager |
| Upload a theme or a plugin as a .zip | File manager (upload, extract) |
| Upload or download thousands of files | SFTP |
| Keep a local folder in sync | SFTP |
| Run commands (composer, npm, wp-cli) | Terminal in the website menu, or SSH |