How do I use FTP to manage my website files?

Using FTP to Manage Your Website Files

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a reliable method for uploading, downloading, and managing files on your dotCanada.com hosting account. While cPanel's File Manager is convenient for small tasks, FTP provides better performance for handling multiple files and larger uploads. This guide walks you through setting up and using FTP with your hosting account.

FTP vs. SFTP

Before we begin, it's important to understand the difference between FTP and SFTP:

• FTP (File Transfer Protocol): The standard protocol for transferring files, but not encrypted
• SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol): A secure version of FTP that encrypts your connection and data

What You'll Need

1. FTP Client Software: A program that allows you to connect to your hosting account via FTP/SFTP. Popular options include:
   • FileZilla (Windows, Mac, Linux - Free)
   • Cyberduck (Windows, Mac - Free)
   • WinSCP (Windows only - Free)
   • Transmit (Mac only - Paid)
2. FTP Account Credentials: Which you'll get from your cPanel

Setting Up an FTP Account

You can use your main cPanel account for FTP access, or create separate FTP accounts with limited access:

Using Your Main cPanel Account for FTP

1. Your main FTP credentials are:
   • Host/Server: Your domain name or server IP address
   • Username: Your cPanel username
   • Password: Your cPanel password
   • Port: 21 for FTP, 22 for SFTP

Creating a Separate FTP Account (Recommended for Security)

1. Log in to your cPanel account at https://{hostname}.mysecureservers.com:2087
2. In the search box at the top, type "FTP Accounts" or navigate to the FILES section
3. Click on FTP Accounts
4. Under "Add FTP Account," fill in the following:
   • Login/Username: Create a username (e.g., "website-admin")
   • Domain: Select your domain from the dropdown
   • Password: Create a strong password or use the password generator
   • Directory: Specify the directory this FTP account can access (leave blank for full access, or specify a subdirectory like "/public_html" for more limited access)
   • Quota: Set a storage limit or select "Unlimited"
5. Click Create FTP Account
6. Make note of the FTP account details provided, including the server hostname

Connecting via FTP/SFTP Using FileZilla

The following instructions use FileZilla as an example, but the process is similar for other FTP clients:

Setting Up the Connection

1. Open FileZilla
2. Go to File > Site Manager
3. Click New Site and give it a name (e.g., "My dotCanada Website")
4. Configure the following settings:
   • Host: Enter your domain name or server hostname (from your FTP account details)
   • Protocol: Choose "FTP" or preferably "SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol"
   • Encryption: If using FTP, select "Require explicit FTP over TLS"
   • Logon Type: Choose "Normal"
   • User: Enter your FTP username
   • Password: Enter your FTP password
   • Port: Leave blank (it will use the default port: 21 for FTP or 22 for SFTP)
5. Click Connect to save the settings and connect

First-Time Connection

1. If you're connecting via SFTP for the first time, you may see a warning about an unknown host key
2. This is normal - it's a security feature of SFTP. You can check "Always trust this host" and click "OK"
3. Once connected, you'll see your local files on the left and server files on the right

Navigating the FTP Interface

Most FTP clients have a similar layout:

• Left side: Your local computer's files and folders
• Right side: Your website's files and folders on the server
• Top or middle: Transfer queue and status messages

Important directories on your server:

• /public_html/ or /www/ - Your main website files (what visitors see)
• /public_html/subdirectory/ - Subdirectories within your website
• /mail/ - Email-related files
• /logs/ - Server logs

Basic FTP Operations

Uploading Files

1. Navigate to the destination directory on your server (right side)
2. Navigate to the source directory on your local computer (left side)
3. Select the file(s) you want to upload from the left panel
4. Drag and drop the selected files to the right panel, or right-click and select "Upload"
5. The transfer will begin and you can monitor progress in the queue

Downloading Files

1. Navigate to the source directory on your server (right side)
2. Navigate to the destination directory on your local computer (left side)
3. Select the file(s) you want to download from the right panel
4. Drag and drop the selected files to the left panel, or right-click and select "Download"

Managing Files and Folders

Right-clicking on files or directories on the server side gives you options to:

• Create Directory: Make a new folder
• Rename: Change file or folder name
• Delete: Remove files or folders
• File Permissions: Change permission settings (e.g., 644 for files, 755 for directories)
• View/Edit: Some clients allow viewing or editing files directly

Advanced FTP Features

FTP/SFTP Troubleshooting

Common Connection Issues

• Connection refused: Verify server address and port number
• Login incorrect: Double-check username and password
• Cannot connect to server: Check if your firewall is blocking FTP connections
• Passive mode issues: Try switching between active and passive connection modes in your FTP client settings
• Cannot list directory: Verify you have appropriate permissions for the directory

Transfer Issues

• Transfer fails mid-upload: Large files may time out; try breaking them into smaller parts
• Permission denied: Check file permissions on the server
• Disk quota exceeded: You may have reached your hosting space limit
• File exists: You're trying to upload a file that already exists; choose to overwrite or rename

FTP Best Practices

1. Always use SFTP when possible for better security
2. Keep backups of important files before making major changes
3. Create specific FTP accounts for different users or projects, rather than sharing your main account
4. Limit directory access for individual FTP accounts to only what they need
5. Regularly change FTP passwords, especially if you've shared them with others
6. Set appropriate file permissions after uploading (typically 644 for files, 755 for directories)
7. Close your FTP connection when you're done to prevent timeout issues and security risks

If you need assistance with FTP setup or troubleshooting, please contact our support team.