How to upload and download files using cPanel's File Manager

This article describes how to use cPanel's File Manager to upload and download files between your web site and your computer.

Uploading a file to your web site

The File Manager is useful for quick transfers of a few files. However, to transfer a large number of files or to use advanced file transfer features, you should consider using a dedicated FTP client instead. For more information about using an FTP client, please see this article.

To upload a file using File Manager, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to cPanel.
    If you do not know how to log in to your cPanel account, please see this article.
  2. Open the File Manager:
    • If you are using the Jupiter theme, on the Tools page, in the Files section, click File Manager:

      cPanel - File Manager icon (Jupiter theme)

    • If you are using the Paper Lantern theme, in the FILES section of the cPanel home page, click File Manager:

      cPanel - File Manager icon

  3. In the File Manager main window, navigate to the directory where you want to upload the file.
  4. Click the Upload icon:

    cPanel - File Manager - Upload icon

    The File Upload page appears.

  5. To overwrite a file on the server that has the same filename, select the Overwrite existing files check box.
  6. Click Select File.
  7. Navigate to the file's location on your computer, and then double-click the file.

    The file uploads immediately.
  8. For each additional file that you want to upload, repeat steps 5 through 8.

Downloading a file from your web site

The File Manager is useful for quick transfers of a few files. However, to transfer a large number of files or to use advanced file transfer features, you should consider using a dedicated FTP client instead. For more information about using an FTP client, please see this article.

To download a file using File Manager, follow these steps:

  1. Log in to cPanel.
    If you do not know how to log in to your cPanel account, please see this article.
  2. Open the File Manager:
    • If you are using the Jupiter theme, on the Tools page, in the Files section, click File Manager:

      cPanel - File Manager icon (Jupiter theme)

    • If you are using the Paper Lantern theme, in the FILES section of the cPanel home page, click File Manager:

      cPanel - File Manager icon

  3. In the File Manager main window, navigate to the directory from where you want to download the file.
  4. Click the file that you want to download.

    You can select multiple files to download. Press SHIFT and the UP or DOWN arrow key to highlight multiple files.
  5. Click the Download icon:

    cPanel - File Manager - Download icon

    Navigate to the directory on your local computer where you want to save the file, and then save the file.

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