Using the Built-In File Manager
DirectAdmin includes a web-based File Manager that lets you manage your website files directly from the browser without needing an FTP client. It is accessible from the main dashboard.
Accessing the File Manager
- Log in to DirectAdmin.
- Navigate to System Info & Files or find File Manager on the dashboard.
- Click File Manager to open it.
- You will see your account's root directory listing.
Key Directory Structure
domains/- Contains all your domain directories.domains/yourdomain.com/public_html/- Your website's document root (where web-accessible files go).domains/yourdomain.com/private_html/- Used for SSL content or private files.domains/yourdomain.com/logs/- Access and error log files.
Common File Operations
The File Manager toolbar provides buttons for these actions:
- Upload - Upload files from your computer. You can upload multiple files or ZIP archives.
- Create File / Create Folder - Make new empty files or directories.
- Edit - Open a text editor to modify file contents directly in the browser.
- Rename - Change the name of a file or folder.
- Copy / Move - Duplicate or relocate files between directories.
- Delete - Remove selected files or folders.
- Extract - Unpack ZIP, TAR, or GZ archives directly on the server.
- Compress - Create a ZIP archive of selected files.
Setting Permissions
Right-click a file or select it and click Chmod to change its permissions. Common permission values include 644 for files and 755 for directories.
Be careful when editing files in
public_html. Incorrect changes to configuration files like .htaccess or wp-config.php can cause your website to go offline.