Uploading your website files to your hosting account is one of the first tasks you'll perform after setting up your SakuraHost account. cPanel's built-in File Manager provides a browser-based interface that makes file management straightforward, even without FTP software. This guide walks you through every step of uploading, organising, and managing your website files.
Accessing cPanel File Manager
Before you can upload files, you need to access your cPanel control panel. There are two ways to do this:
https://yourdomain.co.tz:2083 in your browser and log in with your cPanel username and password.
Once inside cPanel, locate the Files section and click on File Manager. The File Manager interface will open in a new tab, displaying your hosting account's directory structure.
Understanding Your Directory Structure
Your hosting account has several important directories. Understanding where to place files is critical for your website to function correctly.
public_html directory (or the appropriate document root for addon domains). Files placed outside this directory will not be accessible via your web browser.
Uploading Files Step by Step
Step 1: Navigate to the Correct Directory
In the File Manager, use the left-side directory tree or the navigation bar at the top to browse to public_html. If you are uploading files for an addon domain, navigate to its specific document root directory (e.g., public_html/addondomain.co.tz).
Step 2: Click the Upload Button
In the toolbar at the top of the File Manager, click the Upload button. A new upload interface will open in a separate tab.
Step 3: Select and Upload Your Files
You can either drag and drop files from your computer onto the upload area, or click Select File to browse your local filesystem. The File Manager supports uploading multiple files simultaneously. You will see a progress bar for each file being uploaded.
Step 4: Upload a ZIP Archive (Recommended for Multiple Files)
If you have many files to upload, the most efficient method is to compress them into a ZIP archive on your local computer, upload the single ZIP file, and then extract it on the server:
public_html using the upload interface.
/public_html and click Extract Files.
Editing Files in File Manager
The File Manager includes a built-in code editor that is useful for making quick changes to configuration files. To edit a file, right-click it and select Edit or Code Editor. The Code Editor provides syntax highlighting for HTML, CSS, PHP, JavaScript, and other common languages.
Common Files You Might Edit
- .htaccess: Controls URL redirects, security rules, and Apache configuration. See the Apache .htaccess documentation for syntax reference.
- wp-config.php: WordPress database connection settings and configuration constants.
- index.html / index.php: Your website's homepage file.
- php.ini or .user.ini: PHP configuration overrides for your account.
Managing Files and Folders
The File Manager toolbar provides several essential file operations:
- New File / New Folder: Create new files or directories directly on the server.
- Copy / Move: Duplicate or relocate files between directories.
- Rename: Change file or folder names. Be cautious renaming files referenced by your website code.
- Delete: Remove files. Deleted files go to the Trash folder and can be recovered within 30 days.
- Compress: Create ZIP, GZip, or BZip2 archives of selected files for download or backup.
Alternative Upload Method: FTP/SFTP
For developers who prefer desktop applications or need to upload large volumes of files, FTP (File Transfer Protocol) or SFTP (Secure FTP) is recommended. Popular FTP clients include FileZilla (free, cross-platform) and Cyberduck.
Troubleshooting Common Upload Issues
403 Forbidden Error After Upload
This usually means incorrect file permissions. Website files should be set to 644 and directories to 755. Right-click a file in File Manager and select Change Permissions to adjust.
500 Internal Server Error
Check your .htaccess file for syntax errors. You can temporarily rename it to .htaccess.bak to test if it is the cause.
Blank Page After Upload
Ensure your homepage file is named index.html or index.php. Also verify that PHP files do not contain syntax errors by checking the error logs in cPanel under Metrics > Errors.
If you encounter persistent issues, open a support ticket at billing.sakurahost.co.tz and our technical team will assist you promptly.