Using the File Manager to upload and extract website files

The File Manager inside your cPanel is a powerful tool that allows you to manage your website files directly through your web browser without needing any external FTP software.

If you have a compressed web design file (like a .zip archive), follow this step-by-step guide to upload and extract it onto your CeylonServers hosting account.

Step 1: Open the File Manager

• Log in to your cPanel dashboard directly.
• Under the Files section, click on the "File Manager" icon.

Step 2: Navigate to the Root Directory (public_html)

• Once the File Manager opens, you will see a list of folders on the left-hand side.
• Double-click on the "public_html" folder.

         Note: This is the main root directory for your primary domain. Any file you want the public to see on your website must be uploaded inside this folder.

Step 3: Upload Your Website ZIP File

• Look at the top navigation bar of the File Manager and click the "Upload" button. A new browser tab will open.
• Click "Select File" and choose the .zip archive from your computer (e.g., website.zip).
• Wait for the loading bar to turn green and show 100% Complete.
• Once completed, you can close this upload tab and go back to the main File Manager window.
• Click "Reload" from the top menu to see your uploaded ZIP file.

Step 4: Extract the Files

• Click on the uploaded .zip file once to highlight it.
• Click the "Extract" button in the top menu bar (or right-click the file and select Extract).
• A pop-up box will ask you for the extraction path. Ensure it says /public_html (or your specific subdomain path) and click "Extract Files".
• Once the extraction is done, click "Close".
• Click "Reload" again. You will now see all your unzipped website folders and files (like index.html or index.php).

Important Tips for a Successful Setup:

Delete the ZIP File: To save disk space, click on the original .zip file and click "Delete" from the top menu.

Check File Placement: Ensure your main homepage file is named exactly index.html or index.php and sits directly inside the public_html folder, not hidden inside another subfolder. If your files extracted into a new folder inside public_html, you can use the "Move" tool at the top to move them out.

Need Technical Support? If your file size is too large to upload via browser or you get a gateway timeout error, please open a Support Ticket so our team can adjust your upload limits or guide you through FTP deployment.