How to Create and Use FTP Account

Managing and transferring files to your web server is a critical component of web development and maintenance, often requiring the use of File Transfer Protocol (FTP). Hostyt provides robust support for creating FTP accounts and utilizing FTP for file management, making it easier for website owners to publish, update, and maintain their online presence.

Creating an FTP Account

1. Log into cPanel: Access your Hostyt cPanel by logging in through your client area.

2. Navigate to FTP Accounts: Use the search function in cPanel to locate and click on the "FTP Accounts" button.

3. Account Setup: Fill in the fields to create your new FTP user, including:

   • Login: Choose a username for the FTP account.

   • Domain: Select the associated domain from the dropdown menu.

   • Password: Assign a strong password or use the password generator for enhanced security.

   • Directory: Specify the directory access for the FTP user. You can limit access to a specific folder within public_html or grant broader access by specifying a path relative to the home directory.

   • Quota: Set the maximum disk space quota for the FTP account, or choose Unlimited for no restrictions.

4. Finalize: Click on the "Create an FTP account" button. A confirmation message will indicate the successful creation of the new FTP account.

Using FTP for File Management

FTP is indispensable for directly accessing and managing the files on your web server. Here's how to connect to your account via FTP:

• FTP Client Setup: Download and install an FTP client like FileZilla from https://filezilla-project.org/.

• Server Information: Enter your domain name or server IP as the Host. You can find the Shared IP address in cPanel's main menu under "Shared IP".

• Credentials: Use the username and password from your FTP account or your cPanel credentials. Note that FTP account usernames are typically formatted as [email protected].

• Port: Specify port 22 for SFTP (Secure FTP) or port 21 for plain FTP.

FTP Commands and Operations:

• Navigation: Double-click folders to enter them or use the “..” folder to go back.

• File Transfers: Double-click files to download them or use drag-and-drop to upload files from your local computer to the server.

• Additional Options: Right-clicking on files or folders opens a context menu with various options, including permissions, deletion, moving, and more.

Security Note: Always ensure you're using SFTP for encrypted file transfer to protect your data from interception.

Best Practices for FTP Accounts

• Limit Access: Only create FTP accounts with access levels necessary for the task at hand to minimize security risks.

• Regular Updates: Change passwords periodically and immediately remove accounts that are no longer in use.

• Monitor Usage: Keep an eye on the disk quota usage of FTP accounts to avoid exceeding your hosting plan limits.

By following these guidelines, you can leverage FTP effectively for your Hostyt-hosted websites, ensuring secure, efficient, and organized file management.