What can I do with an .htaccess file?

Overview

An .htaccess file lets you change how DreamHost's Apache web server handles your site. The articles below show what you can do with one — redirecting and rewriting URLs, securing your site, and controlling website behavior.

Using an .htaccess file

Redirecting

• How can I redirect and rewrite my URLs?

• Redirect your root directory to a subdirectory

Security

• Deny access to a site with an .htaccess file

• Force your site to load securely

• Password protecting your site with an .htaccess file

• Prevent image hotlinking

• Control directory indexes with an .htaccess file

Website

• Create a site maintenance message with an .htaccess file

• Cache a website with an .htaccess file

• Setting headers with an .htaccess file

• Changing PHP settings in an .htaccess file

• Control file extensions with an .htaccess file

See also

• .htaccess overview

• Creating and editing a file via SSH

• SSH overview