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