Using the website file manager in the panel

Overview

This article explains how to log in to the file manager and use its various functions.

Background

DreamHost offers a file manager in the panel for uploading and managing website files, among other tasks. The panel's file manager is a faster and simpler option than a fully functioning FTP client such as Filezilla and can manage the majority of your site's needs.

Logging in to your server using the file manager

Make sure your site is Fully Hosted before proceeding.

1. Navigate to the Manage Websites page.
2. Click the Manage button to open the Domain Settings page, which allows you to adjust various settings for your site.
   • If in Grid view, click the Manage button at the bottom of the website box.
   • If in List view, click the Manage button at the far right of your domain name.
3. Click the Website tab.
4. Under the Manage Your Site section, click the Manage button.

   Your file manager opens in a new tab. All files and directories under your username display.

Navigating directories

To Navigate, click on a directory name to enter it. To navigate out of the directory, click the up arrow icon at the top.

You can also select multiple files by holding the Ctrl button + click.

How to upload and download files or folders

You can use the file manager to upload and download files and folders. The total file size for uploads and downloads is limited to 1GB.

Uploading

After you log in, click the upload icon on the bottom left and select an option from the menu.

Downloading

After you log in, right-click the file you wish to download and either select Download in the menu or click the Download icon on the bottom left.

Depending on your browser, you are either prompted to confirm the download, or it downloads automatically (no prompt). Folders are downloaded as .zip files.

Fetching a file from a URL

This option allows you to download a file from an external location by using the file's URL.

After you log in, click the Fetch File icon in the bottom toolbar. Enter the URL and then click the OK button to download the file.

How to manage files

The file manager allows you to perform various tasks to your sever files, which are described in the following sections.

Editing files

1. Log in to the file manager using the instructions above.
2. Right-click a file to open an editing options menu.
3. Select Edit. The source editor opens, where you can make adjustments to your file.
4. Click the Save button on the bottom right to save your changes.
5. Click the Close button to go back to the previous listing of files.

Extracting zip files

To extract, click the Upload icon on the bottom left and select the Upload Zip option from the menu. Click the Upload and Unzip button when the confirmation box appears.

Creating a new file or folder

To create, click the New File/Folder icon in the bottom toolbar. From the menu, select either New File or New Folder. Enter a name for the file or folder, then click the OK button to save it.

If you are creating a file, the file editor opens where you can add content. Make sure to click Save and Close, as mentioned above, to save the file contents.

Changing permissions

File permissions control access to a file or folder. You can read more about permissions in this article.

To change a permission, right-click the file/folder. From the menu, select CHMOD. In the pop-up, adjust the permissions as needed. You can also type in the number value for the permissions. Click the OK button to save your changes.

Deleting a file or folder

To delete, right-click the file or folder and select Delete. You can also click the item to highlight it, and then click the Delete icon in the bottom toolbar.

See also

• FTP overview and credentials
• Where do I upload my files once connected via FTP?
• List of FTP client software