What is FTP?

FTP stands for "File Transfer Protocol" and is a method by which users can transfer (upload and download) files to and from a web server or website. It is the essential step needed in "getting one's website online" and is used in the general day-to-day maintenance of a website. The process is usually facilitated by an FTP Client, examples of which include FileZilla, CuteFTP, and WS_FTP.

What is an FTP Client?

An FTP Client is a software program which facilitates the user to upload and download files to and from a web server or website. Examples of these programs include FileZilla, CuteFTP, and WS_FTP.

We recommend FileZilla, a free copy of which can be downloaded here: http://filezilla-project.org/download.php

In which folder do I upload my files?

Files are uploaded into the "public_html" folder.

Remove or replace the temporary index.php file with your own index file.

** WARNING! Do not remove any other files that are not your own, as these are system files, and are needed in the general functionality of your website.

Transferring files (Uploading files to your website)

The following steps refer to the FileZilla program:

1. Download and install FileZilla on your computer - see link above.

2. Connecting to your website

(a) To connect to your website, enter the address of your website (eg. www.yourdomain.com) into the "Address" field of the Quickconnect bar. You can also use ftp.yourdomain.com should you wish.

** Note: Before your website address has been registered and/or fully propagated across the internet, you will need to use the nameserver's ip as the address.

(b) Enter your username and password into the corresponding fields as sent to you in your "welcome / setup" email.
(c) Enter the port of the server into the port field (default is 21).
(d) Click on "Quickconnect" or press "Enter" to connect to the server.



3. Navigating on the server (i.e Navigating on your website - the right-hand column)

After a successful connection attempt, a list of files and folders will appear on the right-hand side of the main window.
This is your website space on the server.

The current folder is listed in the edit field on the top. You can change the current folder by double-clicking a folder, or by entering the folder name into the edit field and pressing enter. You may also right-click a folder and select "Open" from the context menu to change the current folder. You will notice a folder called ".." displayed in all directories. This folder allows you to go up to the parent directory of the current folder.

** You will upload the files for your website inside the "public_html" folder. (ignore all other files and folders)
Remember to open the "public_html" folder (eg. by double-clicking on it) before you upload/transfer your files.



4. Navigating on your machine (the left-hand column)

Navigating on your machine works almost like navigating on the server. There's only one addition: The folders on your machine are arranged in a "tree" for faster navigation.

To change the current folder on your machine, just select a tree item in the appropriate tree.



5. Transferring files (Uploading files to your website)

You can upload or download a file from your local machine to the server (your website) by double-clicking on it. It will be added to the transfer queue and the transfer starts automatically. To transfer folders and/or multiple files, select them and right-click the selection. Then you can click on Upload/Download in the popup menu.



* Tip: You can also drag the files from one side and drop them on the other side.

To download files from your website to your local machine, you do the same process BUT this time in the opposite direction, starting from the right-hand side to the left.