What is FTP and why use it?

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) allows you to upload and download website files between your computer and your hosting account. FTP is useful for:

  • Uploading website files (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, images)
  • Transferring large files that cannot be uploaded through DirectAdmin file manager
  • Backing up your website to your local computer
  • Managing website files using desktop software
  • Bulk file operations (uploading hundreds of files at once)

FileZilla is a free, open-source FTP client available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. It is the most popular FTP client and recommended by 0724 Hosting.

Step 1: Download and install FileZilla

  1. Go to https://filezilla-project.org/
  2. Click Download FileZilla Client (not FileZilla Server)
  3. Download the installer for your operating system
  4. Run the installer and follow the prompts
  5. Launch FileZilla after installation

Note: During installation, carefully read each screen. Some installers include optional software offers. You can safely decline these offers.

Step 2: Create an FTP account in DirectAdmin

Before connecting to FTP, you need to create an FTP user account.

Using your main account (recommended for beginners)

Your DirectAdmin username and password also work as FTP credentials. You can use these directly without creating a separate FTP account:

  • FTP username: Your DirectAdmin username (usually your primary domain)
  • FTP password: Your DirectAdmin password
  • FTP server: Your domain name (e.g., yourdomain.co.za) or server hostname

Creating an additional FTP account

To create a separate FTP user (useful for giving limited access to developers):

  1. Log in to DirectAdmin
  2. Go to File Management → FTP Accounts
  3. Click Create FTP Account
  4. Enter a username (e.g., developer)
  5. Enter a strong password
  6. Select the directory the user can access (default: /domains/yourdomain.co.za/public_html)
  7. Click Create

The new FTP account is created immediately and can be used to connect to FileZilla.

Step 3: Connect to your hosting account with FileZilla

Quick connect method

  1. Open FileZilla
  2. At the top of the window, fill in the Quick Connect bar:
    • Host: yourdomain.co.za (replace with your domain) or your server hostname
    • Username: Your DirectAdmin username or FTP account username
    • Password: Your DirectAdmin or FTP account password
    • Port: 21 (FTP) or leave blank
  3. Click Quickconnect

FileZilla will connect to your hosting account. The first time you connect, you may see a certificate warning if using FTPS. Click OK to accept the certificate.

Saving your connection (Site Manager method)

To save your connection for future use:

  1. In FileZilla, click File → Site Manager (or press Ctrl+S / Cmd+S)
  2. Click New Site
  3. Give it a name (e.g., "0724 Hosting - yourdomain.co.za")
  4. In the right panel, configure:
    • Protocol: FTP or SFTP
    • Host: yourdomain.co.za
    • Port: 21 (FTP) or 22 (SFTP)
    • Encryption: "Use explicit FTP over TLS if available" (recommended)
    • Logon Type: Normal
    • User: Your username
    • Password: Your password
  5. Click Connect

FileZilla will save your connection. Next time, open Site Manager and double-click your saved site to connect instantly.

Understanding the FileZilla interface

Once connected, FileZilla shows four main sections:

  • Top left (Local site): Files on your computer
  • Top right (Remote site): Files on your hosting account
  • Bottom left (Local files): File list on your computer
  • Bottom right (Remote files): File list on your hosting account

The message log at the top shows connection status and file transfer progress.

Navigating to your website's public folder

Website files must be uploaded to the public_html folder to be visible on the internet.

Finding public_html

After connecting, navigate to your domain's public folder:

  1. In the Remote site panel (right side), look for the /domains/ folder
  2. Open /domains/yourdomain.co.za/
  3. Open the public_html folder

The public_html folder is where your website files live. Files uploaded here are accessible at https://yourdomain.co.za/.

Important folders explained

  • public_html: Your main website (publicly accessible)
  • private_html: Password-protected files (not web-accessible)
  • cgi-bin: CGI scripts (rarely used)
  • domains: Contains folders for all your domains and subdomains

Uploading files to your website

Method 1: Drag and drop

  1. In the left panel (Local site), navigate to the folder on your computer containing your website files
  2. In the right panel (Remote site), navigate to public_html
  3. Select files or folders in the left panel
  4. Drag them to the right panel
  5. The files will upload automatically

Method 2: Right-click upload

  1. Navigate to your website files on your computer (left panel)
  2. Ensure you are in the public_html folder on the server (right panel)
  3. Right-click a file or folder in the left panel
  4. Select Upload

Monitoring upload progress

The bottom panel shows files being transferred. A green checkmark indicates successful upload. If a transfer fails, FileZilla will show an error message.

Downloading files from your hosting account

To download (backup) files from your hosting account:

  1. Navigate to the folder on your computer where you want to save files (left panel)
  2. Navigate to the folder on your hosting account (right panel)
  3. Select files or folders in the right panel
  4. Drag them to the left panel, or right-click and select Download

Creating and deleting folders

Creating a new folder on the server

  1. Navigate to where you want to create the folder (e.g., public_html)
  2. Right-click in the remote files panel (right side)
  3. Select Create directory
  4. Enter the folder name
  5. Click OK

Deleting files or folders

  1. Navigate to the file or folder you want to delete
  2. Right-click the item
  3. Select Delete
  4. Confirm the deletion

Warning: Deleting files via FTP is permanent. Back up important files before deleting them.

Setting file permissions (chmod)

File permissions control who can read, write, or execute files. Web servers require specific permissions for files to work correctly.

Changing file permissions in FileZilla

  1. Navigate to the file or folder
  2. Right-click the file
  3. Select File permissions...
  4. Set the numeric value (common permissions: 644 for files, 755 for directories)
  5. Or check/uncheck the permission boxes
  6. Click OK

Common file permissions

  • 644: Standard for HTML, CSS, JS, image files (owner can edit, others can read)
  • 755: Standard for directories and executable scripts (owner can edit, others can read and execute)
  • 600: Secure for configuration files with passwords (only owner can read/write)
  • 777: All permissions (dangerous - avoid unless specifically required)

FTP vs SFTP vs FTPS

There are three types of FTP connections available at 0724 Hosting:

Protocol Port Security When to use
FTP 21 Unencrypted Only on trusted networks
FTPS 21 Encrypted (TLS/SSL) Recommended for general use
SFTP 22 Encrypted (SSH) Most secure option

Recommendation: Use SFTP (port 22) for maximum security. Configure FileZilla protocol to "SFTP" and port to "22".

Troubleshooting FTP connection issues

Cannot connect to FTP server

If FileZilla cannot connect:

  • Verify your username and password are correct
  • Check the FTP server address (use your domain or server hostname)
  • Try port 21 (FTP/FTPS) or port 22 (SFTP)
  • Disable your firewall temporarily to test if it is blocking the connection
  • Check your internet connection
  • Contact your ISP if they block FTP ports

"530 Login incorrect" error

This means the username or password is wrong:

  • Double-check your username (usually your DirectAdmin username)
  • Verify your password (try copying and pasting to avoid typos)
  • Reset your DirectAdmin password if you have forgotten it
  • Ensure the FTP account exists in DirectAdmin → FTP Accounts

"Connection timed out" or "Network error"

Connection timeouts indicate network problems:

  • Your firewall or antivirus may be blocking FTP
  • Your ISP may be blocking FTP ports (some mobile networks block FTP)
  • Try switching from FTP to SFTP (port 22)
  • Contact your ISP to verify FTP ports are not blocked

"Could not connect to server" after timeout

If FileZilla hangs for a long time then fails:

  • Try changing Encryption setting to "Only use plain FTP (insecure)"
  • Or switch to SFTP protocol (more reliable through firewalls)
  • Check if your hosting account is suspended (verify in the client area)

Files upload but website does not update

If files upload successfully but your website looks unchanged:

  • Verify you uploaded to public_html, not a different folder
  • Clear your browser cache (Ctrl+F5 or Cmd+Shift+R)
  • Check file permissions are correct (644 for files, 755 for directories)
  • Ensure you uploaded the correct files (check filenames and paths)

Best practices for FTP usage

  • Use SFTP or FTPS: Always use encrypted connections for security
  • Strong passwords: Use complex, unique passwords for FTP accounts
  • Limit access: Create separate FTP accounts for developers with restricted directory access
  • Back up before changes: Download a backup before making major changes
  • Delete unused FTP accounts: Remove FTP accounts when developers no longer need access
  • Avoid public WiFi: Do not use FTP on unsecured public networks without encryption
  • Upload to correct folder: Always verify you are in public_html before uploading
  • Test after upload: Check your website after uploading files to ensure everything works

Alternative: DirectAdmin file manager

If you cannot use FTP, DirectAdmin has a built-in file manager accessible through your web browser. See our DirectAdmin File Manager guide for instructions.

The file manager is useful for quick edits and small uploads, but FTP is faster and more efficient for large file transfers.

Getting help with FTP

If you need assistance with FTP connections, file uploads, or troubleshooting FTP issues, contact 0724 Hosting support. We can verify your FTP credentials, check server connectivity, and help resolve connection problems.