Uploading Files via FTP in DirectAdmin

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is the most reliable method for uploading large files or entire website directories to your hosting account. This guide covers connecting via FTP and managing your files.

FTP Connection Details

Tip: Always use SFTP (port 22) instead of plain FTP. SFTP encrypts your connection, protecting your credentials and data.

Recommended FTP Clients

Connecting with FileZilla

Step 1: Download and Install

Download FileZilla from the official website and install it.

Step 2: Connect

1. Open FileZilla
2. Enter your connection details in the Quickconnect bar:

- Host: sftp://yourdomain.com

- Username: Your DirectAdmin username

- Password: Your DirectAdmin password

- Port: 22

1. Click Quickconnect
2. Accept the server's SSH key if prompted

Step 3: Navigate

• Left panel = Your local computer files
• Right panel = Your server files
• Navigate to /domains/yourdomain.com/public_html/ on the server

Step 4: Upload Files

1. In the left panel, navigate to the files on your computer
2. In the right panel, navigate to the destination on the server
3. Drag and drop files from left to right
4. Monitor progress in the bottom panel

Creating Additional FTP Accounts

You can create separate FTP accounts with restricted access:

1. Log in to DirectAdmin
2. Go to FTP Management
3. Click Create FTP Account
4. Enter:

- Username — The FTP username

- Password — A strong password

- Directory — Restrict access to a specific directory

1. Click Create

Tip: Create separate FTP accounts for developers or designers so they only have access to the files they need.

Upload Tips

1. Upload to the correct directory — Your website files go in public_html
2. Overwrite carefully — When uploading updated files, choose to overwrite existing files
3. Set transfer mode — Use Binary mode for images, media, and archives; ASCII for text files (most FTP clients auto-detect)
4. Upload in batches — For very large uploads, transfer files in smaller batches to avoid timeouts
5. Check file permissions after uploading — Reset to 644 for files and 755 for directories if needed

Troubleshooting

Connection Refused

• Verify the hostname and port
• Ensure you are using SFTP (port 22) or FTP (port 21)
• Check if your IP has been blocked (contact support)

Login Failed

• Double-check your username and password
• Try resetting your password in DirectAdmin
• Ensure you are using your DirectAdmin credentials (not email)

Transfer Fails or Disconnects

• Large file transfers may timeout — try splitting into smaller batches
• Switch to binary transfer mode
• Increase the timeout value in your FTP client settings
• Check your disk quota in DirectAdmin

Files Uploaded but Not Visible on Website

• Verify files are in the correct public_html directory
• Check file names are correct (Linux is case-sensitive)
• Clear your browser cache
• Wait a few minutes if using a CDN

Related Articles

• Using the File Manager in DirectAdmin
• Enabling SSH in DirectAdmin

Need help? Contact our support team at {{SUPPORT_EMAIL}} or open a ticket at {{SUPPORT_URL}}.