This tutorial covers how to configure Fillezilla, how to upload and download with Filezilla and how to manage files with Filezilla.
Further reading:
Filezilla usability and functionality
How to Change File Permissions
How to configure FileZilla
We begin with a review the process of how to configure FileZilla. We are assuming that you have already installed the FTP client on your local computer, but if you did not completed that task yet, you can download it via the officialFileZilla website.
To configure FileZilla, first click on the File button at the top-left corner.
Select the Site Manager option available on the File menu.
This is the panel, where you can enter information about your website. There are two available options:
- New Site - You can use this option to create the data for your website.
- New Folder -You can use this option if you add more than one website and you wish to group some of them together.
Enter the name of the new folder and then click on New Site.
Enter your FTP Hostname.
You need to enter the Port that you are using. If it is the default Port 21, simply leave the field blank. Also, choose the Protocol that you will use. Usually, this is set to FTP or sFTP, depending on your choice.
Use sFTP
We provide the ability to use sFTP connection to your account on the server. If you wish to use that, you will have to request it from our Support team with a new ticket.
Select encryption type. If you are not sure about this option, simply leave it to Use plain FTP.
The next option is the Logon Type you will be using. This is if you wish to login anonymously or use actual login information for your FTP user.
Select the Normal as a Logon Type so you can enter your username and password.
Enter the following details:
- User - Enter your FTP Username.
- Password - Enter your FTP Password.
You also have the ability to edit some additional options. To do so, you need to click on the Advanced tab
You have the ability to enter specific paths for the Default Local Directory and Default Remote Directory.
Select the Transfer Settings tab on the same window.
This step will allow you to use Active or Passive mode for the FTP connection. We do suggest the use of Passive. When you select the Transfer Mode you will use, click on OK to save it.
You now have a shortcut that will allow you to connect to your website on the server with a click of a button.
This is a good practice as it will save you time when you need to upload content to your website on a regular basis. Your FTP login details are already saved so you do not need to enter them each time.
If you wish to disconnect from the server, you have two ways of doing so. The first one is using the disconnect icon on the main navigation bar of FileZilla.
The second way of disconnecting is to click on the Server option at the main menu. Then simply select Disconnect.
Further reading:
How to check the log of an FTP client
How to Fix FTP Connectivity Issues
How to upload files using FileZilla
Wee now look at the steps to follow in order to upload or download files to/from your server, using FileZilla as FTP client.
FTP Configuration
We are assuming that you have already downloaded and configured your FileZilla FTP client and you are connected to your account and website on the server.
To Upload Files
The first step is to select the files that you wish to upload. To select multiple files, simply hold the Ctrl button on your keyboard.
Right-click on the selected files and then choose the Upload option.
To Download Files
Let us first remove a file from the local directory and then we will download it from the remote server. Simply choose a file and right-click on it.
Click on the Delete button to remove the file.
When the file is removed from the local directory, you can proceed further and download it from the remote server. Simply select the file that you wish to download and right-click on it. Select the Download option.
That's it. The file is now downloaded from the remote server to your local directory.
Further reading:
How to manage files using FileZilla
We now review the process of managing files using your FileZilla FTP client.
FTP Configuration
We are assuming that you have already downloaded and configured your FileZilla FTP client and you are connected to your account and website on the server
To manage files with FileZilla, you need to be able to
Create Directory
To create a new folder on the remote server, you need to right-click on an empty space on it, as show on the screenshot below.
Select the Create Directory option.
Enter the name of the new directory and when you are ready, simply click on the OK button.
Rename Directory
To rename a folder on the remote server you need to simply right-click on it. Then select the Rename option.
Remove Directory
To remove a directory from the remote server, you need to right-click on it. Then click on the delete option.
Change File Permissions
It is important to know how to change permissions on files and folders of your website on the server. This will allow you to troubleshoot and fix issues that incorrectly set permissions may cause on your website. To do so, you need to locate a file and then right-click on it. Select the File Permissions option.
Select the proper permissions for the file and then click on the OK button to keep the change
