How to upload files with FTP

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a common method for transferring files to and from local and remote computers. While the protocol has been around for many years, it remains a flexible and popular choice due to its ability to queue and transfer large batches of files, support paused and resumed transfers, limit transfer rates, and more. FTP transfers are natively supported in many web browsers while you’ll also find dedicated FTP client applications available for all major operating systems.

Download and install an FTP client

To find out more about selecting and installing an FTP client application for your computer, read this HostPapa knowledge base article: Downloading and using FTP software programs. Examples in this guide will use Filezilla for Windows, but the steps will be similar for other clients and operating systems.

Locate your FTP access credentials

FTP access to your HostPapa server is secured with a user name and password. Your FTP client will need to be configured with these credentials before you will be able to access the server.

Log in to your HostPapa Dashboard and select My cPanel from the top navigation bar. Under Files, click the FTP Accounts icon.

FTP Accounts in cPanel

Scroll down the page to the FTP Accounts section.

FTP in cPanel

You’ll notice that one or more FTP accounts may have been preconfigured for you, when your account was commissioned. You can use these accounts to access your server, or alternatively, scroll up the page to create a new FTP account.

Add FTP account

To learn more about configuring additional FTP accounts, read this HostPapa knowledge base article: How to create and access additional FTP accounts

Once created, click Configure FTP Client to display your FTP account credentials.

Configure FTP Client

Log in to your server using FTP

Open your FTP client application and open a new connection. In Filezilla, select File > Site Manager to open a panel in which you can enter your FTP account details.

  • Hostname/Server Name – this is your domain name, with an ftp prefix (for example, mydomain.com).
  • Port – the port number used for FTP connections to the server. Typically, port 21 is used.
  • Logon Type – if requested, set this to Normal, rather than Anonymous.
  • User – enter your FTP user account name.
  • Password – enter your FTP account password.

FTP configuration

Upload files using FTP

Once logged in to the FTP server, you’ll notice two panes on screen. The left pane displays the files and folders stored on your local computer, while the right pane displays the contents of the remote computer.

FTP client

In the left pane, navigate and select the files and folders you wish to upload to the server. Most FTP clients allow you to simply drag and drop files from one pane to the other to initiate an upload. Alternatively, highlight the files, right-click and select Upload.

Upload command

Your files will now be queued for uploading to the server.

For further questions, or if you need help, please open a support ticket from your HostPapa Dashboard. Follow this link to learn how.

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