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How to Upload Your Website Files (for Noobs)

Introduction

You've built your website on your computer, and now you're ready to share it with the world! To do this, you need to upload your website's files (like HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and image files) from your computer to your web hosting server. This guide will cover the two most common ways noobs can do this: using the File Manager in your hosting control panel and a brief introduction to FTP/SFTP.

What you'll achieve: You'll learn how to transfer your website files to your web host. Prerequisites: * Your website files organized in a folder on your computer. * Your web hosting account login details. * If using FTP/SFTP: An FTP client program and your FTP/SFTP login credentials from your host.

Method 1: Using the File Manager in Your Hosting Control Panel

This is often the easiest method for beginners as it doesn't require extra software.

  1. Log In to Your Hosting Control Panel:

  2. Open the File Manager:

    • Look for an icon or link labeled "File Manager," "Files," or similar.

  3. Navigate to the Correct Folder:

    • This is crucial! You need to upload your files to the specific folder your web server uses to display websites. This folder is usually named:
      • public_html
      • htdocs
      • www
      • yourdomain.com (if you have multiple domains, you might see folders named after them)
    • Double-click to open this folder. If you see files like index.html or cgi-bin already there, you're likely in the right place.

  4. Upload Your Files:

    • Inside the public_html (or equivalent) folder, look for an "Upload" button or icon.
    • You'll usually be able to:
      • Select individual files: Browse your computer and select the files one by one.
      • Upload a ZIP file: This is often easier if you have many files and folders.
        1. On your computer, put all your website files and folders into a single ZIP archive.
        2. Upload this single ZIP file using the File Manager.
        3. Once uploaded, select the ZIP file in the File Manager and look for an "Extract" or "Unzip" option. This will recreate your folder structure on the server.
        4. You can delete the ZIP file from the server after extraction to save space.

  5. Check Your Website:

    • Once your files are uploaded (and extracted, if you used a ZIP), try visiting your domain name in a web browser. You should see your website!
    • Important: Your main homepage file should usually be named index.html or index.htm for the server to display it automatically when someone visits your domain.

Method 2: Using FTP/SFTP (A Brief Intro)

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) and SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) are standard ways to transfer files between computers over a network. SFTP is preferred because it's secure.

  1. What You'll Need:

    • An FTP Client: This is software you install on your computer. Popular free options include:
      • FileZilla (Windows, Mac, Linux)
      • Cyberduck (Windows, Mac)
      • WinSCP (Windows)
    • FTP/SFTP Login Details from Your Host:
      • Host/Server Address: e.g., ftp.yourdomain.com or an IP address.
      • Username: Your FTP username (often the same as your cPanel username, or a specific FTP account you create in your control panel).
      • Password: Your FTP password.
      • Port: FTP usually uses port 21. SFTP usually uses port 22. Your host will specify.

  2. Connecting with an FTP Client (General Steps):

    • Open your FTP client.
    • Find the "Connect" or "Site Manager" area.
    • Enter your Host, Username, Password, and Port. Choose SFTP if available.
    • Click "Connect."

  3. Transferring Files:

    • FTP clients usually show a two-pane view:
      • One side shows files on your computer (Local site).
      • The other side shows files on your web server (Remote site).
    • On the Remote site pane, navigate to the correct folder (public_html, htdocs, etc.).
    • On the Local site pane, navigate to the folder containing your website files.
    • Select the files/folders on your local site and drag them to the remote site pane, or use an "Upload" button.

Which Method Should a Noob Use?

  • Start with the File Manager: It's built into your control panel and is generally simpler for a few files or a single ZIP upload.
  • Consider FTP/SFTP if:
    • You need to upload or manage many files regularly.
    • You want a more robust way to transfer files.
    • Your host's File Manager is clunky or lacks features (like extracting ZIPs).

Troubleshooting Tips

  • "I uploaded my files, but I see a '404 Not Found' error or a blank page."
    • Did you upload them to the correct folder (e.g., public_html)?
    • Is your main homepage file named index.html (all lowercase)?
    • Are file and folder names case-sensitive on the server? (e.g., MyImage.JPG is different from myimage.jpg).
  • "My images/styles are broken."
    • Check that your file paths in your HTML/CSS are correct and that all necessary files were uploaded.
    • Again, check for case sensitivity issues in filenames.

Conclusion & What's Next

Uploading your files is a major step to getting your website live! Whether you use the File Manager or FTP/SFTP, the goal is to get your local files onto the server in the right place.

Next, you might want to learn about: * My Website is Built Locally, How Do I Put It Online? (This article will likely reiterate some of these points but focus on the overall transition) * Installing WordPress (or other simple CMS if applicable) on Your Host * What is an SSL Certificate and Why Do I Need It?

You're almost there!