FTP (File Transfer Protocol) lets you upload and download website files using a program like FileZilla. Creating a dedicated FTP account is safer than sharing your main login, especially if a developer needs limited access. Here is how to create one in DirectAdmin.
What you will need #
- Your DirectAdmin login.
- An FTP client such as FileZilla (free).
Step-by-step: create an FTP account #
- Log in to DirectAdmin (usually yourdomain.com:2222).
- Go to Account Manager and click FTP Management.
- Click Create FTP Account.
- Enter a username and a strong password.
- Choose the access level (see below).
- Click Create.
Choosing the right access level #
- Domain: access to the main web folders, mail, and backups.
- FTP: access to the public_ftp directory only.
- User: access to a single subfolder (public_html/username).
- Custom: you set the exact path manually.
For a developer working on your site, “User” or a custom path is usually the safest choice.
Connecting with FileZilla #
- Open FileZilla and go to File > Site Manager > New Site.
- Host: your domain or server hostname.
- Port: 21 for FTP, or use FTPS/SFTP if provided.
- Username and password: the FTP account you just created.
- Click Connect and upload files into the public_html folder.
Troubleshooting #
- Cannot connect: double-check the host, port, and password.
- Files not showing on the site: make sure they are inside public_html.
- Timeouts: try switching between active and passive mode in your FTP client.
Need help? #
If FTP will not connect, contact our support team on live chat and we will confirm the correct settings for your account.
