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How to Copy or Move Files and Folders in DirectAdmin File Manager

This guide shows how to copy files, or move them to another folder, using the File Manager in DirectAdmin.

DirectAdmin2 min read9 steps4 screenshots

What is the File Manager?

The File Manager is a tool inside DirectAdmin. It lets you see and manage the files of your website in your browser. It works like the file window on your own computer.

Copy or move: what is the difference?

  • Copy makes a second version. The original stays where it is.
  • Move takes the file out of the old place and puts it in the new one. Nothing stays behind.

Warning: moving files can break your website if the site expects them in the old place. Take a backup first. Copying is safer if you are not sure.

Steps with the toolbar

  1. Log in to DirectAdmin.
  2. Open File Manager.
    Screenshot: Open File Manager .
  3. Go to the folder that holds your file. Your website files are usually in domains, your domain, then public_html.
  4. Tick the box next to the files or folders you want to use.
    Screenshot: Tick the box next to the files or folders you want to use.
  5. Click Copy or Move in the top bar. In some skins, right-click and pick it from the menu.
  6. A box opens. Type the target folder path, or choose it from the folder list.
  7. If a box asks about files that already exist, choose whether to overwrite them. Overwriting replaces the old file with the new one.
  8. Click Copy or Move to confirm.
    Screenshot: Click Copy or Move to confirm.
  9. Open the new folder and check that the files are there.

Steps with drag and drop

Some skins let you drag a file onto a folder. This normally moves it. Check the pop-up that appears so you know whether it will copy or move.

Copy a whole website folder

Copying a folder with many files can take a while. If the File Manager stops, compress the folder first. Then copy the archive. Then extract it at the new place.

Tips on paths

  • A path is the address of a folder, such as domains/example.com/public_html.
  • Paths are case sensitive. Images and images are two different names.
  • Avoid spaces in names. Use hyphens instead.
Tip: After you move a file that a page uses, such as an image, update the link in the page. Otherwise you will see a broken picture.

Quick recap

  • Copy keeps the original. Move does not.
  • Tick the items, then click Copy or Move.
    Screenshot: Tick the items, then click Copy or Move .
  • Choose the target folder and confirm.
  • Back up before you move site files.
  • Check your website after the move.