Copy or move files in cPanel File Manager

Copy or move: what is the difference?

File Manager is a tool in cPanel. It lets you see and manage your website files in a web browser. cPanel is the control panel of your hosting account.

When you copy a file, you get a second one. The original stays where it was. It is like photocopying a page. When you move a file, it leaves the old folder and goes to the new one. It is like carrying a book to another shelf.

Before you start

Warning: moving files can break your website if pages look for them in the old place. If the files belong to a live site, take a backup first. Copying is the safer choice when you are unsure.

Steps to copy a file

1. Log in to cPanel and open File Manager.
2. Open the folder that holds the file. Most websites live in public_html.
3. Click the file once to select it. Hold Ctrl and click more to select many.
4. Click Copy in the top toolbar.
5. In the box, check the destination path. Change it to the folder you want, for example /public_html/images.
6. Click Copy File(s).
7. Click Close. Open the new folder to check the copy.

Steps to move a file

1. Select the file or files as above.

   

   

2. Click Move in the toolbar.

   

3. Type the new folder path in the box.
4. Click Move File(s).
5. Check the new folder to make sure the file arrived.

   

   

Drag and drop

You can also drag a file with your mouse and drop it on a folder in the left tree. This moves the file. Be careful not to drop it in the wrong folder.

If something goes wrong

• Move the file back using the same steps.
• Check the .htaccess or settings files if a page now shows an error.
• Open a support ticket if your site is down.

Quick recap

• Copy keeps the original. Move takes it away.
• Select the files, then click Copy or Move.
• Type the destination folder and confirm.
• Back up before moving files on a live site.