How to create a virtual directory in Plesk

What is a virtual directory?

A directory is a folder. A virtual directory is a shortcut. Visitors open yourdomain.com/docs, and the server shows files from a folder that may be outside your main site folder. It is like a signpost that sends people to another room.

Virtual directories are a feature of IIS, the web server on Windows. They appear in Plesk for Windows hosting. If you do not see the option, your plan may be Linux-based. Ask Hostvento support if you are not sure.

Before you start

Know the name you want in the web address, for example docs. Also know which folder it should point to. The folder must already exist inside your hosting space.

Steps

1. Log in to Plesk.
2. Click Websites & Domains.
3. Find your domain and click Virtual Directories.
4. Click Create Virtual Directory. It may also be named Add Virtual Directory.
5. In Virtual directory name, type the name that will show in the address, such as docs.
6. In Path, choose the real folder. Click the folder icon to browse.
7. Pick the access rights. Leave Read on. Turn on Write only if visitors must upload files.
8. Choose the script options your files need. For plain pages and images, you need none.
9. Click OK.

Test it

1. Open a browser.
2. Type yourdomain.com/docs, using your own domain and name.
3. Check that the right files show up.

If you see an error, check the folder path and that the folder holds a start page, like index.html. Without one, the server may show an error.

Need help? Open a support ticket.

Quick recap

• A virtual directory is a web address that points to another folder.
• It works on Windows hosting with IIS.
• Go to Virtual Directories and click Create Virtual Directory.
• Set a name, a path and the access rights, then test the address.