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How to Create and Edit a File Using FTP

This guide shows how to make a new file and change an existing one on your hosting with an FTP program.

Web Hosting2 min read17 steps8 screenshots

What is FTP?

FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. It is a way to move files between your computer and your hosting. An FTP client is the program you use. FileZilla is a popular free one. Think of FTP as a delivery truck between your computer and your website.

What you need

  • Your FTP host name, user name and password. Find them in your welcome email, or ask Hostvento support.
  • An FTP client such as FileZilla.
  • A text editor, such as Notepad on Windows or TextEdit on Mac (use plain text mode).

Connect to your hosting

  1. Open your FTP client.
  2. Type the host, user name and password.
  3. Leave the port empty, or use the one in your welcome email.
  4. Click Quickconnect.
  5. Your computer files show on the left. Your hosting files show on the right.

Create a new file

  1. On your computer, open the text editor.
  2. Type your content, for example a line of text.
  3. Save it with a name such as hello.html. Make sure it does not end in .txt.
  4. In the FTP client, open the folder for your site on the right. This is often called public_html.
  5. Drag your file from the left side to the right side.
  6. Open yourdomain.com/hello.html in a browser to check it.

Some FTP clients can also create a blank file. Right-click inside the folder and look for Create new file.

Screenshot: Some FTP clients can also create a blank file. Right-click inside the folder and look for

Edit an existing file

  1. Find the file on the right side.
    Screenshot: Find the file on the right side.
    Screenshot: Find the file on the right side.
    Screenshot: Find the file on the right side.
  2. Right-click it and choose View/Edit.
  3. The file opens in your text editor.
    Screenshot: The file opens in your text editor.
  4. Make your change and save it.
  5. The FTP client asks if you want to upload the changed file. Click Yes.
  6. Reload your page in the browser to see the change.
Warning: Editing a file replaces the old version. Before you change an important file, download a copy and keep it. If something breaks, upload the copy back.

Common problems

  • Login failed. Check the user name and password, and that you typed the right host.
  • Cannot see my changes. Clear your browser cache, and check you edited the right folder.
  • Odd characters. Save the file as plain text with UTF-8.
    Screenshot: Odd characters. Save the file as plain text with UTF-8.
    Screenshot: Odd characters. Save the file as plain text with UTF-8.
    Screenshot: Odd characters. Save the file as plain text with UTF-8.

Need help? Open a support ticket.

Quick recap

  • FTP moves files between your computer and hosting.
  • Connect with your host, user and password.
  • Create files on your computer and drag them up.
  • Use View/Edit to change a remote file.
  • Keep a backup copy before editing.