---
title: Upload files to your site
description: "You can upload your website files in two ways: with the File manager in your hosting control panel, or with an FTP program and an FTP account. Your site files go in the **public_html** folder. Before you replace files on…"
url: "https://getsimple.net/knowledgebase/upload-files/"
updated: "2026-11-01"
category: Your hosting panel
---

# Upload files to your site

You can upload your website files in two ways: with the File manager in your hosting control panel, or with an FTP program and an FTP account. Your site files go in the **public_html** folder.

Before you replace files on a live site, make a backup. See [Back up and restore your site](/knowledgebase/back-up-and-restore-your-site/).

## Method 1: Upload with the File manager

1. Open your hosting control panel. See [Open your hosting panel](/knowledgebase/open-hosting-panel/).
2. Open **Websites**, then select your site.
3. Open the **Files** tab. This is the File manager.
4. Open the **public_html** folder.
5. Select **Upload**, then choose **File** or **Folder**, and pick what you want to upload from your computer.

To create a new file or folder there, use **New**.

## Method 2: Upload with an FTP account

### Add an FTP account

1. Open your hosting control panel. See [Open your hosting panel](/knowledgebase/open-hosting-panel/).
2. Open **Websites**, then select your site.
3. Open **Advanced**, then **FTP**.
4. Select **Add account**. The **Add FTP account** window opens.
5. **Username**: enter a name. The @yourdomain part is added for you.
6. **Directory**: leave it as **/**. That is your site's home folder. Your site files are in **public_html** inside it.
7. **Password**: enter a password, or use the generate icon. It needs at least 10 characters, with one lowercase letter, one uppercase letter, one number and one special character.
8. Select **Add**.

Your new account shows in the **FTP accounts** list.

### Connect with your FTP program

Use these settings in your FTP program:

- **Host**: ftp.yourdomain.com (use your own domain). This works when your domain's DNS is with us. If your DNS is somewhere else, open a ticket from [Get Help](/knowledgebase/get-help/) and we will send you the server address.
- **Protocol**: FTP with explicit TLS (FTPS). We recommend it.
- **Port**: 21
- **Username**: the full FTP account name, including the @yourdomain part.
- **Password**: the password you set in **Add FTP account**.

If your FTP program shows a certificate warning, don't click through it. Upload with the File manager instead, or open a ticket from [Get Help](/knowledgebase/get-help/) and we'll help you connect.

Once you are connected, open the **public_html** folder and upload your files there.

## Files uploaded but the site doesn't show them?

Check that the files are inside **public_html**, not in the folder above it. Still stuck? Open a ticket from [Get Help](/knowledgebase/get-help/) and our support team will help.

## FAQ

### Where do my website files go?

In the **public_html** folder of your site.

### Can I upload a whole folder at once?

Yes. In the File manager, select **Upload**, then **Folder**.

### What do I use as the FTP username?

The full FTP account name, including the @yourdomain part.

### What port and protocol do I use?

Port 21. For the protocol, choose FTP with explicit TLS (FTPS).

### My FTP program warns about a certificate. What should I do?

Don't click through the warning. Use the File manager in your hosting control panel, or open a ticket from [Get Help](/knowledgebase/get-help/) and we'll help you connect.

## Related

- [Open your hosting panel](/knowledgebase/open-hosting-panel/)
- [Back up and restore your site](/knowledgebase/back-up-and-restore-your-site/)
- [Install WordPress](/knowledgebase/install-wordpress/)
- [Get Help](/knowledgebase/get-help/)