> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://kb.hosting.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Getting started with cPanel File Manager

> Discover cPanel's File Manager essentials with this guide on creating folders, files, and more.

This article is an introduction to cPanel's File Manager, and describes how to complete basic file management tasks.

## Starting File Manager and browsing the filesystem

cPanel's File Manager makes it easy for you to browse through your web site's directories.

To start File Manager and navigate through the directory hierarchy, follow these steps:

1. Log in to cPanel.
   > 📘 Note
   >
   > If you do not know how to log in to your cPanel account, please see [this article](/docs/accessing-cpanel).

2. On the **Tools** page, in the **Files** section, click **File Manager**:\
   ![](https://static.hosting.com/kb/kb-cpanel-jupiter-file-manager-icon.png)

3. In the left sidebar, click the name of the directory that you want to open. The directory's contents appear in the right pane.

4. Browse the directory hierarchy:

   * To view another directory or subdirectory, click its name in the left sidebar.

   * To move up a level in the filesystem, click **Up One Level**.

   * To expand a directory, in the left sidebar click the **+** icon.

   * To collapse a directory, in the left sidebar click the **-** icon.

## Creating new folders and files

It is easy to create a new folder or file in File Manager.

To create a new folder, follow these steps:

1. In the File Manager main window, click the **+ Folder** icon:\
   ![](https://static.hosting.com/kb/kb-cpanel-78-file-manager-new-folder.png)

2. In the **New Folder Name** text box, type the name of the new folder.

3. In the **New Folder will be created in** text box, make sure that the path is where you want to create the folder.

4. Click **Create New Folder**. cPanel creates the folder.

To create a new file, follow these steps:

1. In the File Manager main window, click the **+ File** icon:\
   ![](https://static.hosting.com/kb/kb-cpanel-78-file-manager-new-file.png)

2. In the **New File Name** text box, type the name of the new file.

3. In the **New file will be created in** text box, make sure that the path is where you want to create the file.

4. Click **Create New File**. cPanel creates the file.

## Copying, moving, renaming, and deleting files

To copy, move, rename, or delete files, follow these steps:

1. In the File Manager main window, select the file or files.

2. Do the file operation that you want:

   * To copy the file, click the **Copy** icon:\
     ![](https://static.hosting.com/kb/kb-cpanel-78-file-manager-copy.png)

     Type the destination directory, and then click **Copy File(s)**.

   * To move the file, click the **Move** icon:\
     ![](https://static.hosting.com/kb/kb-cpanel-78-file-manager-move.png)

     Type the destination directory, and then click **Move File(s)**.

   * To rename the file, click the **Rename** icon:\
     ![](https://static.hosting.com/kb/kb-cpanel-78-file-manager-rename.png)

     Type the new filename, and then click **Rename File**.

   * To delete the file, click the **Delete** icon:\
     ![](https://static.hosting.com/kb/kb-cpanel-78-file-manager-delete.png)

     Click **Confirm**.

## Searching for files

You can use File Manager to search for a particular file or set of files. For example, you can search for all files that have the word*quota* in their filenames.

To search for a file, follow these steps:

1. In the top-right corner of the File Manager main window, select the location to search for the file in the **Search** list box. You can search for files in the following locations:

   * In all of your files (that is, in your home directory and in all subdirectories beneath it).

   * In only your *public\_html* directory.

   * In the current directory.

2. In the text box, type the name of the file that you want to find, and then click **Go**.

   > 👍 Tip
   >
   > You can enter partial filenames to use in your search. For example, if you type `mail` , File Manager finds files that are named *maildirsize* and *.contactemail* as well (assuming that these files actually exist).

## Related articles

* [Using the editors in File Manager](/docs/cpanel-file-manager-editors)

* [Uploading and downloading files in File Manager](/docs/upload-and-download-files)

* [Configuring file permissions in File Manager](/docs/file-permissions)