> ## 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.

# Using .htaccess files

> You Can Use Your .htaccess File to Customize Your Server Configuration! Learn Where Your .htaccess File Is & How To Use It,

This article describes what *.htaccess* files are and how you can use them to customize the web server's configuration for your web site.

## About .htaccess files

An *.htaccess* file is a plain-text configuration file that enables you to customize the web server's configuration. When the Apache web server processes an incoming client request for a file, it looks for an *.htaccess* file in the same directory. If the *.htaccess* file exists, Apache reads the directives in the file and overrides the server's global configuration. Any directives defined in an *.htaccess* file apply to the directory where the file is located, and to all subdirectories beneath it.

You can use directives in *.htaccess* files to redirect requests to different URLs, control directory listings, specify custom error documents, and more. Hosting.com web server configurations use the **AllowOverride All** directive to provide the most flexibility for your web site.

<Warning>
  **Important**

  If there are any misconfigured rules or incorrect syntax in an  *.htaccess* file, users see an "Internal Server Error" message when they visit a page in the same directory. Be very careful when you make any changes to an *.htaccess* file.
</Warning>

## Protecting .htaccess file contents

By default, anyone can view the contents of an *.htaccess* file. However, this is a potential security risk, because it exposes web site configuration information. For security reasons, it is a good idea to prevent visitors from viewing *.htaccess* files.

To do this, add the following directives to the *.htaccess* file:

```
## Prevent Apache from serving .htaccess files:
<FilesMatch "^\.htaccess">
    Order allow,deny
    Deny from all
</FilesMatch>
```

Now, visitors who try to view the *.htaccess* file directly receive a "403 Forbidden" error in their web browser.

## More information

* To view an online tutorial for using *.htaccess* files, please visit [http://httpd.apache.org/docs/2.2/howto/htaccess.html](http://httpd.apache.org/docs/2.2/howto/htaccess.html).

* For many great examples of common *.htaccess* tasks, visit [http://perishablepress.com/stupid-htaccess-tricks/](https://perishablepress.com/stupid-htaccess-tricks/)

## Related articles

* [Custom .htaccess files for PHP settings](/docs/custom-htaccess-files-for-php-settings)

* [Using PHP directives in custom .htaccess files](/docs/using-php-directives-in-custom-htaccess-files)