The article How To Manage Files In FileZilla, assumes you already have FileZilla installed, and are running it on your computer, and have connected to your remote server via your web hosting account. If not please refer to How to Configure a Site in FileZilla, prior to proceeding.
Table of Contents
Manage Files In FileZilla
Creating a Directory:
1. Right-click anywhere in the “Remote site window” (the window that shows the files and folders on the server).
2. Select “Create Directory” from the menu.
3. Enter a name for the new folder and click OK.
Renaming a Folder
1. Right-click on the folder you want to rename.
2. Select “Rename” from the menu.
3. Enter the new name for the folder and press Enter or click OK.
Deleting a Folder
1. Search for the folder you want to delete.
2. Right-click on it.
3. Select “Delete” from the menu.
4. Click OK to confirm.
Changing File Permissions
1. Right-click on the file or folder you want to change permissions for.
2. Select “File Permissions” from the menu.
3. Set the desired permissions using the options provided in the dialog box.
4. Click OK to apply the changes.
Note: Be cautious when changing file permissions, as it can affect how users access and modify files on the server.
You can drag and drop files between the two windows to transfer them.
Additional Information:
FileZilla also allows uploading and downloading files between your computer and the remote server. FileZilla allows you to configure your website content, structure, and functionality very easily.
How File Transfer Protocol (FTP) Works
FTP uses a client-server model to transfer files. The client (a user’s computer) initiates a connection to the FTP server (a remote web server hosting files).
The client sends FTP commands to the server and the data transfer occurs. It happens over two separate channels. The control channel handles commands and authentication while the Data channel transfers files.
The client logs in using a username and password provided and once authenticated, the client can access files based on permissions.
FTP supports two modes. Active mode where the server initiates data connections to the client and Passive Mode where the client initiates data connections to the server.
The client then requests files using commands and data is transferred over the data channel.
After the transfer is completed, the connection is closed.
File Transfer Protocol Secure (FTPS) Explained
FTPS provides a safer and more reliable method for transferring files, especially when dealing with sensitive data like financial documents or personal information. It is an extension of the commonly used File Transfer Protocol (FTP). Unlike standard FTPs, which transmit data in clear text, FTPS incorporates the encryption Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) or Transport Layer Security (TLS) protocols.
This type of encryption helps establish a secure connection between the FTP client and the hosting server. Like an SSL Certificate installed on a website, the client and server perform an “SSL Handshake” to authenticate each other’s identity and perform the encryption.
This extra layer of security ensures that sensitive information remains confidential during data transmission.
Another advantage of using FTPS is its compatibility with existing FTP clients and servers, making it not only a safer method of file transfer but also the convenience of removing the need for installing new software and learning how to use it.