What is an .htaccess file?

 

.htaccess is a configuration file that you can create or edit to control some security settings or behaviour for Apache based websites. This file contains configuration rules and directives, that are being read by the web server. A web server may have multiple .htaccess files but there should be only one per directory for specific websites.

 

To find the .htaccess file on your web server. First, you need to login to your cPanel account. (Don’t know how to login to your cPanel account? Click here)

Locate and click on File Manager under the Files section.

 

 

You will then be redirected to the File Manager page where you will see the files on your web server. On the upper right corner of the page you will find the Settings button. Just click on it.

 

 

Once you have clicked the Settings button, a small windows will pop-up and shows the Preferences of your File Manager. Check the box for Show Hidden Files (dotfiles) and click on Save.

 

 

To find the .htaccess file, you can use the search box (also on the upper right corner of the page) by typing in “.htaccess” and click Go.

 

 

Another pop-up window will show up containing the path for the existing .htaccess files you have on your web server. Just double click on the files on the list to go to the specific .htaccess file you wish to access.

 

 

You can also create an .htaccess file if it’s not existing and should be on your preferred website directory. Just locate the File button (with + icon) on the upper left corner of the screen. It will create a new file within the chosen path then just name it “.htaccess” (including the “.” before the name).

 

 

To edit an existing .htaccess file, you must go in to the path where the .htaccess is located and then right click beside the file. It will show a menu with an Edit option. Just click on edit and another window will open for you to edit the file contents.

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