Although it sounds like an advanced topic that may only be relevant to power users, that’s not the case.

What is cPanel? Must WordPress have a cPanel, and how to access it? These are only some of the questions that you may have.

This article will dive deep and teach everything we need about WordPress and cPanel.

Integrating cPanel with WordPress combines the popular web hosting control panel, cPanel, with the open-source content management system, WordPress.

This integration allows website owners and developers to easily manage and host their WordPress websites, taking advantage of the comprehensive suite of tools and features offered by cPanel.

When cPanel and WordPress are combined, website owners can easily manage all aspects of their website, including organizing and uploading files, setting up email accounts, and maintaining databases.

Additionally, it provides a selection of security solutions to assist in keeping its website safe and secure.

It is simpler for developers to manage many websites, streamline development, and rapidly launch new sites and apps when cPanel and WordPress are integrated. In addition, as websites expand and change, developers may quickly add additional resources and features because of cPanel’s scalability.

What is cPanel

The cPanel is a web-based control panel with a graphical user interface (GUI) for managing your website and hosting account. It’s the most popular platform for managing and hosting websites, providing an easy-to-use user interface for all levels.

It’s stacked with many tools and features to help the website’s administrator manage the account, including:

• File management capabilities include uploading, editing, and renaming files, including images, videos, other media types, CSS, PHP, etc.
• Create and manage email accounts of your domain name.
• Access, manage, create, and back up the database tables of your website, like MySQL, etc. (For example: in one of our articles, we showed how to change a username by accessing the DB users table.)
• Create subdomains or subdirectories. This feature can be handy when adding a knowledge base to a website.
• Performance & security: access the cPanel to install SSL, upgrade the PHP version to speed up the website, etc.

The cPanel is the engine under the hood of your website and will enable you to perform any task related to it. The one-stop solution makes managing your online presence easy, convenient, and efficient.

Does WordPress Require cPanel?

Because WordPress is a stand-alone open-source content management system (CMS), it doesn’t require a cPanel.

Moreover, it can be installed on other alternative hosting environments, such as local machines, shared hosting, virtual private servers (VPS), and dedicated servers.

cPanel is only one intuitive way to manage WordPress websites, while other tools can be Plesk, command line, or a custom web-based application.

However, due to its easy-to-navigate and understand interface and its popularity, hosting companies choose it as their tool.

Therefore, although cPanel is a standard option for many uses, running WordPress and enjoying its full features is optional. Instead, you can install WordPress on any server that meets the system requirements and manage the platform with any of the abovementioned tools.

The Benefits of Using cPanel with WordPress

Now that we know what the cPanel is and whether it is required to install with WordPress let’s discuss its advantages and how it can benefit you.

The list below will point out only some of the pros of using cPanel with WordPress:

• The intuitive user interface makes it easy and doable for beginner users to perform and simplify complex tasks.
• Regular backups are a feature most hosting companies offer, and you can access it from the cPanel.
• Because the cPanel is known and used by many, most developers you’ll hire will already know how to get by, saving them time and money.
• If a plugin or theme breaks your WordPress website, you must rename the folder to recover it by logging in to the cPanel to access MySQL and perform the task.
• Integrating cPanel with WordPress makes deploying new sites and applications easier, with a simple installation process and customizable configurations.
• cPanel provides performance optimization tools, such as website stats and resource usage monitoring, to help optimize your website’s performance.

Now that we’re hooked on why we should use cPanel with WordPress, let’s move on to the next section and learn how to access it.

How to Access Your WordPress Website cPanel

Now that we’re familiar with the great features of the control panel, you must be eager to know how to log in.

To access your WordPress cPanel, follow these steps:

1. Visit and login into your hosting company’s website portal.
2. Inside the hosting dashboard, locate and click on the Launch cPanel button.  
3. Click on the WordPress Manager app under the Software section.
4. Choose and edit any of your WordPress sites from under the Installation columns on the following screen.

The steps above will lead you to the WordPress platform of your websites. However, if you want to use any other available features, such as installing an SSL certificate or adding email accounts, you can do it from the cPanel screen (step 3).

How to Install WordPress on cPanel

Congratulations, you successfully installed a fresh WordPress on your domain name from the cPanel.

Now, keep learning how to use and optimize your WordPress website. Our blog archive is an excellent resource with many articles and tutorials to help you maximize your website while enjoying the journey.

Conclusion

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced webmaster, cPanel provides a convenient and efficient way to manage your website with improved security, scalability, and performance.

Take the cPanel for a spin and familiarize yourself with it. You’ll be surprised by all the hidden features and capabilities you can do with it.

Leave us a comment and tell us if you have any questions regarding the subject or if you need extra clarification.

The post How to Install WordPress From Your Hosting Provider’s cPanel appeared first on PluginsForWP.

When you want to disable a plugin or edit a theme or a particular file, using FTP (File Transfer Protocol) can be the most straightforward and most direct solution.

It lets you upload files straight from your computer onto your WordPress website. No need for the dashboard — which is super handy if it’s in maintenance mode or you’re locked out of your account.

This guide will show you how to access FTP and use it to make quick and easy changes on your WordPress site. As well as explaining how to do it, we’ll also look at why you might need to use an FTP WordPress connection.

OK, let’s get started.

What is FTP?

FTP — short for File Transfer Protocol — is one of the most tried and true ways to transfer files online.

If you’re asking the question, “what is a protocol?” let us explain. A protocol is a term used in networking circles to define the rules that allow two different systems to communicate. Data gets broken into little chunks, and you need the sender and receiver to “speak the same language” so the information can be reassembled accurately.

In FTP and WordPress, we can just think of a protocol as a handy way of transferring a file from one system (your computer) to another (your website hosting website). And that is precisely what an FTP WordPress connection will allow you to do.

If you have a website, it will have an FTP server. When you want to communicate with it (without using the WordPress dashboard), you must access an FTP client and connect it with your website’s FTP.

Once you’ve established this connection, you’ll be able to:

• Access files on your website
• Transfer files from your computer

In What Scenarios Should We Use FTP?

So, you might be wondering why we need an FTP WordPress connection. After all, we already have an excellent way of uploading files from our computer to our website.

The main reason it’s great to have an FTP WordPress connection option is when you have a problem with your website, or if it’s experiencing technical difficulties. This trick is essential when your website is down for whatever reason and you’re trying to troubleshoot the issue.

Let’s explore the main reasons to establish an FTP-WordPress connection.

1. You can install plugins and themes directly if the WordPress dashboard is in maintenance mode or unresponsive.
2. To manually disable themes or plugins when the WordPress dashboard is giving your trouble.
3. WordPress can be a little sluggish when uploading files. If you have large-sized media files you want to upload a single or bulk of files, you can access FTP and send the files to your website hosting service.
4. To troubleshoot or fix errors on your website.
5. Customize specific WordPress functions.
6. Customize WordPress plugins or themes.
7. Back up the files from your website and onto your personal computer.

As the years have rolled by, WordPress has improved the functionality of its product and dashboard functionality. As a result, most people no longer need to access FTP to perform many duties. However, FTP still plays a vital role if your site has crashed or you’re having security issues.

What are good FTP clients?

You’ll need an FTP client if you want to run an FTP WordPress connection. There are several different options to choose from on the market. We’ll outline a few of them below to see which one works best for you.

FTP clients provide a user-friendly and intuitive user interface, so you perform typical functions like copying, renaming, editing, deleting, or uploading different files and folders.

While many FTP clients have the same basis and similar functions, some differences exist.

Some of the main questions to ask yourself when you are choosing an FTP client are:

• What operating system do you run? Which version?
• Do you prefer a point and click interface or drag and drop?
• How fast do you need your files to transfer?
• What size of files do you want to send?
• Does it support transfer to third-party sites like Google Drive or Dropbox?
• Does it have extra features, like user shortcuts, file explorers, search tools, etc.?
• Which FTP clients offer the best security?

Below, we’ll recommend the five best FTP clients you can use for your FTP WordPress transfers.

Top 5 FTP clients for FTP WordPress connections

Cyberduck

Cyberduck is available on Windows and Mac. There is a lot to love about Cyberduck: it’s free, super quick, and the interface is intuitive. Another significant advantage is that it can link your website to third-party cloud-based options like Google Drive, Microsoft Azure, and Dropbox.

Cyberduck is also pretty secure. It uses encryption to send your files securely. Finally, it features a simple drag and drop interface.

All in all, it’s a superb option.

FileZilla

FileZilla is another great free FTP client. Just like Cyberduck, it’s straightforward to use. While it might not have Cyberducks polish, it has plenty.

FileZilla has a helpful drag and drop interface, a fantastic side-by-side file display, and a simple remote file search.

It has a pretty active community of users and developers, and the software is frequently updated. In addition, it also supports the transfer of large files (up to 4GB)

It is also available for Mac and Windows and comes in a few different languages.

WinSCP

WinSCP is a free, open-source FTP client for Windows. It has an effortless drag-and-drop interface with a side-by-side window to track which files are on your computer and which are hosted on your website.

The best thing about WinSCP is how user-friendly it is. Documentation on the website is good, and the forum is active enough to provide support if you need it.

Two other pluses are language support and secure encryption.

WS_FTP Professional

WS_FTP Professional is an excellent option for security-conscious website administrators. It’s a premium option, but that is reflected in the price of $54.95.

This client won’t be for everyone, mainly when so many good free alternatives exist. However, it’s your best choice if you’re worried about network sniffing. FTP transfers sent over WIFI could become interceptive, and depending on your site’s content, you might need to employ an extra layer of security.

WS_FTP Professional uses encryption, file syncing, and backups. The high level of encryption makes this a standout option.

Transmit

Transmit is a free FTP client for Mac. It’s the most popular option for Apple users. The interface is good and an excellent choice for managing and transferring files.

Transmit has a free option, but the full version is $45. For many people, the interface and extra functionality will justify the price. For example, it allows you to manage files on multiple servers and has good security functions and integrations with DropBox and other file hosting services.

Transmit’s lightning-quick speed, batch editing, and excellent shortcuts are also great. Overall, a superb FTP client.

How to Get the Server Credentials?

When you need to run an FTP WordPress connection, you’ll need access to the FTP server credentials.

The newly created FTP account will be added to the existing FTP accounts list.

How to Connect to WordPress with FTP

OK, now that you:

• Know what FTP is
• What FTP client is best for your needs
• How to get your server credentials

It’s time to learn how to use FTP for WordPress file transfers.

We’ll take you through a simple step-by-step process.

#1. Always backup your website files

The first and most crucial step is to back up your website files. When you make changes to your website via the WordPress dashboard, there are undo / History options where you can revert any mistakes or errors.

FTP WordPress changes are different. They are both direct and permanent.

With that in mind, it’s best to ensure you have a backup saved in case anything goes wrong.

It’s good practice to automate your backups. Relying on manual backup can be poor unless you are very disciplined.

WordPress websites have three main sections. They are:

WordPress core files: This section is the code that runs WordPress. You can download this anytime, so it’s not an essential backup item.

The wp-content folder: This section has all the files and images you’ve uploaded. You may already have them on your computer, but it’s nice to have them in one place, so they’re worth backing up.

This section also contains plugins. You can back them up, but they’re also available to download unless customized. So, not an essential backup but worth having.

Database: This section contains all your essential data. It has your users, posts, admin data, etc. You need to ensure that this is backed up.

You have three choices for backing up your files before making any FTP WordPress changes.

Backup Plugins: There are many free or low-cost options like BackWpup or BackUpWordPress These plugins backup your WordPress files and data and store them safely on a third-party server.

Ideally, you should store any backup on a different server than your host files. If anything happens to one server, you have the other copy.

Third-party off-site options: Jetpack/VaultPress is the WordPress backup solution. It’s not free, but it has some great options, like an automated backup.

For $3.50 per month, you get an off-site backup solution and excellent security features. It’s easy to use too, which is always a bonus.

Webhost backup solution: Your web host may also offer a backup solution. Typically, web hosts connect with the WordPress server for all their clients.

However, don’t assume your web host offers this service. Read their documentation or simply ask them how they handle backups.

#2. Install your FTP client

Before making any FTP WordPress changes, you must install your FTP client. We’ve provided a list of the top 5 options above. For this article, we’ll use FileZilla because it’s available for Mac and Windows and has some great features.

Simply go to the FileZilla website and download the “FileZilla Client.” You won’t need the FileZilla Pro version, but we recommend downloading the free version with the manual.

Once you have the file, run and install it, and it will be on your desktop and ready to go.

When you’re ready to make some FTP WordPress changes, just click on the FileZilla icon, and it will launch.

The first screen you see is split in two. One side is for the files you have on your computer, while the other shows the files on your server. If you’re running FileZilla for the first time, this section will be empty and say, “Not connected to any server.”

#3. Connect to the server

The next step is connecting to the server.

Four text boxes are running along the taskbar on the FileZilla interface. They are:

• Host
• Username
• Password
• Port

You’ll recognize some of these from the section above where we showed how to get your server credentials. If you haven’t done that step, you must do it now! You can’t perform FTP WordPress changes without connecting your computer to the server via your FTP client.

To establish a connection to your website via FTP, you’ll need

• Your web host’s FTP address
• FTP username you chose earlier
• The FTP password you picked above
• The designated port your host uses for FTP

Use the method shown above for accessing your credentials via CPanel. Enter them into the
text fields in FileZilla and your FTP WordPress connection should be established.

Most times, the host address is ftp.yourdomain.com and the default port is 21. You can try it first with your username and password and test the connection.

If it didn’t work, click on the configure FTP client link to reveal the unique credentials of your host.

Now, you are ready to make FTP WordPress file transfers.

#4: Manage and access FTP WordPress files

Once FileZilla is connected to the server, the interface should be split into four sections.

On the left are two panels—the first displays the folders on your computer, and the second displays subfolders and files.

On the right, there are also two panels. These have all your website files and folders.

FileZilla is all about simplicity. To move files from one part to the next, you must drag and drop from one panel to the next.

What files and folders do I need to know to do an FTP WordPress file transfer?

To make changes or edits to your site, you must find the relevant files and folders on the server.

Click on the top right panel. There should be a file named after your website’s domain name. If your site is www.johnsautorepairs.com, the file will be johnsautorepairs.

However, there are some situations where it might be labeled differently. It could be simply called www or public_html.

Access this folder and look at the content. Find a subfolder called public. This folder will contain all your website data.

Remember the wp-content folder we talked about in the data backup section? Well, that’s what you’ll want to find.

Inside wp_content, you’ll see two essential subfolders which will contain your:

• plugins
• themes

You have a few options when it comes to themes. Your FTP WordPress connection will allow you to:

• change your current theme
• delete a theme
• or install a new theme

All of these choices are useful in specific scenarios. For example, if you want to install a new theme, you can drag and drop it from your computer files into the theme folder.

It’s important to note that you create a new copy while dragging and dropping a file from your computer to the server. The original file will remain on your computer, while the new document will be on your server.

#5: Open and edit the files

All the things you can do via your FTP WordPress connection are available when you right-click on a file in FileZilla.

The six-core options are:

• Download the file via FTP straight to your computer
• Add the file or files to the queue
• Delete a file from your reserver
• Rename a particular file
• Change or adjust a select file’s permission
• Create new files or directories.

Drag-and-drop makes this process straightforward.

To add a new theme, you must download it to your computer first. Then, select it on the left panel and put it inside the wp_content/themes folder.

Uploading plugins and themes are done in the same way. Once your FTP WordPress transfer is complete, you should go to your dashboard and click, for example, “Plugins” on the left panel. From here, you can activate the plugin that you have uploaded.

Downloading a file to your computer is just as simple. Once your FTP WordPress connection is established, you can select files on the server and bounce them over to your computer folder on the left-hand side.

Establishing an FTP WordPress connection is that simple.

PRO TIP: While drag-and-drop is super easy to use, some people say it’s better to use the right-click option and select “Upload.” The reason is that when you use drag-and-drop, there’s a slight chance you’ll upload a file to the wrong folder. If your files are in the wrong place, WordPress won’t run properly, so whatever option you choose, ensure you get things right.

Conclusion

Running an FTP WordPress connection is helpful for several reasons. If WordPress is down or you’re locked out of your account, you can use an FTP client to perform fixes, disable plugins, or grab any needed files. Additionally, it can be a great way to remove any malfunctioning plugins or themes.

The other benefit of using an FTP WordPress connection is that it gives you a deeper understanding of how WordPress works. If you are a website admin or user, it’s good to open the hood and look at how the platform works.

While knowing how to access your WordPress files in an emergency is a handy skill, it shouldn’t cause you to become complacent.

The only way to know that your files are safe is to set frequent backups to a server in a different location than your website’s hosting. Having two (or more) copies of essential files is the best and most secure practice.

The post How to Use FTP with WordPress – the Definitive Guide appeared first on PluginsForWP.