FTP using FileZilla

FileZilla is a widely used open source software for uploading files from your local computer to an internet server. It is a cross-platform FTP software, available in both - Client and Server versions. The version that we are interested in is the Filezilla FTP Client.

FileZilla came into existence in 2001, as the result of a computer science class project by Tim Kosse and his two other classmates. It supports file transfer via plain FTP, SFTP & FTPS.

The software is distributed free of charge under the terms of the GNU General Public License. You can download the Filezilla FTP Client from the following link and install it in your computer - http://filezilla-project.org/download.php.

How to Upload website files using FileZilla

1. Open FileZilla and choose Site Manager under the File menu.

   

   
   

2. Click the New Site button.

   

   
   

3. Configure the main screen as per below screen shot. The port no. field can be left blank or you can specify port no. 21. However, if your hosting provider uses a port no. other than 21, you will need to provide the same here.

   
   

   To connect to the server via plain FTP, configure as per below screen shot.

   

   
   

   To connect to the server via secure FTP, configure as per below screen shot. Note the Encryption parameter, which is now Require explicit FTP over TLS.

   

   
   

   Configure other tabs as per below screen shots

   

   
   

   

   
   

   

   
   

4. Now Connect. In case of secure FTP, for the first time you will see the below popup screen. Check Always trust certificate in future sessions and click OK button. You will be connected.

   

   
   

5. After successful connection, you will see the folders of your hosting server appear on the right pane.

   
   

   Windows Hosting account

   For plesk windows hosting account, double-click on the httpdocs folder to open it. Use the left pane to navigate to your local computer's directory structure and open the folder that contains your website files. Upload your website files from your local folder to the httpdocs folder on the server.

   

   
   

   Linux Hosting account

   For cPanel linux hosting account, double-click on the public_html folder to open it. Use the left pane to navigate to your local computer's directory structure and open the folder that contains your website files. Upload your website files from your local folder to the public_html folder on the server.