Quick summary
- What it is: FileZilla is one of the most popular FTP and SFTP clients in the world.
- What it's for: it helps better understand a technical concept related to web services, domains, email or servers.
- When to check it: when you encounter this term in the control panel, a support ticket or a technical guide.
FileZilla is one of the most popular FTP and SFTP clients in the world. It is free, open-source and available for Windows, macOS and Linux. It allows you to connect to your hosting server to transfer files between your computer and the server in a visual and intuitive way.
What is FileZilla used for?
- Uploading your website files to the server for the first time.
- Updating individual files without needing to use the control panel's file manager.
- Downloading a backup copy of your site's files.
- Managing file and folder permissions.
- Moving large numbers of files more quickly than from the web panel.
How to connect to your hosting with FileZilla?
To connect you need four pieces of information that you will find in your control panel or customer area:
- Server (host): usually your domain or the server IP.
- Username: the FTP username for your account (in DirectAdmin it is usually the main user).
- Password: the associated FTP password.
- Port: 21 for FTP, 22 for SFTP (recommended).
Enter these details in the "Quick Connect" bar of FileZilla or save them in the Site Manager to connect with a single click in the future.
FTP vs SFTP in FileZilla
FileZilla supports both FTP and SFTP. It is recommended to use SFTP whenever possible, as it encrypts the connection and protects your credentials. To use SFTP, select "SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol" as the protocol type in the Site Manager and use port 22.
When will you encounter it?
FileZilla appears in WordPress installation guides, articles on how to upload a website to the server and hosting migration tutorials. It is the standard recommended tool for transferring files when you need more control than what the control panel's file manager offers.
Why it matters in hosting
Understanding this concept will help you make better decisions when managing your service. In practice, it relates to managing web services, domains, email or servers. If it appears in a guide, the control panel or a support response, review the context before making changes.
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