How to Upload, Edit, and Manage Website Files on Hostinger

For many website owners, file management is something to avoid until it becomes unavoidable. Hostinger’s File Manager is designed precisely for that reality: accessible when you need it, unobtrusive when you do not.

This guide explains how to upload, edit, and manage website files on Hostinger—and, just as importantly, when you should not touch them at all.

Understanding Where Your Website Files Live

Every hosting plan on Hostinger includes a file system. For most websites:

  • The public-facing files live in the public_html directory
  • Subfolders represent applications, assets, or additional sites

You do not need to memorize this structure, but recognizing it prevents accidental edits.

Accessing the File Manager in hPanel

From your Hostinger dashboard:

  1. Open hPanel
  2. Select your hosting plan
  3. Click File Manager

No FTP software is required. The File Manager runs in your browser and is sufficient for most tasks.

Uploading Files Safely

You can upload files by:

  • Dragging and dropping
  • Using the upload button

Best practices:

  • Upload only what you need
  • Avoid overwriting files unless intentional
  • Keep filenames simple and descriptive

Large uploads should be planned, not rushed.

Editing Files (Use Restraint)

The File Manager includes a basic code editor. This is useful for:

  • Small configuration changes
  • Verifying file contents
  • Emergency fixes

It is not ideal for:

  • Major code edits
  • Ongoing development

Editorial guidance: if you are unsure what a file does, do not edit it.

Common Use Cases for File Manager

You will most often use File Manager to:

  • Upload images or assets
  • Verify file existence
  • Remove unused files
  • Access configuration files when instructed

For WordPress users, most content management happens inside WordPress itself—not here.

Permissions and Security Awareness

Hostinger manages file permissions intelligently, but you should still:

  • Avoid uploading executable files unnecessarily
  • Remove obsolete scripts
  • Keep backups enabled before making changes

File mistakes propagate quickly.

When to Use FTP Instead

FTP is useful when:

  • Uploading large batches of files
  • Working with developers
  • Managing versioned assets

For everyday site ownership, File Manager is enough.

Mistakes to Avoid

Repeated issues include:

  • Deleting core files
  • Editing configuration files blindly
  • Uploading untrusted scripts

When in doubt, pause.

Final Editorial Take

Hostinger’s File Manager is a utility, not a playground. Used correctly, it gives you just enough control without demanding technical expertise.

The mark of a well-run site is not constant file access—it is knowing when not to use it.

In the next article, we will cover setting up and managing professional email accounts with Hostinger.