FTP stands for ‘File transfer protocol’. This is a standard network protocol that is used to transfer files between a client and a server on a computer network.

Most people have encountered FTP without even knowing it. For example, if you have downloaded a fresh build of Chrome or downloaded an MP3 from a friend’s personal server. Modern web browsers allow you to download computer files via FTP within a browser window. This is highly convenient; however, it is not very flexible or secure.

In web design FTP is used for transferring a website web pages and files to the web server. The best way to do this is by using an FTP client. This will allow you to log into an FTP server, navigate the server’s files and structure and exchange files.

Here at Ctrl Alt Create our teams FTP client of choice is FileZilla. You can download FileZilla here.

Once you have installed and activated FileZilla you will be presented with the following screen:

Now enter the domain name (or server IP address). Then enter the username and password. These are the came as your cPanel’s credentials. Leave the FTP port as 21 (filled automatically) and select ‘Quick Connect’. Your websites file listing will now appear. Select the ‘WWW’ folder to view your websites files. You can now upload/download files from the server. If this doesn’t work, then please check out this in-depth guide here.