Uploading Content with File Manager | Plesk Obsidian documentation

Uploading Files to Your Website Using File Manager

Plesk Obsidian's File Manager provides a straightforward and efficient way to upload various types of content to your website. Whether you need to add individual files, entire directories, or import content directly from another URL, the File Manager simplifies the process, ensuring your website remains up-to-date and fully functional.

Step-by-Step Guide to Uploading Content

1. Navigate to the Websites & Domains section in your Plesk panel, select your specific domain name, and then click on File Manager.
2. Once in File Manager, click the upload button (usually represented by an upload icon or text) and choose one of the following methods to transfer your files:
   • Upload Single File: Select the "Upload File" option. This will allow you to browse your local computer for a single file and upload it to the current directory. This is ideal for quick additions of individual documents or images.
   • Upload Directory: If you need to upload multiple files or an entire folder structure, choose "Upload Directory". You can then easily drag and drop your desired files or directories into the designated dashed-line box. This method is ideal for transferring a complete website or large sets of data while preserving the original folder hierarchy.
   • Import File via URL: To import a file directly from another website or an FTP server without downloading it to your local machine first, click "Import file via URL". You will need to provide the complete URL of the file. For instance, valid URLs could be https://example.com/image.png for a web file or ftps://user:password@example.com/example.tar for an FTP resource, allowing for seamless content transfer from external sources.

   Note on URL Import Protocols: File Manager is designed to support a range of file import protocols, including HTTP, HTTPS, FTP, and FTPS. It's important to remember that depending on the specific protocol used, the inclusion of a username and password within the URL path can be either optional or a mandatory requirement for successful import. Always ensure your URL format is correct for the chosen protocol.

3. After successfully uploading your file(s), if you have uploaded an archive (such as a .zip, .rar, or .tar file), there are a couple of additional steps required to extract its contents and make them accessible on your website.
4. To unpack an archive, locate and click on the row corresponding to the uploaded archive file. Then, select the "Extract Files" option. If there are existing files in the directory with names identical to those within the archive, you will have the option to select the "Replace existing files" checkbox. Activating this option will overwrite the existing files with the newly unpacked ones, ensuring you have the latest versions.
5. Confirm the extraction by clicking **OK**.

Supported Archive Formats: The File Manager is capable of extracting content from a variety of common archive formats, including ZIP, RAR, TAR, TGZ, and TAR.GZ. This broad compatibility provides flexibility for managing compressed files, allowing you to easily deploy packaged content.

Editing Website Files Directly in File Manager

Plesk Obsidian's File Manager offers convenient built-in tools for editing your website's files directly, eliminating the need to download files, make changes locally, and then re-upload them. You have several editor options at your disposal, each catering to different levels of technical expertise and specific editing needs.

Available Editing Tools:

• HTML Editor: This is a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) editor, perfect for users who prefer a visual editing experience. It automatically handles the underlying HTML tags, making it ideal for those less familiar with HTML coding or who wish to make quick visual adjustments to web pages.
• Code Editor: For users who are comfortable with code and require precise control, the Code Editor opens HTML files as plain text and provides beneficial syntax highlighting for HTML. This editor is best suited for manual insertion and modification of HTML tags, offering advanced control over your code structure and presentation.
• Text Editor: The Text Editor provides a basic interface for opening and editing HTML files as simple plain text. It's suitable for straightforward text modifications without any special formatting or syntax highlighting, offering a clean and unadorned editing environment.

Additionally, if your Plesk administrator has installed the Rich Editor extension, you gain access to an enhanced WYSIWYG editor. The Rich Editor functions similarly to the standard HTML Editor but includes a broader set of features, such as an integrated spellchecker, advanced formatting options, and media embedding tools, to further streamline your content creation and revision process.

How to Edit a File:

1. Locate the file you wish to edit within the File Manager interface. Hover your mouse cursor over the file's row, which will then become highlighted to indicate selection.
2. Click on the highlighted file. This action will reveal a context menu with various options pertinent to file management.
3. From the context menu, select the "Edit in … Editor" option. The exact button name will reflect the specific editor you intend to use (e.g., "Edit in HTML Editor," "Edit in Code Editor," or "Edit in Text Editor"), allowing you to choose the appropriate tool for your task.

Searching for Files within File Manager

Locating specific files within a large and potentially complex directory structure is made exceptionally easy with the robust search functionality integrated into Plesk Obsidian's File Manager. You have the flexibility to perform searches based on different criteria, helping you quickly find exactly what you need without manually browsing through numerous folders.

Performing a File Search:

The File Manager allows you to refine your search queries to target either file names, file content, or both, providing a powerful way to narrow down results. To define your search preference, simply click on the search settings icon (typically situated next to the main search field). From the options presented, select the desired search type:

• Filename Only: This option will search exclusively for text matching your query within the names of the files. This is ideal when you know part of a file's name but are unsure of its exact location.
• Content Only: Choosing this will scan the actual content of the files for your specified text. This is particularly useful for finding documents or scripts that contain specific keywords or code snippets.
• Filename and Content: This comprehensive option searches for your query in both the file names and their internal content. It provides the broadest search capability, ensuring you don't miss any relevant files.

By utilizing these versatile search options, you can efficiently pinpoint files, even in extensive and complex website directories, significantly improving your workflow and content management.