FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a standard way to transfer files between your computer and your web hosting server — you use it to upload your website’s files to the server, or download them back. With an FTP client (a small program like FileZilla) and the connection details from your host, you connect to your server and drag files back and forth much like copying between folders. FTP is useful for uploading many files at once, editing site files directly, and managing your site beyond what a browser-based file manager easily handles. For security, its encrypted version SFTP is preferred.
This guide explains what FTP is, how to upload files with it step by step, when to use it, and why you should use the secure SFTP version.
Did you know?
For bulk uploads, FTP is far quicker than a browser file manager: you can drag a whole folder of files across at once and let it transfer in the background, rather than uploading them one by one.
What FTP is
FTP, or File Transfer Protocol, is a standard method for moving files between two computers over a network — in web hosting, between your computer and your hosting server. It lets you upload files (send them to the server) and download files (retrieve them), which is how website files get onto the server where they are served to visitors.
You use FTP with an FTP client — a small, usually free program such as FileZilla — that connects to your server and shows your local files on one side and the server’s files on the other. Transferring files is then as simple as dragging them from one side to the other, much like copying between folders on your computer.
What you need to use FTP
To connect via FTP, you need a few things, all provided by your host:
- An FTP client: a program like FileZilla (free) installed on your computer.
- The server address (host): usually your domain or a server hostname.
- A username and password: your FTP credentials from your host.
- The port: often 21 for FTP, or 22 for the secure SFTP.
- The connection type: ideally SFTP for a secure, encrypted connection.
Pro Tip
You can find or create your FTP (or SFTP) credentials in your hosting control panel, usually under an ‘FTP Accounts’ section. If you are unsure of the server address or port, your host’s help docs list them.
How to upload files with FTP
Uploading files with FTP is straightforward once you are connected. First, open your FTP client and enter the connection details from your host — server address, username, password, and port — then connect. You will see your computer’s files on one side and the server’s files on the other.
Then navigate on the server side to the correct folder (for a website, usually a folder called public_html or www, which is your site’s root), find the files you want to upload on your computer’s side, and drag them across to the server. The client transfers them, and once complete, the files are live on your server. Downloading is the same process in reverse.
When to use FTP
FTP is most useful for tasks involving many files or direct file access. Uploading a whole website, transferring a large batch of files, uploading a theme or plugin manually, or editing site files directly are all cases where FTP is quicker and more convenient than a browser interface.
For a WordPress user, FTP is handy for manually installing a theme or plugin, troubleshooting (like renaming a plugin folder to disable it), or uploading large media. For everyday content you will use the WordPress dashboard, but FTP is the tool for deeper file management and bulk transfers when you need them.
FTP vs the file manager
Your hosting control panel usually includes a browser-based file manager, which does a similar job to FTP without needing a separate program. For quick, occasional edits or uploading a file or two, the file manager is convenient — you just log in to your panel and work in the browser.
FTP comes into its own for larger jobs: uploading many files, transferring a whole site, or working with files regularly, where a dedicated FTP client is faster and more capable than a browser interface. So think of the file manager as handy for small, quick tasks and FTP as the tool for bulk or frequent file work — they complement each other.
Use SFTP for security
Whenever possible, use SFTP (Secure FTP) rather than plain FTP. Plain FTP sends your login details and files unencrypted, which is a security risk, while SFTP encrypts the connection so your credentials and data are protected in transit. Most hosts and FTP clients support SFTP, usually on port 22.
Setting up SFTP is the same process as FTP — you just choose SFTP as the connection type and use the secure port. Given that it is no harder to use and far safer, SFTP should be your default. So the complete recommendation is: use an FTP client with SFTP, connect with your host’s details, and drag files to and from your server securely whenever you need to manage files in bulk.
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FAQs
What is FTP?
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is a standard way to transfer files between your computer and your hosting server. You use it to upload your website’s files to the server or download them back, via an FTP client like FileZilla that connects to your server and lets you drag files back and forth.
How do I upload files with FTP?
Open an FTP client, enter your host’s connection details (server address, username, password, port), and connect. Navigate on the server side to your site’s root folder (usually public_html), then drag files from your computer to the server. Once transferred, they are live. Downloading is the reverse.
What do I need to use FTP?
An FTP client (like the free FileZilla), the server address, an FTP username and password (from your host), the port (often 21 for FTP or 22 for secure SFTP), and ideally SFTP as the connection type. Your host provides the credentials, usually in the control panel’s FTP section.
When should I use FTP instead of the file manager?
Use FTP for larger jobs — uploading many files, transferring a whole site, manually installing themes or plugins, or working with files regularly — where a dedicated client is faster. The browser file manager is handier for quick, occasional edits or uploading just a file or two.
What is the difference between FTP and SFTP?
Plain FTP sends your login details and files unencrypted, which is a security risk. SFTP (Secure FTP) encrypts the connection so your credentials and data are protected in transit. SFTP is just as easy to use (usually on port 22) and far safer, so it should be your default.
Where do I find my FTP details?
In your hosting control panel, usually under an ‘FTP Accounts’ section, where you can find or create FTP (or SFTP) credentials. If you are unsure of the server address or port, your host’s help documentation lists them. Use SFTP details for a secure connection.
The bottom line
FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is the standard way to move files between your computer and your hosting server — uploading your website’s files or downloading them back. With a free FTP client like FileZilla and your host’s connection details, you connect to your server and drag files across much like copying between folders, which makes it ideal for bulk uploads and direct file management.
Use FTP for larger jobs — a whole site, many files, manual theme or plugin installs — while the browser file manager handles quick, occasional edits. And always prefer SFTP, the encrypted version, so your credentials and files are protected in transit. Set up an FTP client with SFTP and your host’s details, and managing your site’s files becomes quick and secure whenever you need it.
When you are ready, you can start with Hostinger and use code PROTIPS for the reader discount. FTP transfers files between your computer and server — use a client like FileZilla, and always prefer secure SFTP.