A WordPress FTP solution located directly in your WordPress admin area would allow you to easily add, edit and delete WordPress themes and plugins. This type of FTP solution would also allow you to easily access and edit WordPress configuration files.

What is an FTP File Manager?

FTP simply stands for “File Transfer Protocol.” This is a method in which WordPress files (or other types of files) can be transferred from one host computer to another over a TCP-based network like the Internet.

FTP is also one of the oldest protocols in use today and is a convenient way to move files around. The FTP server offers you access to a directory with sub-directories. Users connect to these servers with an FTP client, a piece of software that lets you download and upload files to and from the server.

Most Internet users will never have a use for a WordPress FTP solution. However, if you are a web developer, then understanding how to use FTP is essential.

Why Should You Have an FTP File Manager in WordPress?

As stated above, this makes managing files and editing them much quicker and easier. Plus, if you don’t know how to upload files and use FTP or have access to an FTP client, then having an FTP file manager in WordPress can be very helpful.

Adding an FTP File Manager in WordPress

In order to add an FTP file solution into your WordPress admin area, the first thing you want to do is install and activate the File Manager plugin from your WordPress admin plugins page.

This is an FTP style file manager that allows you to manipulate and work on WordPress file folders directly from the WordPress dashboard. In otherwords, you have access to files without using something like FileZilla on your computer.

It is a flexible and easy to use file management system that you can perform all sorts of functions including:

• Edit
• Delete
• Upload
• Download
• Zip
• Copy
• Paste

Once the plugin has been installed and activated, you will see a tab on the left side of the WordPress admin dashboard titled “WP File Manager.” Click on it.

Clicking on this tab will launch the file manager and you will be able to see all your WordPress files and folders right there within the dashboard.

Above the WordPress file list, you will be able to see all of the settings. Within this toolbar, you can preview, edit, upload, download and delete files and folders. This toolbar provides a user with the same settings that an FTP client would.

Select a file from the list on the left, and then use the toolbar to perform the task you want or need. This FTP file manager in WordPress operates just like any modern FTP client would. Click on any folder to open it and view or edit content.

When you select a file to edit, it will open in a popup window. Make the changes you want and then click on the “Save” button to apply all changes made within the WordPress FTP solution.

Note: Double click on any file or folder to download it to your desktop.

If you don’t want to make any file changes, you can also simply click on the “preview” option to view code.

File Manager Pro Version

As is the case with so many plugins, this WordPress FTP file manager does have a pro version. File Manager Pro does all the things the free version does and much more.

The free version of this FTP file manager in WordPress is fairly extensive, so I encourage you to try it first. That being said, if you feel you want to try the pro version, it does come with a lot of extras including:

• Simple File Management
• User Management
• User Role Management
• Code Editor & Syntax Checker
• Built-In Database Manager
• Easy to Use Shortcodes
• Add-Ons & Integrations
• Non-Logged In Users Shortcode

If you are interested you can take a look and decide for yourself.

Other WordPress FTP File Manager Plugins

From what I found, the File Manager plugin that is used in the example above is pretty extensive and will do everything you want it to. However, there are also a couple of other options available to you.

Other FTP file manager in WordPress plugin options you may be interested in include:

Advanced File Manager: Edit, upload, delete, download, zip, copy WordPress files and folders. There are multiple file operations available. No need to access cPanel or FTP client. You can access files inside and outside the WordPress root directory.

File Manager: You can upload, delete, copy, move, rename, archive and extract files. You don’t need to worry about having access to FTP. The interface is simple and easy to use. Just install and activate the plugin and all your file management is located in one place.

There you go! I hope this article has shown you how easy it is to add an FTP file manager in WordPress. Having access to all of these files without having to access a cPanel or FTP client can be very useful to you.

Have you ever used any of the above FTP file manager solutions? Do you prefer to simply stick with using an FTP client to perform these operations?

The post How to Add an FTP File Manager in WordPress appeared first on GreenGeeks.

When you upload a normal media file, WordPress will save this data inside the database. It will then use the saved data to use these media files. Using an FTP client will not add the files in the way WordPress is used to and WordPress will not recognize them. Today, I will demonstrate how to get WordPress to recognize FTP uploaded files using the Add From Server plugin.

Couldn’t I Just Use the Media Library in WordPress

Absolutely. The media library is more than enough for most websites and you can even increase the maximum file upload limit on your website to meet your needs. It is the best option for new WordPress users by far. The only problems you will encounter is the upload limit and the files uploading very slowly when there are a lot of them at once. These problems do not exist when using an FTP client, but you do have the recognition problem.

Upload Your Files with the FTP Client of Your Choice

There are a lot of FTP clients to choose from. Each one will accomplish the same tasks, but they are all slightly different. This is especially true for Windows and Mac users. They do not have the FTP clients to choose from. I recommend using the FileZilla client. We have already created a guide detailing how to install and use FileZilla to upload to WordPress if you need guidance.

How to Make WordPress Recognize Media Files Uploaded by an FTP Client

Today, I will demonstrate how to get WordPress to recognize FTP uploaded files using the Add From Server plugin. This plugin has over 100,000 active installs and gets everything done with just a few simple clicks. If you do not have any media files uploaded via an FTP client, this tutorial will not help you. You must upload a media file via an FTP client before you begin and take note of which folder you place them in. I recommend placing them in the wp-content folder because that is where the plugin will look. To put it simply, this plugin makes your media files visible in the media library.

Installing Add From Server

Let’s start with clicking on Plugins and selecting the Add New option on the left-hand admin panel.

Search for Add From Server in the available search box. This will pull up additional plugins that you may find helpful.

Scroll down until you find the Add From Server plugin and click on the “Install Now” button and activate the plugin for use.

On the left-hand admin panel click on Media and select the Add From Server option. This will pull up the main settings page.

Using Add From Server

This plugin is very easy to use. You should see all the files inside of your wp-content folder. If you do not see your media files, then they are in a different location. If you see a red file highlighted, don’t worry, it just means you cannot touch it and should not need too. Simply check the boxes of all of the media files you would like to add to your media library and click the “Import” button.

The plugin will now begin adding all of the selected media files into your media library. The amount of time this takes is dependent on how many items you are uploading. Once the process is done you can view all of your media files in the media library.

On the left-hand admin panel, click on Media and select the Library option.

Congratulations, you have successfully learned how to make WordPress recognize your FTP uploaded media files. Unless you are bulk uploading, you will most likely benefit more from directly using the media library inside of WordPress.

An FTP Client Has a Lot of Uses

Your FTP client can do a lot more than simply uploading media files. One of the most common uses for an FTP client is restoring backups. You may one day encounter a situation that requires you to use a backup of your website to restore it and you will be using an FTP client to upload your backup file when the time comes.

Some other uses include uploading custom files for plugins and themes, organized video uploads, handling being locked out of your website, and much more. Keep in mind that you can also use the cPanel of your website to perform these actions as well, but it is all a matter of preference.

Which FTP client do you use? Do you prefer using an FTP client or using the media library to upload media files?

The post How to Make WordPress Recognize Media Files From FTP Clients appeared first on GreenGeeks.

A File Transfer Protocol or FTP is a tool that developers can use to access the root directory of their website. This not only allows you to upload files, but you can even edit them as needed, thus many developers use one.

While there are many options to choose from, today, I will demonstrate how to use FileZilla to upload files in WordPress.

Why Upload Files to WordPress?

One of the strongest aspects of WordPress is the ability to avoid writing code yourself. This is thanks to a huge library of plugins and easily accessible settings. While this is true, this really only applies to the most basic websites.

In reality, if you want to further customize your site, customizing existing files is required, and sometimes you may even want to upload a file to help with the customization process.

A great example of this would be CSS files that help change the appearance of your site. Some users may use a test environment to get everything working, and then they just upload that file to their real website to apply the changes they have tested.

Another common reason users upload files is for hosting their own videos.

While it is certainly more common to use YouTube or similar services to host a video, many owners may choose to host exclusive content on their site behind a paywall. While you can do this from WordPress, it is much easier to upload the video files directly.

This also makes it easier to sort through and organize the content you upload.

Another simple example would be when something goes wrong on your website. Most developers will immediately try to restore their website using a backup. To do this, you need to upload the backup copy to your website.

These are just a few of the more common examples of why uploads are necessary. There are plenty of more reasons.

Using the FTP FileZilla to Upload Files to WordPress

When it comes to FTP options, FileZilla is one of the most popular options to use. The reason for its popularity is quite simple, it is easy to use and free. The initial setup of an FTP can be a bit confusing, but it is very straightforward.

Once it is set up, actually using it is quick and easy. Let’s get right into it.

Step 1: Install FileZilla

As I said before, FileZilla is a free piece of software that anyone can download. You don’t even need to make an account or anything like that. Simply visit the FileZilla website. The downloads are available for all operating systems.

There are two different versions. They are the FileZilla Client and the FileZilla Server. The main difference between the two is that if you wanted other users to connect to and use this FTP, you would download the FileZilla Server.

For individual use, simply download the FileZilla Client. The versions work identically, so the choice is irrelevant for this tutorial.

After downloading the file, run it from your downloads folder. The setup is very standard, and I will leave it to you. Once complete, FileZilla will be open on your computer and ready to use.

Step 2: Connecting FileZilla to Your Site

With FileZilla installed on your computer, you now need to connect it to your site, or more specifically to the web server. This just requires you to enter your login credentials for an FTP account. This connection is what allows you to upload files to the root directory.

Naturally, you do not have an FTP account if you did not create one, so we need to do this quickly from the cPanel. Thus, take a minute and log into your web hosting account and access the cPanel.

Once there, locate the Files section and click on the FTP Accounts option.

Open a browser and access your cPanel dashboard.

This area allows you to add FTP accounts or manage them. In this example, we are going to just create a new one to use for this tutorial. The information is very standard. Simply enter a username in the Log In field, choose the domain name, and enter a password.

Once the info is in place, click on the “Create FTP Account” button.

Important Note: You need to make sure the path leads to the public_html directory. In my example, the path is /home/ggsexam1/public_html. This can change depending on the hosting environment.

Now that we have the account, we can use it to connect FileZilla to the root directory. Open FileZilla and enter your FTP credentials at the top. And just to be clear, the Host option is the same as the server option in cPanel.

Click on the “Quick Connect” button after inputting the account info.

Once connected, you will see your root directory on the right-hand side. Now, we can upload our file!

Step 3: Upload the File in WordPress with A FTP

In this example, I will just upload an image. The process is identical regardless of whether you are doing it for a CSS file, image, video, or anything at all. The first step is to find the upload destination (where you want to upload the file).

In my case, I am going to be looking for the Uploads folder to place my image in. To find this, I would click on the wp-content folder and then the uploads folder is inside.

In this case, I would click on the specific year I want to upload my image to, but simply put, you just need to end up in the folder you want to upload the file to. Once inside, simply drag the file you want to upload from your computer to the folder.

It will appear in the directory. Alternatively, you can right-click the file and select the Upload option.

Note: Dragging the file to the folder does not delete it on your computer. Instead, it is just a copy.

And that’s all it takes to upload a file to WordPress using an FTP client. Just keep in mind that the first 2 steps are only required during the initial setup. All you’ll need going forward is the login credentials to your FTP account.

Alternatives to FileZilla for FTP

While FileZilla is the most popular option when it comes to FTP clients, it isn’t the only one available. There are plenty of others to choose from with interfaces or features that may suit your needs better.

Here are some alternatives to consider.

1. Cyberduck

Cyberduck is another popular option that isn’t exclusively for WordPress. It can connect to any server including popular options from Amazon or Microsoft. As such, it is a versatile tool for developers.

Interface-wise, it is pretty similar to FileZilla, but there are some differences between the layouts. For example, FileZilla utilizes a double-panel interface, while Cyberduck does not.

While this comes down to personal preference, many beginners think the simpler interface on Cyberduck makes it easier to use. That said, feature-wise the two are nearly identical as far as FTP clients for WordPress go.

2. CuteFTP

CuteFTP is a premium option for sites looking for more security. It utilizes file encryption and password authentication. As such, it is far more secure than FileZilla and the good news is that they do offer a free trial so you can try it out.

As a premium option, you also have the advantage of a support option. This can make it a great pick for users who feel they may need some help getting started. There is also a great user manual to help walk you through the tool.

That said, it isn’t like CuteFTP is hard to use. It has a pretty simple design, so beginners shouldn’t have any trouble getting started. As such, it is a great choice if you are willing to spend money on an FTP.

3. WinSCP

WinSCP is an FTP client made exclusively for Microsoft Windows. It is a free open-source tool that allows users to upload, download, or edit files on your web server. It has a similar interface to FileZilla in that the files on your PC and server are on different sides of the screen.

Something unique about this FTP is that it comes with a text editor. This makes it easier for you to generate new files or edit existing ones, which something like FileZilla lacks.

Overall, the tool is easy to use and has a large number of resources to choose from. The only downside is that it is only available for Windows. Otherwise, it is one of the best options you can use.

Bonus: cPanel File Manager

Alright, I know this isn’t an FTP, but it is an alternative to FileZilla, or any FTP for that matter. The File Manager in cPanel is the standard way of uploading, deleting, or editing files for your WordPress install.

In terms of difficulty, it is much easier as it is already set up for you and more intuitive for most beginners. It is also worth mentioning that the cPanel is more secure than using an FTP client. Many are moving towards SFTP for this very reason.

While there are certainly reasons why you may also want an FTP client, like for bulk uploading, the File Manager handles everything quite well. As such, many use it as their default option when it comes to file management.

The only real downside is if you have to upload a large number of files at once. While it is possible to ZIP and then UNZIP in a directory using the File Manager, it’s often easier and less time-consuming to simply use FTP programs when transferring a lot of files.

FAQ

Use An FTP Client for WordPress Today

While you can accomplish most things using the File Manager in cPanel, there may come a point where an FTP client is necessary for troubleshooting, or to allow for bulk uploads to a server.

Regardless of the reasoning, setting up an FTP client like FileZilla is quite easy, and there are several alternatives to choose from. It comes down to finding the tool that you like best.

I hope you found this tutorial helpful in setting up an FTP client for WordPress.

Which FTP client do you use? Why did you set up an FTP client for WordPress?

The post How to Upload Files to WordPress with FTP appeared first on GreenGeeks.

WordPress is an excellent system when it comes to support and constant development. Any time there is a new release, users are notified through the admin dashboard. While you can automatically update the platform with just a few presses of the buttons, sometimes a manual upgrade is more ideal.

In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to manually update WordPress to the latest version using FTP. This has potential to save you a great deal of trouble depending on the circumstances.

What is FTP, and why should you use it for manual updates?

File transfer protocol, or FTP, is a method used that connects your computer system with your web hosting provider. Software such as FileZilla essentially give you complete access to files of your website. For many developers, this is often a preferred method for making customized changes to templates and other files.

For the most part, WordPress will update its own minor additions without input from you. These are often quick fixes that the developers send out when they spot something minor that needs tweaking. Major updates, on the other hand, require more attention and often will not complete until you do this yourself.

Although WordPress is a resilient platform, sometimes updating through the admin panel is not possible. Perhaps you’re unable to access the WordPress admin dashboard. As a result, you may not be able to update WordPress to the newest version. That’s when FTP applications come into play.

4 Steps to Use FTP to Manually Update WordPress

Updating WordPress is not as difficult of a process as some may think. Even if you’re not a programmer or developer, this is done easily through the FTP program of your choice. Today, we’re going to use the free program, FileZilla. This software is compatible with many operating systems and is downloaded by visiting the FileZilla website.

Once you’ve downloaded and installed your FTP program, you’re ready to begin. Here are four steps to update your WordPress manually with FTP applications.

Step 1: Back Up Your Website

Before you make any changes to any website, it’s always good practice to back up your files. In the event that something goes wrong, you don’t want to lose important data. This is done easily in two ways: backup plugins or copy the site with FTP.

Backup Plugins

Plugins to back up your files in WordPress are convenient. Some can be set to do this automatically. Plugins like blogVault Real-time Backup are nice because they will save your files directly to a Cloud-based server and easy to access.

FTP Backup

When you use programs like FileZilla, you can copy all of the files from your website and save them directly onto your computer. Essentially, you can make a duplicate copy for safe-keeping. However, you’ll need to backup the database separately by using phpMyAdmin from your web host. This is usually found in cPanel in the database section if you are using that system.

Step 2: Download a Recent Copy of WordPress

By going to the WordPress.org website, you can download the most recent copy of the content management system for free. It will come in a ZIP format and will need to be extracted into its own folder.

Once you have a separate WordPress folder unpacked onto your computer, you can start the process of updating.

Step 3: Using FTP to Upload Files

Open your FTP program. If you’re using FileZilla, it will automatically check for updates when you first load it. If there is an update available, click the button to install the newest version. This usually takes less than a minute depending on the speed of your Internet connection.

Once the FTP program is loaded, connect to your WordPress root folder. In the local site window, find the WordPress folder you recently unpacked from the ZIP file you downloaded. It will have folders inside it such as wp-admin and wp-content.

Select all of the files and directories within your new WordPress folder and upload them to the root of your web host. Note that both the local and the remote screen of your FTP program should look similar in regards to the files each contains.

When FileZilla begins uploading files, it will give you a message that states, “Target file already exists.” This is normal. Select the radio button to “Overwrite” and check the box for “Apply to current queue only” on the bottom right. Click “OK” and FileZilla will upload the rest of the files without giving you this message again.

After the files are uploaded to your website, you can shut down FileZilla. Your website will now be using the latest version of WordPress.

Step 4: Updating the Database – Optional

Some installations may require a database update as well. Luckily, you can do this after you manually update WordPress. To do this:

Log into your WordPress admin area.

If WordPress shows you a message that reads, “Database Update Required,” you’ll see a button under the message to, “Update WordPress Database.”

Click this button.

After a few moments, the system will display a success message after it completes its task. At which point, your website will be set to the newest version and ready for more content.

Will this remove my themes and plugins from the website?

When you upload files and directories through FTP, the only things that will be overwritten are the core operating files of WordPress. Themes and plugins should remain untouched and working. Your own custom CSS to WordPress themes or plugins will remain unaffected by a manual update.

However, you may want to check to make sure your themes and plugins are compatible with the newest version of WordPress.

If you have made custom code changes to the WordPress default themes, such as Twenty Fifteen or Twenty Sixteen, these will be removed. This is because they are included in the files that are uploaded to your root folder.

Will this get rid of custom scripts and CSS adjustments in WordPress?

If you customized the core files of WordPress, then your modifications will be removed after the update. Adjustments to themes, plugins and the like should be unaffected as those files are not replaced or overwritten. In reality, it’s uncommon that core files are modified by users such as yourself.

Any changes you make to the wp-config.php file will remain unaffected as well. Because this file holds a large portion of how your website behaves and operates, it’s usually not the target of an update.

In the event that something is wrong with this file, the update ZIP does come with a “sample” of wp-config.php that can be renamed and used to fix your site. However, you don’t want to do this unless the config file is somehow broken. This file stores all of the functions of your site and replacing it will set everything back to default.

Using FTP to modify your website can have a lot of benefits. Whether you’re updating WordPress manually or simply backing the files up, free applications like FileZilla can save you time and energy. In any event, it’s always best to make sure your copy of WordPress is always running the latest version.

How often do you use FTP to fix problems on your site? What FTP program do you find to be the best value?

The post How to Use FTP to Manually Update WordPress appeared first on GreenGeeks.