FTP/SFTP vs the File Manager
There are two ways to get files onto your server, and they both land in the same place — your web root. Pick whichever suits the moment.
Which should I use?
| File Manager (browser) | FTP / SFTP (app) | |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | None — it’s in the panel | Install a client (FileZilla) + enter credentials |
| Best for | Quick edits, one-off uploads, a zip + extract | Lots of files, dragging whole folders, repeat use |
| Edit files in place | Yes (built-in editor) | Only by downloading/re-uploading |
| Works from | Any browser, anywhere | Your computer with the app |
Most people should start with the File Manager — there’s nothing to install, and for a
whole site you just upload one .zip and Extract (far faster than hundreds of files).
See Files.
Reach for an FTP/SFTP client when you’re moving lots of files regularly, or you like a two-pane drag-and-drop from your desktop.
Connect an FTP/SFTP client
- In OrbixPanel, create an FTP account (FTP) — set a username, password, and the home folder it’s locked to.
- In FileZilla (or similar), enter:
- Host: your server’s hostname or IP
- Username / Password: the ones you created
- Port / Protocol: prefer SFTP (port 22) or FTPS — both encrypted
- Connect, and drag files into the web root.
Prefer SFTP over plain FTP. Plain FTP sends your password in the clear. SFTP and FTPS encrypt the connection — same idea as HTTPS for file transfers.
Deploying app code? For a React build it’s the same upload either way. For a Node/ PHP app, Deploy from Git or the app tools are usually easier than FTP — see Apps.