Servers
File manager tab
Browse, edit, upload, download, zip and set permissions on your server's files.
A file browser for your server, like the one on your own computer. It uses SFTP, which is the file-transfer half of SSH — the same secure connection, no extra software to install.
Moving around
- Double-click (or tap) a folder to open it.
- Back and Forward work like a browser.
- Home goes to your login's home directory.
- Click to type a path lets you jump straight to somewhere like
/var/www/html. - Places / Favourites keep the folders you visit often one click away.
- Hidden files (names starting with a dot, such as
.env) are hidden until you turn them on.
What you can do
| Action | Notes |
|---|---|
| Edit | Opens a text editor in the browser. Save writes it straight back |
| Upload | Drop files in from your computer |
| Download | Pull a file down to your computer |
| Create Zip | Bundle files or a folder into a .zip |
| Extract | Unpack an archive on the server |
| Duplicate / Copy / Rename | The usual |
| Delete | Permanent. There is no recycle bin on a server |
| Permissions (chmod) | Who may read, write and run a file |
| Symlink | Create a shortcut that points at another path |
| Copy path | The full path, for pasting into a command or a chat |
On a phone, tap a file to open it and use the ⋮ menu at the bottom for actions.
Where things usually live
| Path | What is there |
|---|---|
/var/www/ | Website files, on most setups |
/etc/nginx/ | Web server configuration |
/etc/ | Configuration for nearly everything |
/var/log/ | Logs — but use the Logs tab, it is better |
/home/<user>/ | A user's own files |
/opt/, /srv/ | Where custom apps are often installed |
Editing configuration safely
- Copy the file first. Duplicate it to something like
nginx.conf.backupbefore you touch it. Thirty seconds now, an hour saved later. - Change one thing.
- Test it. For nginx, use the Nginx tab and press
nginx -t— it tells you if the file is broken before you reload. - Reload the service, do not restart the server.
Things to be careful with
.envfiles and anything in/etc/ssl/privatehold passwords and keys. Anyone who can open the file manager can read them, which is exactly why Viewers cannot open this tab at all.- Deleting is permanent. No recycle bin, no undo.
- Permissions matter. Making a file world-writable (
777) to "fix" a problem is how servers get compromised. If something will not work, ask the assistant rather than loosening permissions.
Recording
Every upload, download, edit, delete and permission change is written to the Activity log with your name and the path.
Permissions
Operator and above. Viewers cannot open the File manager, because reading files means reading secrets. See Roles.