What files and folders do you see when connecting by FTP

Introduction

When you connect to your hosting account by FTP, you may see several folders even if you have not uploaded your website yet.

That is normal. The account usually contains system directories and one main public web folder.

What do you usually see after connecting?

Common examples include:

• public_html
• Mail-related folders
• Log or system folders
• Private directories not meant for the public website

Where should you upload your website?

In many hosting accounts, the main public web folder is public_html.

That is normally where the files of your website must go so they can be shown through the domain.

How to identify the right folder

1. Find public_html or the document root of the site.
2. Confirm whether the domain or addon domain uses a different folder.
3. Avoid uploading public site files into mail or system directories.

Useful tips

• Do not delete folders unless you know exactly what they are for.
• Keep a backup before making structural changes.
• If you manage more than one site, double-check the document root for each domain.

Final recommendation

The most important step is knowing which folder is truly public. In most cases that means public_html, but it is always worth confirming it before uploading or deleting files.