We will see how to use FileZilla to connect to your server via FTP (File Transfer Protocol). FileZilla is a very popular free and open-source FTP client that allows for easy file transfers between your local machine and your web server, an essential skill for any merchant wishing to manage their PrestaShop store independently.
Step 1: Download and install FileZilla.
To begin, you must have FileZilla installed on your computer. Here is how to proceed:
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Visit the official FileZilla website at https://filezilla-project.org/ to download the latest version of the FileZilla client.
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Choose the FileZilla Client version that corresponds to your operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux).
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Download the installation file and run it.
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Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
Step 2: Configure the FTP/SFTP connection.
Once FileZilla is installed, you must configure your FTP connection to access your server:
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Launch FileZilla and access the Site Manager by clicking on 'File' and then 'Site Manager'.
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Click on 'New Site' and give a name to your site.
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Enter the server address in the 'Host' field.
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Choose 'FTP - File Transfer Protocol' or 'SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol' as the protocol, depending on the protocol supported by your hosting provider (you will find this information on your hosting provider's interface).
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Select the type of authentication (usually 'Prompt for password') and enter your FTP/SFTP username.
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Enter your FTP password when prompted.
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You may choose to configure other settings such as the port (usually 21 for FTP) and the type of connection (recommended: 'Use explicit FTP over TLS if available' for added security).
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Click on 'Login' to test if everything is working correctly.
Step 3: transfer files
After establishing the connection, you can now transfer files between your computer and your server. If necessary, explore the advanced features of FileZilla such as transfer queue management, file filters, and transfer speed limit configuration.
On the left side of the interface, you will find the local folders and files stored on your computer:
The right side of the interface corresponds to the folders and files hosted on the server to which you are connected:
You can transfer one or more file(s) from your computer to your server (or vice versa) by dragging and dropping them.
You can also directly edit a file on your server by right-clicking on it, then selecting View/Edit:
You may choose to open the file with your default text editor, or select the application of your choice. Here we choose Sublime Text, a lightweight code editor (see how to install this tool in our dedicated article).
Click OK, your file will then open:
You can make your changes there and then save them by clicking File / Save (or Ctrl + S on Windows, Cmd + S on Mac).
Return to FileZilla, you will see that a window has opened, asking you if you want to send the changes to the server:
Click on yes. Your file has now been successfully updated on your server.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am unable to connect?
- Verify that you have correctly entered the server details, the username, and the password.
- Ensure that your hosting provider does not have any IP restrictions or specific configuration requirements.
- Try temporarily disabling your firewall or antivirus to see if this resolves the issue.
Is it secure to use FTP to transfer my files?
- FTP in itself is not secure as the information is transmitted in clear text. It is recommended to use FTPS or SFTP if your server supports it, in order to encrypt the data transmitted between your computer and the server. Please note that the ports for FTP and SFTP are not the same; you can find this information on your hosting provider's interface.