The File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a standard protocol for sending or downloading files over a network. It is the system generally used to upload the files of a PrestaShop store to the web host's server, thus making the website available on the internet.
What is FTP access?
These are the credentials that allow you to access the files on the server where your PrestaShop site is hosted.
| ⚠️ Warning, connecting to your FTP and making changes to files requires certain technical skills. |
How can I find my credentials?
You will find them on your host's interface. Each host offers a different interface, so follow their documentation. In general:
- When you open an account with a host, you will create or receive access credentials, which you are advised to save on your end.
- It is also possible to ask your host's support to send you these credentials or to generate new ones.
- On your server’s administration interface, you can view, redefine, or create new FTP accesses. The exact steps will vary depending on the host you choose. You can see an example of FTP access management with the host Gandi in this article: Install a PrestaShop store with the host Gandi.
Best Practices
- It is recommended to provide specific access credentials to each person working on the server, such as an agent for technical support. This allows you to easily remove their rights after their intervention is complete.
- You will often need several different credentials to manage your PrestaShop store in detail: FTP access, database access, back office access, etc. It is therefore best to keep these various credentials stored in a password manager.
| 💡 With a Hosted store you do not have access to FTP files, so you do not need FTP credentials. |