How to use FileZilla - An open source FTP client

This is a tutorial about FileZilla, an open source FTP client. I'm going to show you the basics about FileZilla.
FileZilla Client is a fast and reliable cross-platform FTP, FTPS and SFTP client with lots of useful features and an intuitive interface.

Things you will need to get started:

  • A computer running Windows 2000, XP or Vista, although FileZilla also supports Mac and Linux.
  • The FileZilla client which can be downloaded from the FileZilla Website.
  • A cPanel account or any other FTP account which you will use to connect and upload your files/web through FileZilla.

Let's get started now!

Opening Filezilla

After you've downloaded the client, install it and open it up. Here is a screenshot of how FileZilla should look when opened. FileZilla Main Screen

Now that you've successfully opened FileZilla, Let’s learn how to login to your FTP account.

Logging In

There are actually 2 ways to login to your FTP account with FileZilla, one is the quick connection mode and other is the Site Manager mode, let’s start by the quick mode.

Quick Connection

First of all, you will need your login info, which consists of:

  • Host: Basically the address which you will use to connect. For example: ftp.mydomain.com)
  • Your username: The username your host gave you
  • The password: The Password your host gave you

Now, look at the picture below, in these fields you will enter the info I wrote above. Filezilla Quick Connect

Now, I'm going to explain to you what each field means:

  • Host: You will put the address of your web account (ftp.mydomain.com, mydomain.com...etc)
  • Username: The username your host gave you
  • Password: The password your admin assigned you
  • Port: The default port for FTP is 21, although some hosts change the default port so it can be different within hosts, so make sure you ask if you're not sure.

Now, press QuickConnect and it should connect to your web site, if there are any problems, contact your hosting provider.

Site Manager

This is also another way to connect through FileZilla, it's useful because you can store more than one site but it can get a little bit confusing for some people.

Let's start by opening the File menu:

In the drop-down menu, press Site Manager

Now that we're in the Site Manager, let's create a new site, in the screen that will pop up when you open the Site Manager, press New Site Filezilla Site Manager

Now, let’s start typing in the info. Filezilla Site Manager

I'll explain to you what each field means:

  • Host: The address of your site (yourdomain.com, ftp.mydomain.com)
  • Port: The port of the FTP server (By default the port is 21, but some hosts change it)
  • Servertype: THIS IS IMPORTANT, this is the type of connection the client will use, FTP is the normal connection you will want to use, there are other connections such as SFTP which is used to login into VPS's and such, for now we will use FTP.
  • Logontype: I'm not giving any details on this, for now let's use Normal.
  • User: your username
  • Password: Your password

We will not use Account since it’s not required by this type of connection.

Now that we've entered our info, let's change the site’s name if you wish: Click on New Site and down below press Rename and enter whatever you want.

When you're ready press Connect

Logged In

Once you're logged in, you will see a screen similar to this one:
I'm going to explain the different parts of the screen above:

1. This shows your connection status between you and the server. Filezilla Log

2. This shows the directories and the files inside them, this is really useful; you don't have to browse like you would without it, just click and drag. Filezilla Log

3. This shows the folders and files on the server, this is where you're going to drag and drop the files from your computer. Filezilla Log

4. This last screen shows the status of the files being uploaded and downloaded. Filezilla Log

Downloading and Uploading Files

How to upload a file from your computer to the FTP server:

  • Locate the file you wish to upload in the 2nd image (Local site)
  • Select the file by left clicking it.
  • Hold down the left mouse button and drag the file over to the Remote Site (3rd Image) then release.

How to download a file to your computer:

  • Locate the file you wish to download in the hosting site.
  • Select the file by left clicking it.
  • Hold down the left mouse button and drag the file over to the local site then release.

This basically covers all the basics of FileZilla.