.htaccess

How to Locate and Create .htaccess File – A Step-by-Step Guide

by Kiran kumarin LINUX, Informationon Posted on

The .htaccess file, a powerful configuration file used primarily by Apache web servers, holds the key to controlling various aspects of your website’s functionality and security. From URL rewriting to access control and error handling, this file provides webmasters with unparalleled control over their site’s behavior.

Despite its significance, many website owners remain unaware of its existence or are unsure how to locate and create it. In this step-by-step guide, we’ll demystify the process, empowering you to harness the full potential of the .htaccess file for your website.

Let’s dive in and uncover the essentials of locating and creating this invaluable configuration file.

How to Locate an Open .htaccess File?

If you are using either Direct Admin or cPanel, the process is more or less similar.

  1. Login to your cPanel or DA account
  2. Access File Manager → public_html.
  3. If you can’t find the file, go to the Settings on the upper right menu and tick the Show Hidden Files option to enable viewing.

By following these steps, you can easily locate and open an existing .htaccess file, allowing you to manage your website’s configuration with precision and ease.

How to Create .htaccess File?

If .htaccess file is not present, here’s how you create one. This method is applicable to both Direct admin and cPanel:

.htaccess
  1. Login to your cPanel or DA account
  2. Access File Manager → public_html
  3. Click the New File button in the upper menu.
  4. Enter .htaccess as the file name, insert the code below and press Create to save your changes.
# BEGIN WordPress
<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
RewriteEngine On
RewriteBase /
RewriteRule ^index.php$ - [L]
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-f
RewriteCond %{REQUEST_FILENAME} !-d
RewriteRule . /index.php [L]
</IfModule>
# END WordPres

Note: This is a default .htaccess file for WordPress, the file content may change based on the script type you are using.

Conclusion

In this article we have learned how to create .htaccess file using the File Manager. .htaccess file can significantly enhance your website’s functionality, security, and user experience. In this guide, we’ve outlined the step-by-step process for both locating an existing .htaccess file and creating a new one from scratch.

Whether you’re a seasoned developer or a novice webmaster, understanding how to work with this file empowers you to customize and optimize your website to meet your specific requirements and preferences.