Hidden files on a server or hosting are invisible by default. They start with a dot (.), such as .htaccess or .env. These files are typically not displayed as they are considered system or configuration files used by the server to manage server settings or website behavior.
For example, .htaccess can control server rules for a website, while .env files store environment variables for web applications.
To edit hidden files on your server or hosting, you will need to change the file manager settings to view and edit such files –
Step 1 Access your cPanel account.
Step 2 Locate the file manager and click the “File Manager” icon.
Step 3 In the File Manager, click “Settings” at the top right, check the “Show Hidden Files (dotfiles)” option, and click “Save.”
Step 4 Navigate to the directory where the hidden file (such as .htaccess) is located.
Step 5 Right-click the file, select “Edit,” make the necessary changes, and save.
That’s it. You may ensure the modifications work correctly on your website.
When editing hidden files on a server, follow some precautions to avoid disrupting your website functionality or any server configurations.
Always create a backup before making changes, so you can restore the original if needed. This can be easily done by double-clicking to download the file.
Be cautious with syntax, as even minor mistakes can cause errors. For instance, editing .htaccess improperly could restrict the site access. So make incremental changes and test the site thoroughly after each edit. You may also use a staging environment to test changes before applying them to the live website.