# Upload, download & manage files in Cyberduck

> Canonical: https://jethost.com/kb/ftp-manage-files-cyberduck/ · Last modified: 2026-10-21T19:49:25+00:00

Once you’re [connected with Cyberduck](https://jethost.com/kb/ftp-connect-cyberduck/), the everyday jobs are quick: uploading and downloading files, changing permissions, and showing hidden files. This guide covers all four so you can manage the files on your [web hosting](https://jethost.com/web-hosting/) account with confidence.

## Upload files

First open the folder you want to upload into. For your website’s main domain that’s `public_html`. Then either drag files from your computer into the Cyberduck window, or go to **File → Upload** (or right-click → **Upload**) and pick them. If you see a warning that the connection isn’t secure, you can click **Continue** – or switch to [SFTP](https://jethost.com/kb/ftp-connect-cyberduck/) to avoid it. A progress panel confirms when the upload finishes.

## Download files

Navigate to the folder containing the file, right-click it, and choose **Download** (or **Download As** to pick where it’s saved). This is handy for grabbing a backup of a single file before you edit it, or pulling your whole site down to your computer.

## Change file permissions

Permissions control who can read, write, or run a file. Right-click the file, choose **Info**, and open the **Permissions** tab to adjust them. As a rule of thumb, files should be `644` and folders `755`. Only change permissions when a guide or your application specifically asks – the wrong values can break a site or open a security hole.

## Show hidden files

Files that start with a dot, like `.htaccess`, are hidden by default. To work with them, go to the **View** menu and click **Show Hidden Files**. Turn it back off afterwards to keep the file list tidy. This is the setting you need whenever you have to edit or download a configuration file that seems to be “missing”.

## JetHost Experts Tip

Uploading a whole site? Upload a single ZIP file, then unzip it from [cPanel’s File Manager](https://jethost.com/kb/ftp-vs-file-manager/) – it’s far faster than sending thousands of small files one by one over FTP, and less likely to drop a file along the way.

## Need more help?

[Transfers failing](https://jethost.com/kb/fix-ftp-connection-problems/) or files not showing up? Open a ticket through **Client Area → Support** and our team will help.