Use the integrated text editor in cPanel’s File Manager to edit files directly on your hosting. It supports text-based files such as PHP, HTML, CSS, configuration and plain text files.
This guide explains how to open a file, check its character encoding and save changes.
Who is this guide for?
This guide applies exclusively to customers whose hosting is managed on the new Webland platform (WHMCS) and whose hosting plan includes cPanel.
Essential Hosting without cPanel: This guide does not apply to your hosting.
Previous platform using System Configurator or Domain Manager: Sign in at classic.webland.ch. The steps below do not apply to that platform.
Important information
Back up the original file before editing, for example by downloading it to your computer.
Saving applies changes directly to the server and may affect your live website.
Files larger than 1 MB cannot be edited using the integrated editor.
The text editor is not suitable for editing images, ZIP archives or other binary files.
Incorrect character encoding can damage the file’s contents. Do not save if characters appear unexpectedly or are unreadable.
Requirements
Before you begin, make sure you:
Have access to your cPanel hosting service.
Know which file you want to edit and have permission to modify it.
Have backed up the original file.
Step 1: Sign in to cPanel
Find your hosting service in the active services overview in the client area.
Click “Log in to cPanel”.
You will be signed in to cPanel automatically.
Step 2: Open File Manager
Open the “Files” section in cPanel and click “File Manager”.
Step 3: Select the file
Navigate to the required file, such as
script.php.Check its filename and directory path.
Select only that file.
Click “Edit”.
If you need a hidden file such as .htaccess, enable “Show Hidden Files (dotfiles)” under “Settings”.
Step 4: Check character encoding
If a character encoding dialog appears:
Check the displayed encoding.
Use the encoding in which the file is actually saved.
Click “Edit” to open the editor.
Do not change the encoding without a reason. If the contents display incorrectly, close the editor without saving and check the encoding again.
Step 5: Save changes and test
Make the required changes.
Review the edited content.
Click “Save Changes”.
Wait for confirmation, then close the editor.
Test the affected website or feature in your browser.
Even a missing character or typing error in code or configuration files can cause problems. If issues occur after saving, restore the original file from your backup.
Troubleshooting
The file displays unreadable characters
Close the editor without saving. Reopen the file with the correct character encoding. Also check that it is a text file.
The file is larger than 1 MB
Download it and edit it using a suitable text editor on your computer. Upload the modified file to the correct directory afterwards. Keep an unchanged backup copy.
I cannot save changes
Check the error message, your write permissions and available storage. Contact Webland Support if necessary.
My website stopped working after saving
Restore the original file from your backup and test again. Ask your website developer to review the intended change before applying it again.