{"id":285,"date":"2011-11-03T14:34:27","date_gmt":"2011-11-03T14:34:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.inmotionhosting.com\/support\/2011\/11\/03\/what-is-the-htaccess-file-and-what-do-i-use-it-for\/"},"modified":"2025-02-06T12:31:23","modified_gmt":"2025-02-06T17:31:23","slug":"htaccess-file","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.inmotionhosting.com\/support\/website\/htaccess-file\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Use the .htaccess File"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"How<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The .htaccess<\/code> file is a powerful tool that helps control how visitors interact with your website. It can be used for security, redirects, URL rewriting, and more. In this guide, we\u2019ll cover what the .htaccess<\/code> file does, where to find it, how to edit it, and how to troubleshoot errors it may cause.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the .htaccess File?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The .htaccess<\/code> file is a hidden configuration file used on Linux-based web servers, including InMotion Hosting\u2019s Shared Hosting accounts. It allows you to make quick changes to how your site functions without modifying the main server configuration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since .htaccess<\/code> directly impacts how your website functions, always back up your .htaccess<\/code> file before making changes.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where is My .htaccess File? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

By default, the .htaccess<\/code> file is located in your website\u2019s root directory:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/path><\/path><\/svg><\/span>
\/home\/<\/span>yourusername<\/span>\/public_html\/<\/span>.htaccess<\/span><\/span><\/code><\/pre><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Because it\u2019s a hidden file, you\u2019ll need to enable the Show Hidden Files<\/strong> option in cPanel\u2019s File Manager to see it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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\n\t\n\t\t\"How\n\t\t<\/span>\n\t<\/a>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
How to Locate and Edit .htaccess in cPanel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. Log in to cPanel.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Click File Manager<\/strong> under the Files<\/strong> section.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. In the top-right corner, click Settings<\/strong> and check the box for Show Hidden Files (dotfiles).<\/strong> Click Save.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Navigate to the public_html<\/code> directory and locate the .htaccess<\/code> file.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Right-click the file and select Edit.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    How to Create a .htaccess File (If Missing)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    If you don\u2019t see a .htaccess<\/code> file in public_html<\/code>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
      \n
    1. In File Manager<\/strong>, click +File<\/strong> in the top-left corner.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    2. Name the file .htaccess<\/strong> (with the dot at the beginning).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    3. Set the directory to \/public_html\/<\/code> or your website\u2019s document root.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    4. Click Create File<\/strong>, then right-click it and select Edit<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
      What Can You Do With a .htaccess File?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
      The .htaccess<\/code> file offers a wide range of functions, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n