Using FTP and SFTP
Choose your service:
(gs) Grid-Service - FTP Information
Hostname:
This is the location of the FTP Server (host). Please use the Access Domain to make a secure connection using SFTP.
-
example: s#####.gridserver.com (Be sure to replace ##### with your site number)
Note: You can find both your access domain and site number in the Server Guide.
Username:
On the (gs) Grid-Service, your FTP username is the Primary Domain for your service. You can find your FTP username in the Server Guide.
-
example: mt-example.com (replace mt-example.com with your Primary Domain)
Password:
Use your Server Administrator password for SFTP or FTP. Be sure to always use a strong password.
- Login to your (ac) AccountCenter.
- Click on the primary domain for your (gs) Grid-Service.
- Click on Server Administrator.
- Now you can change your password and click save.
Note: If you are using SFTP (which we recommend), please make sure to enable SSH access using the Server Administrator tool in the AccountCenter.
Port Number:
We strongly suggest using SFTP over port 22. However, if you wish to use a standard FTP connection then you will need to use port 21.
- SFTP: 22
- FTP: 21
Passive Mode:
By default the (gs) Grid-Service only allows FTP connections in passive mode. Active mode is not allowed. Most FTP clients are set to use passive mode by default, however you may need to configure this within your FTP application.
Connection Limits:
The (gs) Grid-Service will only allow a maximum of 8 FTP/SFTP connections per IP Address at any one time. It is important to note that some FTP applications will make multiple connections at once which could cause an error. You can usually adjust this in your FTP application settings.
FAQs
Question: Can I have additional FTP users on the (gs) Grid-Service?
Answer: Yes, you can have multiple FTP users on your service. For more information on creating additional FTP users please visit the following KnowledgeBase article.
Question: Does the (gs) Grid-Service support anonymous FTP?
Answer: No, anonymous FTP is not supported on the (gs) Grid-Service.
Question: Can I access FTP via my web browser (Firefox, Internet Explorer, etc)?
Answer: No, this is currently not possible on the (gs) Grid-Service, however account contacts can use the file manager within the AccountCenter.
(dv) Dedicated-Virtual Server - FTP Information
Hostname:
This is the location of the FTP Server (host). Your IP address will always work, regardless of DNS issues:
- 127.0.0.1 (replace with your server’s IP Address, easily found in the AccountCenter)
Username:
Each domain will have its own FTP username and password:
- Login to Plesk.
- Click on Domains.
- Click on the domain.
- Click on Setup under Hosting.
- Now you can view your domain’s FTP username.
Note: These instructions assume you have already configured the domain in Plesk.
Password:
The password is required for authentication on the server, and is case-sensitive. You can change the password at any time in the same section where your username is listed.
Note: As with the username, it is assumed you have already setup hosting for the domain within Plesk.
Passive Mode:
By default the (dv) Dedicated-Virtual Server only allows FTP connections in passive mode. Active mode is not allowed. Most FTP clients are set to use passive mode by default, however you may need to configure this in your application.
Connection Limits:
The (dv) Dedicated-Virtual Server by default limits you to 30 FTP/SFTP connections to the server (all domains). However, if you are familiar with the command line you could configure the FTP service to allow more or fewer connections to the server.
Port Number:
We strongly suggest using SFTP over port 22. However, if you wish to use a standard FTP connection you will need to use port 21.
- SFTP: 22
- FTP: 21
Note: You can change the default ports for extra security using the command-line.
FAQs
Question: Can I have additional FTP users for a single domain on the (dv) Dedicated-Virtual Server?
Answer: The short answer to this would be no. The Plesk Control Panel doesn't allow for this. However advanced users can create additional FTP users for a single domain using the command-line. For help check out this thread in the (mt) User Forums.
Question: Does the (dv) Dedicated-Virtual Server support anonymous FTP?
Answer: Yes, anonymous FTP can be used when a site owner would like to offer files for download or upload without any security or authentication. In order to use anonymous FTP on a domain in Plesk, the domain must have a exclusive IP Address. For details on using anonymous FTP in Plesk please read this article.
Question: How do I allow my ftp clients to see hidden files?
Answer: By default files that start with a "." such as .htaccess are hidden files. Although most ftp clients will automatically show these files, if you have issues you can follow the instructions in this Parallels KnowledgeBase Article.
Question: Why does my FTP session timeout too quickly?
Answer: If you find that your FTP session is timing out too quickly, you may want to adjust the session timeout length. For details please visit the following KnowledgeBase article.
Question: My FTP appears to be displaying the incorrect timestamps?
Answer: The time zone is set correctly in Linux, but FTP logs still contain incorrect timestamps. A closer inspection may reveal that the FTP timestamps are set to GMT instead of following the correctly set timezone. Click here for a solution to this issue.
Question: My FTP users continue to have issues logging into the server, even after changing the password?
Answer: Examining your server's FTP log files may help you resolve the issue. Click here for a guide may have a solution for you.
Third-Party Applications
There are many great FTP applications that work great with our services. Below are just a few to choose from:
Filezilla* (Mac, Windows, Linux)
Cyberduck (Mac)
Coda (Mac)
Transmit* (Mac)
Dreamweaver (Mac, Windows)
Fetch (Mac)
Flow (Mac)
FlashFXP (Windows)
Windows Explorer (windows)
Apple iweb (Mac)
* Staff Favorites
Revisions:
03-10-2010: Article has been rewritten for clarity
Fields marked with an asterisk(*) are required. Comment on this article