> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.purpify.host/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Manage files and SFTP

> Upload, download, edit, and organize Purpify server files with the file manager or SFTP.

Use the file manager for quick changes. Use SFTP when you need to transfer large files, complete worlds, modpacks, backups, or many files at once.

## Choose a transfer method

| Method       | Best for                                                              |
| ------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| File manager | Editing a configuration file or transferring a small number of files. |
| SFTP         | Moving worlds, modpacks, backups, or many files.                      |

## Use the file manager

<Steps>
  <Step title="Prepare the server">
    Stop the server before replacing worlds, server software, plugins, mods, or files that the running server may change.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open the file manager">
    Open your server in the Purpify panel, then go to its file manager.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Find the correct folder">
    Open the folder that contains the file you want to change. Keep the existing folder structure unless your installation guide says otherwise.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Make the change">
    Upload, download, rename, move, or edit the file. Save text-file edits before leaving the page.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Start and verify">
    Start the server and check the console for configuration, plugin, mod, or world-loading errors.
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Common file actions

| Action             | When to use it                                                                                      |
| ------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Edit               | Change a text-based configuration file such as `.properties`, `.yml`, `.yaml`, `.json`, or `.toml`. |
| Upload             | Add a plugin, mod, configuration, world, or other server file.                                      |
| Download           | Keep a local copy before changing or removing a file.                                               |
| Rename or move     | Reorganize files without transferring them again.                                                   |
| Archive or extract | Package many files for a faster, more reliable transfer.                                            |
| Delete             | Remove a file only after confirming that the server no longer needs it.                             |

<Tip>
  For a large folder, create an archive on your computer, upload it, and extract it in the destination folder. Confirm that extracting it did not create an extra nested folder.
</Tip>

## Connect over SFTP

You can use an SFTP client such as WinSCP or FileZilla.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Find the SFTP connection details">
    Open your server in the Purpify panel and copy the SFTP host, port, and username shown in its connection details.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add the server to your SFTP client">
    Select **SFTP** as the protocol. Enter the host, port, username, and the password requested by the connection screen.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect">
    Accept the server identity prompt only after confirming that you entered the Purpify connection details correctly.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Transfer the files">
    Open the destination folder on the server, then upload or download the files. Wait for every transfer to complete.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify the result">
    Confirm that the expected files and folders are present before disconnecting or starting the server.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  Use **SFTP**, not FTP or FTPS. Never share your SFTP password or save it on a shared computer.
</Warning>

### If SFTP does not connect

* Copy the host, port, and username from the panel again.
* Confirm that the client protocol is set to **SFTP**.
* Make sure you are using the credentials for the correct Purpify server.
* Check whether a local firewall or network is blocking the connection.
* Re-enter the requested password instead of using an old saved credential.

## File safety

* Create a backup before replacing a world or making a large change.
* Stop the server before changing files that it may write while running.
* Download a copy before editing or deleting an important file.
* Change one thing at a time, then start the server and check the console.
* Do not edit binary files in the text editor.
* Do not delete a file if you do not know what it does.
* Keep passwords, tokens, private keys, and SFTP credentials out of screenshots and support messages.
* Follow the folder structure required by your server software, plugin, mod, or modpack.