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In WordPress, users can control the way a site works. Using WordPress plugins, server configuration, and maintenance routines, users can extend WordPress performance without learning how to change the WordPress backend.
One such routine is creating and managing instructions using an HT-access file.
A file named Htaccess, located under a WordPress site’s root, helps web servers understand specific precautions in a WordPress site.
For example, WordPress users can handle directory listing on the Apache server using an Htaccess file. Similarly – an Htaccess file handles the way sites create WordPress permalinks.
Today’s resource will teach us how to create the default Htaccess file in WordPress and how WordPress users should use an Htaccess file without compromising WordPress standards.
Introduction to Htaccess File
In WordPress, Htaccess is one of the core files for server configurations. In this case, here is an example for those who don’t know how core files work.
Take WP-config.PHP, for example. It enables users to embed specific code snippets for domain-level redirects, configuration purposes, and website security. In the same way, HTaccess helps users implement specific domain-level implementations for website enhancements. Let’s proceed to address more details.
Using instructions in the HTaccess file, WordPress users can control how the server should browse, deny, or list directories’ content. This helps users allow, deny, or limit directory access to various users based on specific regions, IP address ranges, or passwords.
Moreover, the Htaccess file helps sites create WordPress permalinks. Once you have set a permalink structure in WordPress settings, the instructions specified in the dashboard relate to the instructions in the Htaccess file. Some users use the maneuvers to re-write WordPress Htaccess with default settings, which sometimes works fine.
In this case, an HTaccess file can also help users set redirects, assisting users in diverting them from one location to another. This falls under manual redirects and helps users set redirects on the domain, page, or post level without installing additional plugin(s) for redirects such as Redirects.
WordPress, Htaccess File, and Web Server
An HTaccess file provides the option to change the web server’s behavior regarding directory listing in the Apache server. Although an HTaccess file may also work in other web server applications, Apache is the ideal platform for HTaccess file directives.
Once you have installed and set up WordPress, you don’t need to create an Htaccess file separately. In most cases, WordPress infrastructure automatically creates a default WordPress Htaccess file. So, in this case, if you want to verify – browser to the server’s file manager and ensure the hidden files are shown. You can see HTaccess file with a DOT at the beginning of its file names, representing that “the Htaccess file is hidden” by default.
Please note – an HTaccess file helps users change how directory listing is allowed or denied in WordPress, along with other measures, such as redirects. So – if you don’t know how to deal with WordPress Htaccess, you shouldn’t change it.
Typically, users don’t need to create or change an HTaccess file in WordPress. If you need to change the HTaccess content, you should take your site’s backup first—or, better yet, test Things around on a staging site.
How to create a default Htaccess File in WordPress?
Now that you understand how an HTaccess file works in WordPress, let’s learn how to create a default one.
Note: There could be various methods to create a WordPress Htaccess file. In this case, use the approach that best suits your technical expertise. In this scenario, you can create an Htaccess file manually or use a WordPress plugin to create a default copy of the HTaccess file in WordPress. Also – if you’ve migrated WordPress from another host, you should also set the proper HTaccess file on the new web hosting account, mainly if you have used the HTaccess file for redirects in the old web hosting account. The whole process requires technical expertise. So, if you don’t know how to deal with said processes, ensure you have hired a WordPress developer to consult. Any wrong move can take down WordPress – keep it in mind.
If you have messed up WordPress permalinks or redirects or are concerned about directory listings in Apache, you must create a default copy of HTaccess.
Note: The HTaccess file is hidden by default. Once you have logged into the WordPress root directory, the Public_HTML directory, you should make hidden files visible so you can see the HTaccess file.
Let’s create a default copy of the HTaccess file – if you need to make one in WordPress.
STEP 1 – Log into Hosting cPanel
There are two ways to log into WordPress Hosting cPanel. First, you should create and use an FTP account with a Tool like File Zilla. This will allow you to access your Hosting cPanel’s files without leaving your PC desktop.
On the other hand – if you can use the hosting cPanel’s web version, you can proceed.
STEP 2 – Browse to the Public_HTML directory in the Hosting File Manager Root
Using cPanel options, you should locate and load the File Manager, which helps you view and change your site’s files.
Once the File Manager interface has loaded, you should browse the Public_HTML directory.
STEP 3 – Create a new HTaccess file
Now – ensure you don’t have an existing HTaccess file in the directory.
Here, you can check an existing file by making the hidden files visible. To do this, click the Settings icon and choose the option that makes hidden files visible.
If, for example – you see one already, you can remove it and proceed to create a new instance of the HTaccess file.
To proceed, click on the File option on the top bar. This helps you create a new HTaccess file.
Now, you can safely place the code inside the file and save changes at the end. For more information on the default code snippet for the Htaccess file, read this tutorial on the WordPress official resource.
STEP 4 – Save changes
Once the code snippet has been added, you can save changes.
You need to name the file as .htaccess. This should hide the file from the file manager interface.
Since you have created a new default HTaccess file in WordPress, you can log out of the cPanel interface.
Note: Creating a new HTaccess file is risky if you don’t know its context. Always back up your site before you change the Hosting cPanel options.
Professional Tips
- Normal WordPress users don’t need to handle HTaccess files once they have set up WordPress. In this case, WordPress automatically creates and sets up default options for the HTaccess file. However, the case of verifying an HTaccess file’s existence in WordPress may be different if you have migrated your site from another host.
- Always back up your site before changing its HTaccess file. Site backups via WordPress plugins, such as Up Drafts Plus, are easier.
- Don’t change its content if you don’t know how to write code snippets in the HTaccess file.
- If you don’t know how to deal with the HTaccess file’s content, wrong moves can damage your site’s SEO stats or make it inaccessible.
- The WordPress HTaccess file contains a specific copy of the default content. You can’t place any code in the HTaccess file. In this case, ensure you have set the above code only in WordPress’s new default HTaccess file.
Over to You
An HTaccess file in WordPress has various implementations, helping users extend WordPress behavior regarding handling directory listing in the Apache web server.
However – creating, editing, or changing an HTaccess file in WordPress is risky without aiming at a specific context.
If you don’t know the reasons, precautions, and proper moves, you should never change the WordPress HTaccess file.
This tutorial helps you create a default copy of the HTaccess file in case you need one in WordPress. Regardless of the context, this tutorial enables you to create a default HTaccess file by following the manual routine in WordPress cPanel options.
If you don’t know how to proceed, let us know your thoughts in the comments section below or ask our Support channel for more information and pricing structure for one-time support, WordPress monthly maintenance plans, or error removal routines.