Uploading files over SFTP

SFTP is the simplest way to move files between your computer and your site. It is included on every plan.

Your connection details

Two of these catch people out. The port is 2222, not the 22 most guides assume. And the protocol is SFTP, not FTP. If your program offers "FTP" and "SFTP" as separate choices, pick SFTP.

Connecting with FileZilla

1. Open File then Site Manager, and choose New site.
2. Set Protocol to SFTP - SSH File Transfer Protocol.
3. Host sftp.8deploy.com, Port 2222.
4. Logon type Normal, then enter your username and password.
5. Choose Connect. Accept the host key the first time you connect.

Connecting with Cyberduck

1. Choose Open Connection.
2. Pick SFTP (SSH File Transfer Protocol) from the dropdown.
3. Server sftp.8deploy.com, Port 2222, then your username and password.

Connecting from the command line

On macOS and Linux, and on Windows through PowerShell:

sftp -P 2222 [email protected]

The capital -P matters. A lower-case -p means something else and the connection will fail.

Where your files go

You land in your own home directory. Your websites are under web, one folder per domain, and the files the public sees live in public_html:

web/yourdomain.com/public_html

So to replace your homepage, upload index.html into that folder. Anything you place outside public_html is kept private and is not served to visitors, which makes it a good home for backups and files you do not want published.

Using an SSH key instead of a password

A key is more secure than a password and means you stop typing one. If you already have a key, add your public key to .ssh/authorized_keys in your home directory. Never upload your private key anywhere.

If you do not have a key yet, create one on your own computer:

ssh-keygen -t ed25519

Then upload the contents of the .pub file. Keep the other file private.

What you can and cannot reach

Your connection is locked to your own account. You can see and change everything inside it, and nothing outside it. Other customers cannot see your files, and you cannot see theirs. If a program shows an error trying to browse above your home folder, that is the limit working as intended rather than a fault.

Why we do not offer plain FTP

Plain FTP sends your password and your files across the internet unencrypted, so anyone between you and us can read both. SFTP encrypts the whole session. We only offer SFTP, and we would give you the same advice about any other host.

If it will not connect

Connection refused or it times out. Almost always the port. Check it is 2222.

The password is rejected. Check you are using your account username rather than your email address, and that the protocol is set to SFTP.

Too many failures and now nothing connects. Repeated failed attempts block your address for a while as a protection against guessing. Wait a few minutes and try again with the correct details.