WordPress is an incredibly versatile platform for building websites, offering you full control over installation and configuration. A key file that grants you some of this control is the .htaccess file.
The .htaccess file is a configuration file that provides insight into your server’s operations and, depending on your hosting environment, allows you to modify various features of your WordPress installation.
Understanding the capabilities and limitations of the .htaccess file is crucial. Today, I’ll explain everything you need to know about it in WordPress.
What is the .htaccess File in WordPress?
In WordPress, the .htaccess file is a configuration file used to enable or disable features on your installation, make per-directory configuration changes, and manage redirections and permalink structures.
This file is typically found in your website’s root directory. However, there are instances where WordPress might not generate a .htaccess file automatically, requiring you to create one manually.
Additionally, many plugins utilize the .htaccess file for proper functionality. While caching and security plugins are the most common, any plugin might use it.
Main Uses of the .htaccess File:
Redirect Users to a Custom Error Page:
Common WordPress errors can be inconvenient and detrimental to your SEO. By redirecting visitors to a custom error page, you can mitigate these effects. General redirections are also possible, with many redirection plugins writing directly to the .htaccess file.
Specify the Index File:
By default, visitors to your website see URLs like www.myexample1.com/index.html or www.myexample1.com/index.php. You can change or even remove the index file designation through the .htaccess file, as most major websites do.
Password Protect Files:
Enhance your website’s security by password protecting files, ensuring that only authorized users can access them. While this can be done via cPanel, using the .htaccess file is quicker.
Caching:
Caching can speed up your website by removing temporary files that slow down user experience. You can manage your cache through the .htaccess file, though a caching plugin is recommended for optimal results. You can also set expiration timers for cached content, ensuring it is deleted after a certain period.
Restrict Access to Your Website:
Block specific IP addresses or even entire countries from accessing your website, a useful tactic to reduce spambots. This can also aid in avoiding GDPR compliance issues, though it’s not foolproof.
Locating the .htaccess File in WordPress:
If your WordPress installation has generated an .htaccess file, you’ll find it in your website’s root directory, typically named the public_html directory.
You might be wondering why the .htaccess file isn’t always present if it’s so important.
One common reason is that the file exists but is hidden by your file manager. Therefore, it’s crucial to configure your FTP to show hidden files.
Another possibility is that a recent WordPress update failed, resulting in the deletion of the .htaccess file. Additionally, some plugins with the ability to write to the file can sometimes delete it as well.
The good news is that the absence of this file won’t affect your website’s performance. It only limits your ability to modify certain configuration settings.
How to Safely Create and Edit the .htaccess File in WordPress
Now that you understand what the .htaccess file is and where it’s located, it’s time to learn how to edit it. However, since the file might not exist currently, you’ll need to generate it first.
Fortunately, this is quite simple.
How to Generate the .htaccess File in WordPress
Generating a .htaccess file in WordPress can be done in several straightforward ways.
The easiest method is to update your permalink structure settings in WordPress. To be clear, you don’t actually need to change the settings.
To do this, go to Settings and select the Permalinks option in WordPress.
Here, you will find various options to customize the permalink structure for your website. However, you don’t need to change anything on this page.
In fact, it’s crucial not to make any changes here, as altering your permalink structure can severely impact your website’s SEO ranking and break all internal and external links to your content.
Simply scroll down to the bottom and click on the “Save Changes” button.
And that’s it. You should now have a .htaccess file generated. If not, it likely means the file already exists but is hidden.
How to Edit the .htaccess File
With the .htaccess file in place, you can begin editing it. There are several ways to do this, but the two main methods are using a plugin or directly editing the file.
Using a plugin allows you to edit the file without accessing the cPanel, making it a preferred method for many developers as everything can be done from within the WordPress dashboard.
However, some prefer to avoid installing additional plugins.
Using the Htaccess File Editor Plugin
The Htaccess File Editor plugin is one of the best options for safely editing the WordPress .htaccess file.
Unlike direct editing through cPanel or an FTP client, this plugin automatically scans your .htaccess file for syntax errors that could cause fatal errors.
Additionally, the plugin creates a backup of your website each time you edit the file. This means that if an error occurs, you can easily restore your website within minutes.
Getting started with this plugin is straightforward, so let’s dive in.
Step 1: Installing Htaccess File Editor
First, navigate to the WordPress dashboard. Click on “Plugins” in the left-hand admin panel and select the “Add New” option.
Search for “Htaccess Editor” in the available search box. This will bring up a list of relevant plugins, including some additional ones that you might find helpful.
Scroll down until you find the Htaccess Editor plugin by WebFactory LTD. Click on the “Install Now” button, then activate it to start using the plugin.
Before proceeding, it’s crucial to understand the risks of modifying the .htaccess file. Making errors in this file can take your website offline, preventing access to your content.
If you encounter a 500 error or a white screen, it’s likely due to a .htaccess issue. In such cases, you’ll need to use an FTP client to upload a backup of your .htaccess file or delete it entirely. This can be particularly frustrating if you’re new to WordPress.
Therefore, only edit the .htaccess file if you have the necessary knowledge.
Step 2: Using the Htaccess File Editor Plugin
On the left-hand admin panel, click on “Settings” and select the “WP Htaccess Editor” option.
When you first access the plugin, you’ll see a “please read carefully before proceeding” section.
This section provides instructions on what to do if you make a mistake while editing the file. It’s a good idea to copy everything from this section and paste it into a Notepad or Word document, as you won’t be able to access your website to refer to it if something goes wrong.
Below this, you’ll find a red box warning about the risks of editing the .htaccess file. It also notes that a backup is created each time you make a change.
Click on the “I understand. Enable the editor.” button to proceed.
You now have full access to edit your .htaccess file.
Step 3: Check for Errors and Save the Changes
At the bottom of the editor, you’ll see three buttons: “Save Changes,” “Test Before Saving,” and “Restore Last Backup.”
- Save Changes: Use this button to apply your edits to the .htaccess file.
- Test Before Saving: This button allows you to test your changes for errors before saving them.
- Restore Last Backup: If something goes wrong, this button restores the most recent backup of your .htaccess file.
Make sure to test your changes before saving to avoid potential issues.
Always click on the “Test Before Saving” button first. This will check for any syntax errors in your changes.
If you encounter issues after making changes and aren’t seeing an Error 500, you can use the “Restore Last Backup” button to fix the problem.
Congratulations on learning how to safely edit your .htaccess file in WordPress using the Htaccess File Editor plugin!
How to Create and Edit .htaccess from cPanel
For a more direct approach, you can manually create and edit the .htaccess file using cPanel. This method is common and preferred by many developers since it doesn’t require a plugin.
Manually Upload an .htaccess File in cPanel
This method involves uploading the .htaccess file yourself. You don’t need to write the entire file from scratch—simply create a blank file named .htaccess and upload it to your website’s root directory.
To do this:
- Open a program like Notepad (or any word processor) and save the document as
.htaccess. You can also add any code you want in this file at this stage. - Log in to your hosting account and access cPanel.
- Click on the “File Manager” option.
From here, you can upload the .htaccess file to your website’s root directory.
Locate and enter your website’s root directory, which is typically named public_html, though it might have a different name. Once inside, click on the “Upload” option to start uploading your file.
This will open a new tab in your web browser. You can either drag and drop the file into the upload box or use the “Select File” button to choose the file you want to upload. The file will then be added to your current directory.
Manually Editing the .htaccess File in WordPress
You can manually edit the .htaccess file through your cPanel. Unlike using a plugin, this method doesn’t offer additional safeguards, so you need to be careful to ensure your changes are correct.
Step 1: Locate the .htaccess File
Log into your cPanel and access the File Manager.
Enter the public_html directory, find the .htaccess file, and right-click on it to select the “Edit” option. For Mac users, CMD+Click will open the same drop-down menu.
A small pop-up will appear, warning about the risks of editing files directly. It’s strongly recommended to create an up-to-date backup before making any changes. This ensures you can restore your website if something goes wrong, helping to avoid downtime or undo unwanted changes.
Step 2: Edit the File
The .htaccess file might be blank if you’ve just uploaded it, or it might contain some default code. When modifying the .htaccess file, or any file in general, avoid inserting code within a function.
A function is a block of code designed to perform a specific task or add a feature. Adding code within a function can cause errors. Instead, add your code outside of functions.
You can find various code snippets online for simple .htaccess changes. Just enter the code into the file as needed.
Step 3: Save the Changes
After editing the file, double-check everything you’ve entered to avoid errors. Look out for syntax errors and review the code carefully.
When you’re confident that everything is correct, click on the “Save Changes” button in the top right corner.
And that’s it! Check your website to ensure no errors occurred. If everything looks good, congratulations on successfully editing your .htaccess file. If you encounter errors, review the code you added and make corrections as needed.
WordPress .htaccess File FAQ
Do I Have to Edit the .htaccess File in WordPress?
You don’t have to edit the .htaccess file in WordPress if you prefer not to. Most tasks you might perform in the .htaccess file can be handled by other methods or plugins, such as caching or redirection plugins.
For those with limited coding experience, it’s best to avoid manual edits to prevent downtime from simple mistakes. Learning the basics of coding can be helpful, but it’s not always necessary.
Can I Use the Theme File Editor to Edit the .htaccess File?
No, you cannot use the Theme File Editor to edit the .htaccess file. The Theme File Editor is designed for editing files within the currently selected WordPress theme, while the .htaccess file is located in your website’s root directory.
To edit the .htaccess file, you need to use a plugin designed for this purpose.
Are There Any Other Plugins That Can Help?
Absolutely! There are various plugins available that allow you to edit the .htaccess file directly. While some plugins are specifically designed for this, others, like Yoast SEO, offer this functionality as a feature.
Is the .htpasswd File Related to the .htaccess File?
Kind of.
You can use the .htaccess file to password protect directories, and for this to work, you need the .htpasswd file, which stores the password. However, while they are related in this context, they are distinct files. The .htaccess file is used for configuration and permissions, while the .htpasswd file specifically stores the authentication credentials.
The .htaccess File Can Help You Improve Your Site
Although you could create a successful website without directly editing the .htaccess file, doing so can offer significant advantages. Making changes to this file is relatively straightforward, and there are many resources available to help.
Even if you’re not a coding expert, you can find ready-made code online that can be copied and pasted into the .htaccess file. Just be cautious with code you find online and ensure it’s from a reputable source.
You should now have a solid understanding of how to safely create and edit the .htaccess file, whether through WordPress or cPanel. Take advantage of this knowledge to enhance your site.
Did you find the Htaccess File Editor plugin easy to use? Was a .htaccess file generated for your website?