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Access Your Server Files

Learn how to access and manage your server files through the game panel file manager.

Game Panel
saan.dev
5 min read
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Opening the File Manager

  1. Log in to your panel
  2. Navigate to your server from the dashboard
  3. Click on the File Manager tab in the server view
  4. The file manager will open showing your server's root directory

File Manager Interface

The file manager typically displays:

  • Directory Tree: Shows folder structure on the left
  • File List: Shows files and folders in the current directory
  • Toolbar: Actions like upload, create folder, refresh
  • File Actions: Right-click or use buttons to manage files

Basic Operations

  • Click folders to enter them
  • Use breadcrumbs at the top to navigate back
  • Click "Up" or ".." to go to the parent directory

Viewing Files

  • Click a file to view its contents (for text files)
  • File icons indicate file types
  • File sizes are shown next to each file

Creating Folders

  1. Click the New Folder button
  2. Enter a folder name
  3. Press Enter or click Create
  4. The folder will appear in the current directory

Uploading Files

  1. Click the Upload button
  2. Select files from your computer
  3. Wait for upload to complete
  4. Files will appear in the current directory

Note: Large files may take time to upload. Be patient and don't close the browser.

Downloading Files

  1. Right-click on a file
  2. Select Download
  3. Or click the file and use the download button
  4. The file will download to your computer

Editing Files

  1. Click on a text file (.txt, .properties, .yml, .json, etc.)
  2. The file editor will open
  3. Make your changes
  4. Click Save to apply changes
  5. Some changes may require a server restart

Deleting Files

  1. Select the file(s) or folder(s) you want to delete
  2. Click the Delete button or right-click and select Delete
  3. Confirm the deletion
  4. Warning: Deleted files cannot be recovered easily!

Important Server Directories

Root Directory

The main server folder containing your server's files. The exact contents depend on your server type and game:

  • Configuration files (varies by game/server type)
  • Server executables
  • logs/ - Server logs
  • Game-specific data folders
  • Mod/plugin folders (if applicable)

Common Folders

The folders you'll see depend on your server type:

  • logs/: Server log files
  • config/: Configuration files
  • Game data folders: Varies by game (worlds, saves, etc.)
  • Mod/plugin folders: If your server supports mods or plugins

File Permissions

Some files may have restricted permissions:

  • Read-only files: Can be viewed but not edited
  • System files: May be protected from deletion
  • Active files: Files in use by the server may not be editable

If you need to edit a protected file, you may need to:

  1. Stop the server first
  2. Make your changes
  3. Start the server again

Using the Code Editor

The built-in code editor supports:

  • Syntax Highlighting: Color-coded code for easier reading
  • Line Numbers: Helps locate specific lines
  • Search: Find and replace text
  • Multiple Tabs: Edit multiple files at once

Editor Tips

  • Save Frequently: Don't lose your work
  • Check Syntax: Invalid syntax can break your server
  • Backup First: Always backup before major edits
  • Test Changes: Test on a development server if possible

File Types You'll Encounter

Configuration Files

  • .properties: Server properties (Java format)
  • .yml or .yaml: YAML configuration (plugins)
  • .json: JSON data files
  • .conf: General configuration files

Game Data Files

  • Game-specific formats: Each game has its own data file formats
  • .dat: Common data file format
  • Save files: Game-specific save file formats

Log Files

  • .log: Server log files
  • .txt: Text logs

Executables

  • .jar: Java executable files (for Java-based servers)
  • .exe: Windows executables
  • .sh: Shell scripts (Linux)
  • Game-specific executables: Varies by server type

Best Practices

Before Making Changes

  1. Backup Important Files: Download copies before editing
  2. Stop the Server: For major changes, stop the server first
  3. Read Documentation: Understand what you're changing
  4. Test on Development: Use a test server when possible

File Management

  • Organize Files: Keep files in appropriate folders
  • Name Clearly: Use descriptive file and folder names
  • Remove Unused Files: Clean up old backups and logs regularly
  • Document Changes: Note what files you've modified

Security

  • Protect Sensitive Files: Don't share configuration files publicly
  • Check Permissions: Ensure files have correct permissions
  • Verify Downloads: Only download from trusted sources
  • Backup Regularly: Maintain regular backups

Troubleshooting

File Manager Won't Load

  1. Refresh the page
  2. Clear browser cache
  3. Try a different browser
  4. Check your internet connection
  5. Contact support if the issue persists

Can't Edit a File

  1. Check if the server is running (some files can't be edited while running)
  2. Verify file permissions
  3. Try stopping the server first
  4. Check if the file is locked by another process

Upload Fails

  1. Check file size limits
  2. Verify file format is allowed
  3. Check available disk space
  4. Try uploading in smaller batches
  5. Use FTP for very large files

Changes Not Saving

  1. Ensure you clicked Save
  2. Check for syntax errors
  3. Verify file permissions
  4. Try refreshing the file manager
  5. Restart the server if needed

Alternative: Using SFTP

For advanced users or large file transfers, the panel supports SFTP:

  1. Get SFTP credentials from your panel (usually same as panel login)
  2. Use an SFTP client like FileZilla, WinSCP, or Cyberduck
  3. Connect using your panel hostname, username, and password
  4. Navigate to your server's directory
  5. Transfer files as needed

SFTP is often faster for:

  • Large file uploads
  • Bulk file operations
  • Automated backups
  • Using external tools

Note: SFTP credentials are typically the same as your panel login credentials.