How to Use the Indexes Feature in cPanel

The Indexes feature in cPanel controls what visitors see when they access a directory on your website that doesn't have an index file (like index.html or index.php). By default, the server may show a directory listing - which can expose your files to the public. The Indexes tool lets you control this behaviour.

Accessing the Indexes Feature

1. Log in to cPanel at yourdomain.com/cpanel.
2. Go to the Advanced section and click Indexes.
3. Use the file tree to navigate to the directory you want to configure.
4. Click the directory name to open the indexing options.

Indexing Options

You'll have four options to choose from:

• Default System Setting - uses the server's default configuration.
• No Indexing - returns a 403 Forbidden error if the directory is accessed without an index file. This is the most secure option.
• Standard Indexing - shows a plain list of files and folders in the directory.
• Fancy Indexing - shows a more visually formatted directory listing with file details like size and modification date.

Best Practices

For most websites, No Indexing is the recommended setting. Allowing directory listing can expose files you don't intend to make public - such as backup files, configuration files, or media assets.

If you're running a file download site or a specific application that requires directory browsing, Standard or Fancy Indexing may be appropriate for specific folders only.

Need help securing your directories on your dotCanada account? Contact our support team and we'll be glad to help.