Via an FTP application

Using an FTP application is often a more desirable method of managing a website’s files.
There are many applications available. However for the purpose of this tutorial, we’ll be using WS FTP. However, many elements of this tutorial will only differ slightly per application, so in many cases the instructions below will still be applicable to whatever FTP software you are using.

First of all ensure you have your hostname, username and password to hand, otherwise you won’t get very far without them.
Next, start the FTP program.
There are various ways to set up a connection, but I’ll talk you through the easiest method.
Click File > Connect > Connection Wizard

The connection wizard will start up. The first thing to enter is the site name. This doesn’t affect the connection itself, and is simply a reference for you.
Once you’ve given it a name, click Next.

Enter the server address/hostname. This is very often your main domain name, but ensure you have the correct one before proceeding.

Next enter your username and password in the corresponding boxes and click next.

Leave the connection type as FTP unless otherwise stated by your hosting provider. Click next.
You’ll then be presented with a summary of the connection.
If the details are incorrect, click Back to go back and amend them.
To connect straight away, tick Connect to this site, and then click Finish.

You should now connect to the website and be displayed with its main folders.
If the connection fails, you’ll need to go back and check your details and ensure your internet connection and firewall is set up correction.
Once you’re connected to the website, the next step is to set up an adjacent connection to a local place on your computer. This is simply picking a location on your computer to move files to and from your website. This one is much easier to set up.
Click on the New Local View button in the top panel.

Then simply navigate to the location on your computer via the dropdown list at the top and moving through folders in the exact same fashion as normal Windows navigation.
To upload a file, simply navigate to it, and then to the destination location on the website in the other pane. So in front of you you’ll have the file and its current location and then on the other side, its intended location on the website. Once you’ve done this simply click on the file once so it’s highlighted blue, and then click the upload arrow.
The exact same process (but in reverse) is used for downloading a file from the website. In this case you simply press the download button.

The upload and download button are located in the divider between the two locations.

Note:
The time it takes to download and upload files can vary greatly on the size of the files and your connection speed. It is also recommended that you observe your host’s policy on FTP usage and restrictions.