Five CPanel Tricks You May Not Know

For those who are new to the world of website hosting and management, you probably have heard of the name cPanel multiple times already. There is a good reason for this: cPanel is, no doubt, one of the most popular and commonly utilized web-based control panels for hosting websites. Some of the most common descriptions used to refer to this system include being reliable, secure, intuitive, affordable, and feature-packed.

Making Things Even Easier

All in all, cPanel already has a very user-friendly interface. However, despite the fact that users do not have the need for high end or extreme technical skills and knowledge, there are plenty of other things that can make its overall use even easier. So for new cPanel users out there, or even for those who have probably been utilizing the control panel for quite some time now, here are tricks that you should know about.

1. Creating Custom Error Pages

Cpanel users do not have to stick to old and boring error pages. They are given the choice to customize their error pages. This can be done simply by making a few revisions on the .htaccess file.

However, there is a faster, much simpler way. Here are the steps to do it:

• Step 1. In the cPanel home page, click on the ‘Advanced’ tab.
• Step 2. Choose the ‘Error Pages’ option.
• Step 3. Depending on what needs to be done, the error pages can be set to display 400 to 404 and 500 errors.

2. Denying Certain IP Addresses

As mentioned above, cPanel is safe and secure, which is one of its greatest qualities. It also allows for even greater safety and security, as users have the option to deny certain IP addresses from gaining access. For web hosts and site owners who want to limit the number of visitors who want to do nothing but cause problems, banning them can be done easily. This is through the use of the .htaccess extension.

But cPanel makes it even easier. Below are the steps in performing this task:

• Step 1. Click on the ‘Security’ tab.
• Step 2. Choose the ‘IP Deny Manager’ option.
• Step 3. Provide the information required, which is the IP address (or addresses) of the visitors to be banned.

3. Converting and Changing Size Images

For static site managers and owners, cPanel offers a way to convert and even resize images quickly. This can also be very useful for those who want to optimize the delivery of their content to site visitors.

Follow these steps to convert and/or change the size of images:

• Step 1. Click on the ‘Advanced’ tab.
• Step 2. Select ‘Image Tools’.
• Step 3. Here, the creation of image thumbnails within a specific directory, the rescaling of individual images, or the conversion of an image to another type of format can be done.

4. Creating and Managing Mailing Lists

There are other tools that can be used for the purpose of managing mailing lists, but once again, cPanel has a tool for such a job. This feature, which can be found on and accessed from the Mail menu, makes setting up the list’s public pages easier. The use of the tool is recommended for smaller lists that are going to receive light use.

5. Creating Backups

Creating backups is a must, and cPanel can help in making the task simpler. Users just have to download all the files from the ‘public_html’ folder on to their computers through the use of an FTP client. Also, most websites will have what is know as a MySQL Database. You can download a backup of this in cPanel > Backups. Just click on the database(s) listed to the left of the screen and the download will begin automatically.

One of the things that have made millions of web hosts and web owners attracted to this platform is the fact that its design has been specifically made for their use. It pretty much has been created for the purpose of easier and simpler website administration.  And to make it even better, the system features a robust interface, with plenty of useful tools, packed in an easy-to-understand interface. Even beginners are not going to have trouble getting the hang of it in a few days.