FTP stands for File Transfer Protocol. It’s a method for transferring files between your computer and a web server. Web developers and site owners use FTP to upload files, edit code, manage site directories, or recover a site when the dashboard isn’t accessible.
FTP vs SFTP
Plain FTP sends data (including passwords) unencrypted. SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) does the same thing but over an encrypted connection. Always use SFTP when you can — most modern hosts support it.
What You Need to Connect
- Host — your server’s address or IP
- Username — your FTP/SFTP username (usually from your host’s control panel)
- Password — your FTP password
- Port — typically 21 for FTP, 22 for SFTP
Popular FTP Clients
- FileZilla — free and widely used
- Cyberduck — clean interface, Mac and Windows
- WinSCP — Windows-only, great for SFTP
- Transmit — premium Mac app loved by developers
When You’d Use FTP in WordPress
- Uploading or editing theme/plugin files directly
- Recovering a site after a bad plugin breaks the dashboard
- Moving large amounts of media files
- Editing wp-config.php or .htaccess files
Related: cPanel
