An additional FTP account can give a developer access to a specific directory without sharing the main hosting login. FTP account access is distinct from SSH-based SFTP, which may use different users and permissions.
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Check access and requirements
Confirm the directory to share and whether FTP or FTPS is supported on your plan. Prefer encrypted transfer using the service-supported method. Review which files the collaborator actually needs, and avoid granting the entire account when one website directory is sufficient.
01 Create a restricted FTP account in DirectAdmin
- Open Account Manager > FTP Management and choose Create FTP Account.
- Enter a descriptive username and unique password. Review the full login name DirectAdmin generates, which may include a domain suffix.
- Choose the directory scope offered by the form. For a restricted account, select or specify the precise target path rather than the whole home directory.
- Create the account and record the connection hostname and supported secure-transfer settings from your service details. Deliver the credential through a secure channel.
- Connect using an FTP client with the required encryption, verify the certificate and perform a harmless upload/download test within the allowed directory.
How do I test the FTP account directory restriction?
Confirm the user sees only the intended scope and can perform the authorized work. Check ownership and permissions of a test file without loosening the entire website permissions.
Resolve setup problems
If authentication succeeds but listing fails, check the supported passive-mode and firewall settings with support. If SFTP rejects the user, confirm whether that separately configured service supports additional FTP users. Do not turn off encryption or grant broad permissions as the first fix. Remove or suspend collaborator access when the work ends.