The httpdocs directory is the web root of your website in Plesk — every file placed here is accessible to visitors via your domain. Understanding this structure is essential for managing your website.
Key Directories
httpdocs/— The web root. Files here are publicly accessible. This is where yourindex.htmlorindex.phpshould go.httpdocs/cgi-bin/— Directory for CGI scripts.error_docs/— Custom error pages (404, 500, etc.). Edit these to customise error pages for your visitors.logs/— Access and error logs for your website.
Common Website Files
index.htmlorindex.php— The default homepage. The server loads this file when someone visits your domain..htaccess— Apache configuration for URL rewrites, redirects, and security rules.robots.txt— Search engine crawling instructions.sitemap.xml— Sitemap for search engines.wp-config.php— WordPress configuration (if WordPress is installed).
WordPress File Structure
If WordPress is installed, the httpdocs directory will contain:
wp-admin/— WordPress admin area.wp-content/— Themes, plugins, and uploaded files.wp-includes/— WordPress core files (do not modify).
Important Notes
- Files stored outside
httpdocsare not web-accessible — useful for storing sensitive configuration files. - Always back up
httpdocsbefore making major changes. - Subdomains are stored in their own directories (e.g.,
subdomain/httpdocs/).
Troubleshooting
"Index of /" page instead of website:
- No
index.htmlorindex.phpfile exists inhttpdocs. Upload your website files.
Changes to files not showing:
- Clear your browser cache.
- If using Cloudflare or a CDN, purge the cache.
