cPanel Has a Lot of Icons. Most Do Not Matter.
cPanel is powerful hosting control software -- it has tools for nearly everything. But most website owners use the same 10 features repeatedly. Here is what they are and what they do.
1. File Manager
A web-based file browser for your hosting account. Useful for uploading files, editing configuration files, setting permissions, and finding what is eating your disk space.
2. phpMyAdmin
A web interface for your MySQL databases. If you need to export your database, run a find-and-replace query, or diagnose a broken WordPress install, this is where you go.
3. Email Accounts
Create and manage email addresses at your domain. Each account gets webmail access through Roundcube.
4. Domains and Subdomains
Add additional domains or create subdomains (blog.yourdomain.com, shop.yourdomain.com) from your main account.
5. Zone Editor
Manage your DNS records. You will use this when connecting a third-party email provider, verifying domain ownership for Google services, or setting up custom records.
6. SSL/TLS
Manage SSL certificates. Your Let's Encrypt certificate auto-renews, but if you ever need to install a custom certificate, it is here.
7. JetBackup
Access and restore from your daily backups.
8. Softaculous
One-click installer for WordPress and hundreds of other applications. The fastest way to set up a new WordPress site.
9. MultiPHP Manager
Choose the PHP version for each domain. Keep this on PHP 8.2 for best WordPress performance.
10. Error Logs
View PHP errors and server errors for your site. When something breaks and you need to diagnose it, start here.