By default, cPanel hides files and folders which start with a full-stop, such as ‘.cpanel’ and ‘.htaccess’.
This helps unclutter File Manager and remove potentially confusing configuration files from users.
To show these hidden cPanel files in cPanel:
1. Open up File Manager
![](https://cdn.cpanel-help.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/homefileman.png)
2. Click on the ‘Settings’ button in the top right-hand corner
Take note of the number of files and folders
![](https://cdn.cpanel-help.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/file_manager_hidden-1024x522.png)
3. Tick ‘Show Hidden Files (dotfiles) and click save
![](https://cdn.cpanel-help.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/settings.png)
4. You should now be able to see hidden files and directories
Use caution when editing dotfiles as they can cause site-wide interruptions and security issues if misconfigured.
![](https://cdn.cpanel-help.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/image-4.png)
![](https://cdn.cpanel-help.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/image-5.png)