How to configure directory indexes in cPanel

This article describes how to use cPanel to define how your web site handles directory listings.

Index options

cPanel enables you to specify how directories on your web site are displayed. By default, if an index file is not in a directory, the directory's contents are listed in the user's browser. This is usually not recommended and is a potential security issue.

You can set one of four options for any directory:

• Inherit: This option uses the parent directory's setting. If the index settings are not defined in the parent directory, the system will use its default settings. 
• No Indexing: This option specifies that if an index file is not present, a directory listing (e.g. no files will appear for the directory) is not displayed.
• Show Filename Only: This option specifies that if the default file is missing, a simple list of the files present will display.
• Show Filename and Description: This option shows a list of files and their attributes: file size and file type.

Modifying a directory's index settings

To modify a directory's index settings, follow these steps:

1. Log in to cPanel.
   If you do not know how to log in to your cPanel account, please see this article.
2. Open the Indexes tool:
   • If you are using the Jupiter theme, on the Tools page, in the Advanced section, click Indexes:

     

   • If you are using the Paper Lantern theme, in the ADVANCED section of the cPanel home page, click Indexes:
     

     

3. Click the directory name that you want to modify.
4. Click the indexing option that you want to set for the directory.
5. Click Save. The new setting takes effect immediately.