What is the public_html directory?

public_html is the default public document directory on many cPanel hosting accounts. The primary domain often serves files from this folder. An index.html or index.php file placed there can become the site’s home page, while subfolders can map to paths under the domain.

The folder is public in the web-server sense, not in the sense that every file is automatically listed. Server rules still control access, and directory listing is often disabled. Even so, sensitive backups, private keys, raw database exports, and configuration copies should not be stored there because a naming mistake or server change could expose them.

Addon domains and subdomains may use directories inside public_html, but they can also have separate document roots. Check the Domains section before editing. Deleting the contents of public_html can remove the primary site and may affect other sites if their folders are nested within it.

Keep permissions conservative and use the hosting file manager or SFTP for changes. Store downloadable files only when they are meant to be public or protected by tested access controls. If you need private storage, use a directory outside the document root or a service designed for secured objects.