How to use Apache Handlers in cPanel

An Apache Handler tells the web server how to treat a particular type of file when someone requests it. Most file types already have a handler built in, but you can add your own - for example, to make the server run a certain extension as a CGI script. This is an advanced tool; most websites never need to change it.

Open Apache Handlers

Log in to cPanel and, in the Advanced section, click Apache Handlers.

Create a handler

In the Create an Apache Handler section:

1. In the Handler box, enter the name of the handler you want to use (for example cgi-script).
2. In the Extension(s) box, enter the file extension or extensions it should apply to (for example .cgi). Separate multiple extensions with a space.
3. Click Add.

Your new handler appears in the User Defined Apache Handlers table, where you can remove it later from the Actions column.

Built-in handlers

The System Apache Handlers table further down the page lists the handlers Apache already applies by default - for example cgi-script for .cgi, .pl and .perl files, and server-parsed for .shtml files. These are shown for reference and cannot be edited.