# How to use the Index Manager in cPanel

> The Index Manager in cPanel lets you control whether the contents of a directory are visible to visitors when no index file is present.

Source: https://www.kualo.com/knowledgebase/cpanel-php/how-to-use-the-index-manager-in-cpanel
Updated: 2026-06-11

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The Index Manager in cPanel lets you control how directories on your website behave when a visitor requests a folder that contains no `index.html` or `index.php` file. Without a setting in place, the server may list the directory's contents in the browser - which is usually undesirable and can expose files you did not intend to share publicly.

## The four indexing options

Each directory can be set to one of four modes:

| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
| Inherit | Uses the parent directory's setting; where none is defined, it falls back to the server default (which usually lists the contents) |
| No Indexing | Prevents the directory's contents from being listed to visitors |
| Show Filename Only | Shows a plain list of filenames |
| Show Filename and Description | Shows a list of files along with their size and type |

For most directories, **No Indexing** is the safest choice.

## How to change the index setting for a directory

1. Log in to cPanel and click the **Indexes** icon (in the **Advanced** section).
2. Navigate to the directory you want to configure - click a folder name to drill into it, or select the directory you want.

   ![Choosing a directory in the Index Manager](https://kb-cdn.kualo.com/9a/1b/9a1b826731428a9fd43763fb894c8f698356fb56.png)

3. Select the indexing option you want to apply.

   ![The four indexing options in the Index Manager](https://kb-cdn.kualo.com/93/8c/938c3a7f4c28651eebb414c56c8953a3c475aec0.png)

   :::tip
   If you are unsure which option to use, choose **No indexing** to prevent visitors from browsing the directory.
   :::

4. Click **Save**. The setting takes effect immediately, and a confirmation message appears.

You can return to the Index Manager at any time to change the setting back to **Default system setting** or apply a different option.


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_Source: Kualo Knowledgebase — https://www.kualo.com/knowledgebase/cpanel-php/how-to-use-the-index-manager-in-cpanel · © Kualo Ltd._