How do I use .htaccess rules?
.htaccess is a powerful tool that is available on all free accounts. It is a configuration file that provides instructions to the server that are specific to your website. See this article to learn more about .htaccess and what it can do.
To use .htaccess on TinkerHost, access either our online file manager, or login over FTP. If you want the .htaccess file to apply to your entire website, open the htdocs folder and create a new file, naming it “.htaccess”. Make sure to name it exactly “.htaccess”, with the dot in front. Note that the spelling, and the capitalization of the filename all matter. If you want the rule set to only apply to a subdirectory, you can create an .htaccess file in that subdirectory.
Note that most operating systems (Such as Windows and ChromeOS) define files that start with a dot as system files. This means that they will not show up in the file manager on your computer. You may want to tell your operating system that you want to be able to view these files in the file explorer.
Important Note for TinkerHost Pro Users
One difference between our free platform and Pro platform is when .htaccess rules take effect. .htaccess rules on free hosting take effect almost immediately after the .htaccess file is saved or successfully uploaded to a folder, however our Pro platform works a little differently.
On TinkerHost Pro, .htaccess rules are automatically refreshed once a day, but you can manually refresh rules for your site whenever you make changes. To refresh .htaccess rules across your accounts, select any TinkerHost Pro account from the account list, and select "Refresh .htaccess". .htaccess rules are refreshed within 30 seconds of receiving a success message in the client area!
