Managing large files and folders becomes easier when you can compress them into a single archive before downloading or transferring them.
This guide explains how to create archive files using an SFTP client on the Cloudways Platform.
You will learn how to compress application files and directories securely using tools such as WinSCP, helping you simplify file management, reduce download size, and organize backups more efficiently.
How to Create Archives Using SFTP Client
Step #1
Launch winscp client and select file-protocol to SFTP
Enter server-ip-address in Host.
You need to input your master or application username ((Master credentials and Application credentials)
Next, input your password.
Set Port 22.
Finally, click Login.
Important:
If you are using the Master Credentials, you will need to browse to your target application folder. If you are using the Application Credentials, you will land directly in the respective application folder.
Tip:
Navigating to your target application folder is easy using master credentials. Simply Click on the folders in the following sequence: applications → appname → public_html
Whereas, the app name is the database name of your application that you can easily find in your access details area.
Step #2
Once you are in your desired application folder, Select (Using Ctrl + Left-Mouse-Button) the files/folders that need to be archived.
Step #3
Now click on the “Zip Upload” option in the menu bar to create an archive of the selected files/folders.
A pop-up window will appear from where you can give your archive file a “name” & can select the archiving mechanism from the drop down menu after that click on the “Ok” button to create the archive.
Note:
Zip type provides the lowest compression rate of files while Tar type provides the highest file compression.
Where as; Low Compression rate = Archived file will be of somewhat the same size as the combined file size of the files/folders.
High Compression rate = Archived file size will be smaller than the combined size of the files/folders.
Step #4
Once the archiving process finishes. Click on the “Refresh” button to view the newly made archive file. You can then safely download that file or you may use it as per your need.
That’s it! We hope this article was useful.
Need Help?
If you need assistance, feel free to:
Visit the Cloudways Support Center.
Chat with us: Need a Hand > Send us a Message.
Or create a support ticket anytime.
We're here 24/7 to help you!