How do I create an .htaccess file?

Answer by: Andrew Hickl, Aplus.Net Knowledge Base Support

Here’s how to create a text file suitable for an .htaccess file:

1. Open up a text editor on your computer. We recommend that you use Notepad (Windows), SimpleText (Macintosh), or Emacs (Linux / UNIX).
2. Save the file (in an easy-to-find location) as .htaccess (including the initial dot).
3. Now, make sure that your text editor did not append a .txt suffix to the file name.  (In Windows, you can do this by right-clicking the icon for the text file and selecting Properties.) If the file name does have a .txt suffix (i.e. '.htaccess.txt'), remove the suffix by renaming the file.
4. Before entering code into your new file, make sure that Word Wrap is turned off. (In Notepad, select Format… from the top navigation bar and make sure that Word Wrap is unchecked. This is important because most .htaccess commands need to be placed on one line only.
5. You can now enter your code into the file.
6. Upload the .htaccess file into your web space in ASCII mode. The .htaccess file will affect the folder that it is uploaded to and all its subfolders.

You may check the following web address for a comprehensive guide on the functionality of the .htaccess files:

• http://javascriptkit.com/howto/htaccess.shtml

Important: If you have a Windows-based hosting plan, you cannot use .htaccess files.

Related link:

• How do I create .htpasswd file?