Short answer
.htaccess is a configuration file that changes how the web server handles requests for the folder it sits in — redirects, custom error pages, access rules and caching headers. It takes effect immediately, with no restart needed.This is a general web-hosting explanation, not specific to Traxio.
Because it applies instantly, a syntax error in .htaccess takes the whole site down with a 500 error. Always keep a copy of the working version before editing, and it is a hidden file, so turn on “show hidden files” in the File Manager to see it.
Learn more
- What is .htaccess? A practical guideWhat .htaccess files do, where they apply, the rules people use most, and how to recover quickly when one breaks your site.
- Redirects with .htaccess: copy-ready examplesWorking .htaccess redirect rules for single pages, whole folders, domain changes, HTTPS and www — with notes on 301 vs 302 and avoiding loops.
- How to show hidden files like .htaccessFiles starting with a dot are hidden by default. How to show them in DirectAdmin’s File Manager, FileZilla, Mac and Windows.
- Creating custom 404 and error pagesReplace the plain server error pages with your own 404, 403 and 500 pages using .htaccess, and make sure a 404 still returns the right status code.
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