Setting Up Cyberduck FTP for LIS 458

On macOS, Cyberduck integrates perfectly with the Mac "look and feel." Here is how to get your project onto your subdomain.

01_download_and_install

Step 1: Download and Install Cyberduck

Since you're on a Mac, installing apps is straightforward.

  1. Go to cyberduck.io.
  2. Click the Download for macOS button.
  3. Once the .zip file downloads, double-click it to unzip it.
  4. Drag the Cyberduck icon (the yellow rubber duck) into your Applications folder.
  5. Open it from your Applications folder or Launchpad.
02_create_connection

Step 2: Create Your Connection

Cyberduck uses "Bookmarks" so you don't have to type your password every time you want to upload homework.

  1. Click the Open Connection button at the top left.
  2. In the drop-down menu at the top, ensure FTP (File Transfer Protocol) is selected. (If your professor specified a secure connection, choose SFTP.)
  3. Server: Enter the host address provided by your professor.
  4. Username & Password: Enter the credentials provided by your professor.
  5. Click Connect.
03_jailed_folder

Step 3: Navigating Your "Jailed" Folder

Since your professor has restricted your account to the public_html folder for your subdomain, Cyberduck will open directly into that space.

  • The window you see is the "inside" of your website.
  • If it's empty, that's normal — it just means you haven't uploaded anything yet.
  • If there are files or folders there already, you can ignore them. Just don't delete them!
04_uploading

Step 4: Uploading Your Multiple Folders

This is the easiest part on a Mac. You don't have to use two side-by-side windows.

  1. Open your Finder and navigate to where your project is saved.
  2. Highlight your index.html file and your folders (like css and images).
  3. Drag and Drop them directly from your Finder window into the Cyberduck window.
  4. A Transfers window will pop up showing the progress.
05_mac_tips

Step 5: Essential Mac Tips for Web Projects

  • Case Sensitivity: Macs usually don't care if a file is named Picture.jpg or picture.jpg, but the Linux server your subdomain lives on does. Always use lowercase for everything to avoid "404 Not Found" errors.
  • Hidden Files: You might see files like .DS_Store in your folders. These are invisible Mac files — you don't need to upload them, but it won't hurt anything if you do.
  • Quick Editing: Right-click a file in Cyberduck and select Edit with... (choose TextEdit or a code editor). When you save the file, Cyberduck will automatically upload the changes for you!
06_check_your_work

How to Check Your Work

Once the Transfers window says "Complete," open your web browser and go to your subdomain:

http://firstinitial-lastname.lis458.com

If your site appears, you're all set! If you see a list of files instead of your page, double-check that your main file is named index.html and not Index.html or home.html.