How to download ftp files to edit

FileZilla is typically used for uploading / downloading files between the server and your local computer, but can also be used for editing files. In this tutorial we will show you how to modify a file using the FileZilla FTP client. 

FileZilla is a free open-sourced FTP client that can be downloaded here:

Filezilla client download

Edit in FileZilla:

1. Connect to your account using FileZilla.
2. On the top Remote Site window, click the folder that contains the file you want to edit. Its contents will be listed in the window below.
   
3. On the bottom window of the remote sites, right-click the file you want to modify, and click View/Edit. The File will open in notepad on Windows, or TextEditor on a Mac.
   
4. After editing the file, save then close it. You will see a File has changed message, and it will ask "Upload this file back to the server?" Click the Yes button to upload the file you edited.
   
    

Download a File and Modify, then Re-upload:

1.  Click the file you want to edit, then drag and drop it onto your desktop.
   
   For Windows: you can right-click the file on your desktop, then click Open with --> Choose default program --> (Double click) Other Programs --> Notepad

   For Mac: Ctrl + click the file --> Open With --> TextEditor

2. Save your file after editing, then drag and drop back into the bottom remote directory window. You will see a message stating the "Target file already exists," overwrite the existing file to replace it with your updated version.
   

Congratulations, now you know how to edit a file using your FileZilla FTP client!