Before uploading a website, identify the files the web server is supposed to serve and the destination directory it uses. A source project, its build output and the document root are different things. Choosing the right pair prevents many failed launches.
Identify the release contents
For a plain static site, the release may be HTML, CSS, JavaScript and images. For a frontend build, use the documented output directory. A server application additionally needs a runtime deployment process; transferring source files alone does not start that process.
Keep private environment files, local caches and development dependencies outside the public upload. If the project requires a build, complete it before deciding which output to transfer. Preserve the current website or a recoverable release before replacing files.
Confirm the destination instead of guessing
Obtain the target site's document-root path from the hosting environment. Signing into a file account may place you above that directory. Check whether you should upload the contents of the release folder or the folder itself; an accidental extra level can leave the actual homepage unreachable.
- Use the protocol, hostname, port and account supplied for that service.
- Verify whether the target supports the transfer method your tool uses.
- Start with a controlled upload or preview location when possible.
- Keep resource folders in the same relative positions as the release.
- Check how obsolete files from an earlier release will be handled.
Vibe Hosting AI Builder's publishing workflow uses FTP; exported files can also be transferred using a tool and protocol supported by the chosen host. Confirm compatibility before entering access details.
Verify the website after transfer
Open the homepage and an inner file directly. Check stylesheet and image responses, then execute the real contact action if one exists. Record the deployed version so a later update can be compared with the right source archive. If the site returns 404, compare the public URL and document root using the troubleshooting guide below.