You will need an File Transfer Protocol (FTP) to upload files
FTP is what most most webmasters use to upload their files, pages, and pictures to the internet. There's tons of different FTP clients out there some free, some paid, and some just better then others.
A good free one would be http://www.smartftp.com/download/
You can begin uploading to your account now by using an FTP Client or cPanel's File Manager.
- If you are using an FTP client, put in your site's IP address under the "FTP address" field. Use the username and password sent to you in your welcome email. FTP always runs on Port 21.
- Once your FTP is connected, go into the "public_html" folder and begin uploading your site. To replace the default place holder page, you must upload an index.html in all lowercase lettering or delete the page and replace it with your own index page.
- Please note that by default, you do not have an email address setup with HostGator. You will need to configure this yourself in cPanel (link below).
Using your cpanel file manager to transfer files:
Starting Out
To access file manager login to your control panel and once inside click "file manager"
A new window should load showing what you would see as if you were using a ftp client. There's going to a bunch of folders and some other files related to your account functioning correctly. Do not delete any of these files/folders ever.
Uploading
To begin uploading you will always first go inside the "public_html" folder. To do so click the folder icon (not the wording). Once clicked you will be in the main folder of your site where you can upload your content, create more folders, and delete what you please. To upload, click "upload files" You will then click the browse button until you find the file on you computer that you wish to upload.
When you are done uploading you can click the "back" at the bottom of the screen to take you back to your main folders.
Editing
To edit a file just click the text wording of its' name. The right hand side will allow you to show file, delete file, edit file, change permissions, rename file, copy file, and move file.