.htaccess Configuration Generator
The .htaccess file is a powerful configuration file used by Apache web servers to control how your website behaves. Use this tool to generate common rules without needing to code.
New to .htaccess?
- Where does it go? Upload this file to the
public_htmlor root folder of your website using FTP or File Manager. - The Dot Matters: Ensure the filename is exactly
.htaccess(it starts with a period). - Backup First: Always save a copy of your current file before replacing it!
What .htaccess does and when to use it
An .htaccess file lets you apply Apache configuration to a single directory and everything beneath it, without touching the main server config or needing a restart. That convenience is why shared hosting relies on it so heavily.
The rules this generator produces
Force HTTPS adds a rewrite condition that checks whether the current request arrived over a plain connection, and issues a 301 redirect to the secure equivalent if so. The 301 matters: it is permanent, so browsers and search engines update their records rather than re-checking every visit.
Disable directory indexes sets Options -Indexes, which stops Apache from listing file names when a folder has no index page. Without it, anyone who guesses a directory path can browse your file structure.
Practical cautions
Apache reads .htaccess on every single request, and for every parent directory in the path. On a busy site that adds measurable overhead. If you control the main server configuration, put the same directives in your virtual host instead and gain the performance back.
A syntax error in .htaccess produces a 500 error across the whole directory rather than being ignored. Always keep a copy of the working version before editing, and test on a staging path first if you can.
Rewrite rules also need mod_rewrite enabled and AllowOverride permitting the directives you use. If your rules appear to do nothing at all, that pairing is the first thing to check.
Back up first
Copy the existing file before you change it. A broken .htaccess takes the whole directory down with a 500.
301 versus 302
Use 301 for permanent moves so link equity transfers. A 302 tells search engines the change is temporary.
Order matters
Rules are evaluated top to bottom. A broad early rule can swallow requests intended for a later one.
Frequently asked questions
Why are my rewrite rules being ignored?
Usually mod_rewrite is not enabled, or AllowOverride in the server configuration is set to None for that directory. Both must permit the directives before .htaccess can apply them.
Does .htaccess slow down my site?
Slightly. Apache checks for the file on every request across every parent directory. Moving the rules into the virtual host removes that lookup entirely.
Does this work on Nginx?
No. The .htaccess mechanism is specific to Apache. Nginx uses a central configuration file and has no per-directory equivalent.
Where should the file live?
In the directory you want the rules to affect. Placing it in your web root applies the rules to the entire site.