{"id":998,"date":"2021-04-03T12:23:13","date_gmt":"2021-04-03T12:23:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pheonixsolutions.com\/knowledge-base\/?p=998"},"modified":"2026-05-09T05:58:53","modified_gmt":"2026-05-09T05:58:53","slug":"how-to-place-document-roots-for-addon-subdomains-outside-of-public_html","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pheonixsolutions.com\/knowledge-base\/2021\/04\/03\/how-to-place-document-roots-for-addon-subdomains-outside-of-public_html\/","title":{"rendered":"How to place document roots for addon\/subdomains outside of public_html"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
Introduction<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
In cPanel hosting environments, addon domains and subdomains are usually created inside the public_html<\/code> directory by default. While this setup works, it can become difficult to manage when hosting multiple websites under a single account.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Placing document roots outside of public_html<\/code> provides better organization, improved security, and easier maintenance. Each website can have its own isolated directory structure, reducing the risk of accidental file exposure or conflicts between websites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This guide explains how to create addon domains and subdomains with document roots located outside the public_html<\/code> directory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Prerequisites<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Before proceeding, ensure the following requirements are met:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Access to:\n
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cPanel<\/li>\n\n\n\n
SSH (optional but recommended)<\/li>\n\n\n\n
WHM\/root access (for server-wide configuration if needed)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n
Proper DNS configuration<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
IMPLEMENTATION<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
By default, addon and subdomain document roots are restricted to the publich_hml of the account under which they are created. Please follow the below steps to disable this restriction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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Log in to WHM.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
2. Navigate to the following location. Home>> Server configuration>> Tweak settings<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
3. Click the “Domains” tab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
4. Change the “Restrict document roots to public_html” setting to “Off.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
5. Click the “Save” button at the bottom of the page.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Placing addon and subdomain document roots outside of public_html<\/code> is a recommended practice for maintaining a cleaner and more secure hosting environment. It improves website organization, simplifies management, and reduces the risk of conflicts between hosted domains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By configuring custom document roots either through cPanel or WHM, administrators can create a more scalable and professional hosting structure suitable for managing multiple websites efficiently<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Introduction In cPanel hosting environments, addon domains and subdomains are usually created inside the public_html directory by default. While this setup works, it can become difficult to manage when hosting multiple websites under a single account. Placing document roots outside of public_html provides better organization, improved security, and easier maintenance. Each website can have its ..<\/p>\n
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