Skeleton Directory in WHM
The ‘skeleton directory’ is a feature in WHM that allows you easily copy or duplicate the same files to new account’s public_html and public_fip directories when the accounts are created by the system. Basically, you can use this skeleton directory, or skel as a template for new cPanel accounts.
1. Open WHM in your browser, type ‘skeleton’ into the search box, this will sort the menu options for you. Then find and click “Skeleton Directory”.
2. On the Skeleton Directory page you will see the path to the default Skeleton directory. Below that you will find a short description of how to use this folder.
In most cases the WHM/cPanel skeleton directory can be found at: /root/cpanel3-skelWhile unlikely, this folder may change in certain edge cases or potentially with WHM version changes.
3. In order to utilize this folder you will first need to add files, or folders, to this directory via FTP. Once you’ve placed files, or folders, in this directory you can create a new cPanel account to automatically copy these items.
By using the skeleton directory you can automate some default configurations to improve the experience of new customers or to prevent new domains from being indexed without any valid content.
The concept of a skeleton directory is so flexible that you don’t have to use FTP to use it.
Check out the next article on HOW TO: Terminate multiple accounts via WHM or HOW TO: Update cPanel Software.