Htaccess Redirect Generator

1. Select redirect type





2. Enter your domain name


Do not include www. Domain name only - e.g. yourdomain.com

3. Get your code

Get .htaccess Code

4. Copy the code to your .htaccess file



About Htaccess Redirect Generator

The .htaccess file is a configuration file used by web servers running the Apache Web Server software. .htaccess stands for "Hypertext Access" and allows you to customize and control how the server behaves. When placed in the root directory of your website, Apache detects the file and executes the commands contained within it. This file can be used for a variety of tasks including:

  • Modifying the configuration of the Apache Web Server.
  • Enabling or disabling specific features.
  • Handling redirects.
  • Securing passwords.
  • Blocking access from specific IP addresses.
  • Redirecting visitors to other pages or websites.

These are just a few examples; .htaccess files can be coded to perform many more functions. It is important to note that the file name must remain as .htaccess, and it cannot have a different name or extension. If renamed or saved with an extension, the server will not recognize the file.

How to Create and Use an .htaccess File

Creating a .htaccess file is easy and can be done using a text editor like TextPad, UltraEdit, or Microsoft WordPad. Avoid using Microsoft Notepad as it might not format the file correctly. The .htaccess file can contain single or multiple lines of code, depending on what functions you want to implement.

Once the file is created, it needs to be uploaded using an FTP (File Transfer Protocol) program. Make sure to upload it in "ASCII" mode. Some FTP programs default to "BINARY" mode, so you need to change it to "ASCII" before uploading. After uploading the .htaccess file to the desired directory, you may not see it in your file manager because it is a hidden file. This is normal.

Common Uses for .htaccess

Error Handling

The .htaccess file is particularly useful for handling errors on your website. It allows you to create custom error pages, such as for 404 (not found) or 500 (internal server error) messages. Instead of showing a default error message, you can redirect visitors to a more user-friendly error page, which improves the user experience.

Redirects

Redirects are one of the most common uses of the .htaccess file. A redirect allows you to guide your website’s visitors from one page to another. You can also use redirects to send visitors from your website to an entirely different website. This feature is very useful when you no longer want certain pages accessible, or when you're updating your site's structure.

Password Protection

To secure certain parts of your website, you can use the .htaccess file to set up password protection. This is commonly used when sensitive information is on a site that should only be accessed by authorized users. You can set up a username and password that must be entered before gaining access.

Denying Access by IP Address

The .htaccess file also allows webmasters to block specific IP addresses from accessing their site. This can help protect against spam or unwanted visitors. By blocking IPs that you do not want to visit your site, you can ensure only trusted users are accessing your content. This can also be used to restrict access based on geographical location.

Using the .htaccess Redirect Generator

To make it easier to implement redirects in the .htaccess file, there are online tools available. One example is the .htaccess Redirect Generator tool provided by Free SEO Tools - RAC. This tool allows you to easily create the necessary code for redirects between www and non-www versions of your domain.

  1. Visit Free SEO Tools - RAC and find the .htaccess Redirect Generator tool.
  2. Choose from two options:
    • Redirect from www to non-www
    • Redirect from non-www to www
  3. Enter your domain name and click "Get Your Code."
  4. The generated code will appear, which you can copy and paste into your .htaccess file.

Conclusion

The .htaccess file is a powerful tool for webmasters. It allows you to control various aspects of your website’s functionality, from redirecting visitors to blocking certain IP addresses. It’s important to be familiar with the commands and functionality that .htaccess provides before making changes, as incorrect settings could disrupt the way your website functions. If you're not confident in editing .htaccess files, consider consulting a developer or gaining a better understanding of HTML and server configuration. Always ensure you back up your .htaccess file before making any changes to avoid potential issues.