> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.aikeedo.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Installing Aikeedo in cPanel

> Learn how to install Aikeedo on your cPanel hosting, whether you're using a main domain, add-on domain, or subdomain.

Welcome to the Aikeedo installation guide for cPanel! This comprehensive tutorial will walk you through the process of setting up Aikeedo on your cPanel hosting environment. Whether you're using a main domain, an add-on domain, or a subdomain, we've got you covered.

## Before You Start

1. Ensure your server meets our [requirements](/overview/server-requirements).
2. Prepare a database and note down its name, username, and password.
3. Have your Aikeedo purchase code ready.

## Understanding the Public Directory

It's crucial to understand how Aikeedo's file structure works with your domain:

* Aikeedo has a `public` directory that contains web-accessible files.
* Your domain should point to this `public` directory, not the root of all Aikeedo files.
* The `public` directory cannot be moved; it must remain within the Aikeedo file structure.

In cPanel, this typically meanss:

* For main domains: copying the contents of the `public` folder to your `public_html` directory.
* For add-on domains or subdomains: setting the document root to the `public` folder within your Aikeedo installation.

## Installation Process

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Main Domain">
    Follow these steps to install Aikeedo on your main domain in cPanel:

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Upload the Archive">
        * Locate the `aikeedo-server-files.zip` archive in your Aikeedo package.
        * Upload this archive to the directory one level above your `public_html` folder.
          For example, if your `public_html` path is `/home/username/public_html`, upload to `/home/username/`.

        <Note>
          If you can't find the zip file, refer to our [File Structure](/overview/file-structure) guide.
        </Note>
      </Step>

      <Step title="Extract the Archive">
        Once uploaded, extract the contents of `aikeedo-server-files.zip` in the same directory.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Configure the Public Directory">
        * Find the `public` folder within the extracted files (e.g., `/home/username/public`).
        * **Copy** (<Tooltip tip="Moving files can lead to errors like &#x22;Fatal error: Uncaught Twig\Error\LoaderError: There are no registered paths for namespace theme.&#x22;">do not move</Tooltip>) all contents from this `public` folder to your `public_html` directory.
        * Make sure to include hidden files and folders (such as .htaccess file or .vite directory).
      </Step>

      <Step title="Update the Environment File">
        * Locate the `.env.example` file in your Aikeedo root directory (e.g., `/home/username/`).
        * Find the line that contains `# PUBLIC_DIR=public_html`.
        * Uncomment this line by removing the `#` symbol and the space after it.
        * The final version of this line should look like:
          ```env .env.example theme={null}
          PUBLIC_DIR=public_html
          ```
        * Save the changes to the file.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Begin the Installation">
        * Open your web browser and navigate to your domain.
        * You'll be automatically redirected to the installation page at `/install`.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Complete the Setup">
        * Follow the on-screen instructions in the installation wizard.
        * You'll need to provide:
          * Database credentials
          * Your Aikeedo purchase code
          * Admin account details
        * Complete all steps as guided by the wizard.
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Add-on Domain or Subdomain">
    Follow these steps to install Aikeedo on an add-on domain or subdomain in cPanel:

    <Steps>
      <Step title="Upload the Archive">
        * Locate the `aikeedo-server-files.zip` archive in your Aikeedo package.
        * Upload this archive to your add-on domain or subdomain root directory.
          For example: `/home/username/yourdomain.com/`

        <Note>
          If you can't find the zip file, refer to our [File Structure](/overview/file-structure) guide.
        </Note>
      </Step>

      <Step title="Extract the Archive">
        Once uploaded, extract the contents of `aikeedo-server-files.zip` in the same directory.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Update Domain Root Directory">
        * In cPanel, navigate to **Domains** > **Addon Domains** (or **Subdomains**).
        * Click **Manage** next to your domain.
        * Update the **Document Root** to point to the `public` folder within your extracted files.
          For example: `/home/username/yourdomain.com/public`
        * Save your changes.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Begin the Installation">
        * Open your web browser and navigate to your add-on domain or subdomain URL.
        * You'll be automatically redirected to the installation page at `/install`.
      </Step>

      <Step title="Complete the Setup">
        * Follow the on-screen instructions in the installation wizard.
        * You'll need to provide:
          * Database credentials
          * Your Aikeedo purchase code
          * Admin account details
        * Complete all steps as guided by the wizard.
      </Step>
    </Steps>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Important Notes

* Throughout this guide, we use absolute paths (e.g., `/home/username/`). In cPanel's file manager, you might not see the `/home/username/` part. For example, `/home/username/public_html` might appear as just `/public_html`.
* Always ensure you're working in the correct directory for your specific domain setup.
* The `public` directory contains all files that should be publicly accessible. Don't confuse this with cPanel's default `public_html` directory.

## Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues during the installation process:

1. Double-check that you've followed each step correctly.
2. Ensure all file permissions are set correctly.
3. Verify that your server meets all the [requirements](/overview/server-requirements).
4. For more detailed troubleshooting steps, please refer to our dedicated [Troubleshooting Guide](/setup/troubleshooting).

## Next Steps

After successfully installing Aikeedo:

1. Follow our [Initial Setup Guide](/setup/initial-setup) to configure your new installation.
2. Explore [Website Basics](/website-basics/essentials) to learn about key Aikeedo features.
3. Consider setting up [email](/email/mailer) for your Aikeedo instance.

Congratulations! You've successfully installed Aikeedo on your cPanel hosting. You're now ready to harness the power of AI for your content creation needs.

## Need Help?

If you need assistance with Aikeedo:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Professional Support" icon="headset" href="https://aikeedo.com/support/">
    Get expert help from our team with a paid support subscription
  </Card>

  <Card title="Troubleshooting Guide" icon="wrench" href="/setup/troubleshooting">
    Check common issues and solutions
  </Card>
</CardGroup>