# Set default files for new accounts
Source: https://docs.webgee.com/en/hosting/how-do-i-use-a-skeleton-directory-to-set-the-default-contents-of-newly-added-dom







Give every new cPanel account you create a starting set of files. Applies to
reseller accounts with WHM.

A new account has an empty `public_html`, so the domain returns **403 Forbidden**
until something is uploaded. For a client who has just been handed their details,
that looks like a broken service.

The **skeleton directory** copies files into `public_html` and `public_ftp` on
every account created afterwards.

## Set it up [#set-it-up]

1. Sign in to **WHM** as root.

2. Open **Account Functions**.

   <img alt="Account Functions in WHM" src="__img0" />

3. Select **Skeleton Directory**.

   <img alt="The Skeleton Directory option" src="__img1" />

4. Add your files to the `public_html` area shown.

## What to put there [#what-to-put-there]

**A holding page.** Something branded saying the site is being set up, with your
contact details. Better than a 403, and better than the default parking page.

**A default `.htaccess`**, if you apply the same rules to every site — security
headers, or a redirect.

**A `robots.txt`** disallowing everything, so a half-built site is not indexed
before launch. Worth removing at go-live.

<Callout type="warn">
  The skeleton applies only to accounts created **after** you set it up. Existing
  accounts are untouched, and there is no way to apply it retrospectively.
</Callout>

## Keep it small [#keep-it-small]

Every file is copied into every new account, so it counts against each client's
disk quota. A holding page and a stylesheet, not a full template with image
assets.

## Check it worked [#check-it-worked]

Create a test account and visit its domain. You should see your holding page.
Terminate the test account afterwards.

## Related [#related]

* [Create a reseller account in WHM](/en/reseller/how-to-create-a-reseller-whm)
* [Set up custom DNS zone templates in WHM](/en/reseller/setting-up-custom-dns-zone-templates-in-whm)