The document root is the directory where Plesk serves your website files from. By default it is set to `httpdocs`, but you may need to change it — for example, if your framework uses a `public` subdirectory or you want to point to a different folder.

### How to change the document root

1. Log in to Plesk.
2. Go to **Websites & Domains**.
3. Find the domain you want to modify and click **Hosting & DNS** tab > **Hosting**. (In some Plesk views, this is labelled **Hosting Settings**.)
4. Find the **Document root** field. It shows the current directory (usually `httpdocs`).
5. Change the value to your desired directory path. For example:
   - `httpdocs/public` — for Laravel, Symfony, or other frameworks
   - `httpdocs/web` — for some CMS platforms
   - A completely different folder name you have created
6. Click **OK** or **Save** to apply the change.

### Important notes

- The path is relative to your webspace root directory, not an absolute server path.
- The directory must already exist. If it does not, create it first using **File Manager** or FTP.
- Changing the document root does not move your files — it only changes where Plesk looks for them. You need to make sure your website files are in the new directory.
- This change takes effect immediately. Your site may go offline briefly if the new directory is empty or missing key files.
- SSL certificates are not affected by document root changes.

### Common use cases

- **Laravel / Symfony:** Set document root to `httpdocs/public` so only the `public` folder is web-accessible.
- **Subdirectory install:** Point to a subfolder like `httpdocs/blog` if you installed a CMS in a subdirectory.
- **Separating app and public files:** Keep your application code above the document root for better security.

### Troubleshooting

- **403 Forbidden after change:** The new directory exists but has no `index.html` or `index.php` file. Upload your files or check the path.
- **Site shows wrong content:** Double-check the directory path. A typo will point to the wrong folder or a non-existent one.
- **Cannot find Hosting Settings:** On some Plesk views, go to the **Hosting & DNS** tab first, then click **Hosting**.

### Related Guides

- [Clone the site](/hc/help/en/articles/how-to-clone-your-website-in-plesk)
- [Set the PHP version](/hc/help/en/articles/how-to-change-the-php-version-for-a-domain-in-plesk)
- [For a WordPress install](/hc/help/en/articles/how-to-install-wordpress-using-wp-toolkit-in-plesk)