'Output truncated' message when you try to list files using FTP

This article describes a problem that may occur when you try to list files using an FTP client, and how to resolve it.

Problem

When you try to view the listing for a directory that contains many files, your FTP client displays the following message:

226 Output truncated to 10000 matches

Cause

This issue occurs because the FTP server limits directory listings to 10,000 files. If there are more than 10,000 files in a directory, the FTP server cuts off (truncates) the output listing.

Resolution

To resolve this issue, use any of the following alternate methods (all of which are also more secure than using regular unencrypted FTP to access your account):

• Use the cPanel File Manager to view the directory listing in your web browser.
• Use SFTP (Secure FTP) to view the directory listing in an FTP client. SFTP does not have the directory listing limit that regular FTP does.
  SFTP relies on SSH (Secure Shell), and shared hosting accounts only have one SSH login. You may not want to share your account password with other users just so they can use SFTP to transfer some files. Instead, you can set up SSH key pairs for your users. For detailed information about how to set up SFTP access for multiple users, please see this article.
• Use SSH to view the directory listing from the command line.
• Use SSHFS (Secure Shell Filesystem) to view the directory as if it is stored on your local computer.