.htaccess GeneratorOptimize Your Apache Server
Test your .htaccess rewrite rules for HTTP redirects (server-side). Generate optimized .htaccess files for Apache servers with security rules, compression, caching, redirects, and SEO optimizations. Create production-ready server configurations in seconds.
This tool is leveraging the API developed by the madewithlove team; their original tool can be found at htaccess.madewithlove.com
.htaccess Configuration
Used for hotlinking protection and redirects
Core Features
Advanced Options
Comprehensive .htaccess Features
Everything you need to optimize your Apache server configuration
Security Rules
Block access to sensitive files, prevent directory browsing, block common exploits, and protect against hotlinking. Keep your server secure with industry-standard rules.
Performance Optimization
Enable GZIP compression, set browser caching headers, optimize static asset delivery, and reduce server response times for better user experience and SEO scores.
URL Redirects
Force HTTPS redirects, remove www prefixes, handle trailing slashes, and create custom redirect rules for better SEO and user experience.
SEO Optimization
Remove trailing slashes, handle canonical redirects, prevent duplicate content, and optimize URL structure for better search engine crawling and indexing.
Maintenance Mode
Enable maintenance mode with custom messages, IP whitelisting, and automatic redirects. Perfect for site updates and scheduled maintenance.
Custom Rules
Add your own custom .htaccess rules alongside generated ones. Full flexibility to include specific server configurations and custom directives.
.htaccess Rule Categories
Comprehensive coverage of all major .htaccess use cases
Security Rules
- • Block sensitive files access
- • Disable directory browsing
- • Prevent hotlinking
- • Block common exploits
Performance Rules
- • GZIP compression
- • Browser caching headers
- • Expires directives
- • Content optimization
Redirect Rules
- • Force HTTPS redirects
- • Remove www prefixes
- • Custom URL redirects
- • Trailing slash handling
SEO Rules
- • Canonical URL redirects
- • Remove trailing slashes
- • Prevent duplicate content
- • URL structure optimization
Maintenance Rules
- • Maintenance mode toggle
- • IP whitelisting
- • Custom maintenance pages
- • Automatic redirects
Custom Rules
- • Add custom directives
- • Include specific rules
- • Advanced configurations
- • Server-specific rules
How .htaccess Generator Works
Simple steps to create optimized .htaccess files
Configure Options
Select the features you need: security rules, compression, caching, redirects, SEO optimizations, and maintenance mode. Customize domain settings and cache expiration times.
Generate Rules
Click generate to create optimized .htaccess rules based on your configuration. The tool automatically includes best practices and validates rule compatibility.
Download & Deploy
Download your generated .htaccess file and upload it to your website's root directory. The rules will be automatically applied to improve security and performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a .htaccess file?
A .htaccess file is a configuration file for Apache web servers that allows you to control server behavior on a per-directory basis. It can handle redirects, security rules, compression, caching, and many other server configurations without requiring server administrator access.
Do I need root access to use .htaccess?
No, .htaccess files work on shared hosting and managed servers where you don't have root access. As long as the server administrator has enabled .htaccess support (which is common), you can use .htaccess files to configure your website's behavior.
Will .htaccess slow down my website?
Modern Apache servers are optimized for .htaccess usage and the performance impact is minimal. The benefits of proper .htaccess configuration (compression, caching, security) far outweigh any small performance overhead, and the rules we generate are optimized for performance.
Can I use .htaccess on Nginx servers?
No, .htaccess files are specific to Apache servers. Nginx uses a different configuration system. However, many hosting providers offer both Apache and Nginx options, and some automatically convert .htaccess rules to Nginx configuration.
What if I already have a .htaccess file?
You can merge the generated rules with your existing .htaccess file. Be careful not to duplicate rules and test thoroughly after making changes. Always backup your existing .htaccess file before replacing it with a new one.
How do I test my .htaccess rules?
Test your .htaccess rules by uploading them to your server and checking your website functionality. Use tools like browser developer tools to check for errors, and test specific features like redirects and compression. Always have a backup of your working .htaccess file.