Setting up Github Repo in DirectAdmin

In this article, we will see how we can integrate our GitHub repo in DirectAdmin using Git Manager. Please ensure your hosting plan has Git and SSH Keys (Shell Access) enabled before you begin or ask you hosting provider if required.

1. Create an SSH Key

Log in to your DirectAdmin Web Hosting Panel and locate SSH Keys under the Advanced Features section.

Click on SSH Keys, and click on CREATE KEY button:

Use recommended settings:

Key name: mygithubkey or any other meaningful name
Authorize: not needed in our case
Key size: 4096 bits
Password: empty

After the key is created, download it.

Please note that a key pair is created and an equivalent private key exists in the same place/directory on the server with the same name but without .pub extension. In the above example, a private key must exist at .ssh/mygithubkey


2. Create Github Repo


Now it's time to create a GitHub repository if you have not done so yet.

Create a new repository in GitHub.

Recommended repository name: your-domain.com

Example: example.com

Recommended settings:

Visibility: Private
License: Add a license if the project should be re-used, shared, or open-sourced

Mostly, we recommend using a private repository, because the website code is usually not meant to be shared publicly.

A license is not required for GitHub deployment to work. However, adding a license is useful if the project may be shared or re-used later. Without a license, default copyright rules apply, which means others do not automatically receive permission to use, copy, or modify the code.

3. Copy GitHub SSH Remote URL

After creating the repository, copy the SSH remote URL.

It should look like this:

git@github.com:YOUR_GITHUB_USERNAME/YOUR_REPOSITORY.git

Example:

git@github.com:company/example.com.git

4. Add Deploy Key to GitHub

In GitHub, open the repository and go to:

Settings → Deploy keys → Add deploy key

Title: mydeploykey (or any other meaningful name)
Key: public key from DirectAdmin

Checking the box Write access is not required because DirectAdmin only pulls (or reads) files from GitHub.

5. Create and Configure Repository in DirectAdmin

In DirectAdmin, go to Git under Advanced Features

Click on Create Repository

Enter your GitHub repository details:

Remote:

git@github.com:[your_username]/[your_repository].git

Keyfile:

.ssh/[your_key_name]_rsa

Example:

Remote:

git@github.com:company/example.com.git

Keyfile:

.ssh/github_rsa

Then click edit and configure deployment settings:

Deploy branch:

main

Deploy directory:

domains/[your-domain]/public_html

Example:

domains/example.com/public_html

Save the settings and copy the Webhook URL from DirectAdmin (click on the repo link you created to see the URL)

6. Add Webhook in GitHub

In GitHub, go to:

Settings → Webhooks → Add webhook

Use:

Payload URL: Webhook URL copied from DirectAdmin
Content type: application/json
Event: Just the push event
Active: yes

This allows GitHub to notify DirectAdmin when changes are pushed.

7. Add Website Files to GitHub

Before testing deployment, make sure the repository contains the website files.

For a simple website, the repository should include files such as:

index.html
style.css
assets/
.htaccess

Please note that the index.html file should be in the main repository folder, not inside another folder.

Commit and push the files to the main branch.

8. Test Your Deployment

In DirectAdmin Git Manager:

1. Click Fetch.
2. Click Deploy.
3. Open the website in a browser.
4. Push a small change to GitHub.
5. Check that the website updates automatically.

Website files should be deployed to:

domains/[your_domain]/public_html