How do I add SSH keys to my account?

SSH keys let you log in via SFTP or SSH without entering a password. You add your public key in DirectAdmin; the private key stays on your computer.

Step 1: Generate an SSH key (if you don't have one)

On your computer, open a terminal and run:

ssh-keygen -t ed25519 -C "your_email@example.com"

Or for RSA (e.g. on older systems):

ssh-keygen -t rsa -b 4096 -C "your_email@example.com"

Press Enter to accept the default file location. Optionally set a passphrase for extra security.

Your public key is saved in ~/.ssh/id_ed25519.pub or ~/.ssh/id_rsa.pub. Open this file and copy the entire line—you'll need it in the next step.

Step 2: Add the key in DirectAdmin

1. Log in to DirectAdmin via the link in your welcome email, or go to my.planetnode.net, open your webhosting product, and click the login button
2. Go to Advanced Features → SSH Keys
3. Click Paste Key in the Actions box
4. Paste your public key (the full line from id_ed25519.pub or id_rsa.pub)
5. Add an optional comment (e.g. "My laptop") to identify the key
6. Click Create

Step 3: Verify

Your key should appear under Authorized Keys. You can now connect via SFTP or SSH without entering your password when using the key on your computer.

Key format

A public key looks like this:

ssh-ed25519 AAAAC3NzaC1lZDI1NTE5AAAAI... your_email@example.com

or:

ssh-rsa AAAAB3NzaC1yc2EAAAADAQABAAAC... your_email@example.com

Paste the entire line as a single line—no line breaks in the middle.

Additional resources

• DirectAdmin: Managing server over SSH
• DirectAdmin: SSH Keys feature