How to set or increase PHP INI memory_limit or other values?

There are multiple ways to manage PHP settings in OpenPanel. This guide walks you through the available methods and when to use each one.

For OpenPanel users​

Depending on which modules are enabled, users can manage PHP settings using one or more of the following interfaces:

• PHP Limits – Accessible if the php module is enabled. Allows editing of basic PHP limits.
• PHP.INI Editor – Available when the php_ini module is enabled. Provides full access to edit the php.ini file.
• PHP Options – Available with the php_options module. Lets users edit only pre-configured options from the ini file.

Default PHP Version​

The default PHP version used for new domains can be configured via:

OpenPanel > PHP > Default version

1. Select your desired PHP version.
2. Click 'Change' to apply.

PHP Limits​

The PHP Limits interface allows you to configure key PHP directives. You must set the following here:

• max_execution_time
• max_input_time
• max_input_vars
• memory_limit
• post_max_size
• upload_max_filesize

PHP Limits Documentation

NOTE: Settings from the PHP Limits page override those made in PHP.INI Editor or PHP Options.

PHP Options​

This interface allows you to modify commonly used PHP settings—limited to those pre-configured by an Administrator.

PHP Options Documentation

PHP.INI Editor​

For full control, the PHP.INI Editor lets users directly modify the php.ini file for their selected PHP version.

PHP.INI Editor Documentation

For OpenAdmin users​

Administrators can configure system-wide PHP defaults and manage what settings users can change.

Default PHP version​

Set the default PHP version for new users via: OpenAdmin > Settings > User Defaults

1. Choose the default PHP version.
2. Click 'Save' to confirm.

PHP Limits​

Administrators can define default PHP limits available to users via: OpenAdmin > Settings > User Defaults

PHP Options​

Users can only modify options that have been explicitly allowed by the administrator. These keys are pre-defined and applied from the system .ini files.

Administrators can manage these options in two ways:

From the panel: OpenAdmin > Settings > PHP Settings page.

Or via terminal:

• Global default (all users): /etc/openpanel/php/options.txt
• User-specific settings: /home/USERNAME/php.ini/options.txt

PHP.INI Editor​

Administrators can configure the default php.ini files for all PHP versions.

From the panel: OpenAdmin > Settings > PHP Settings page.

Or via terminal:

• Global default (all users): /etc/openpanel/php/ini/
• User-specific settings: /home/USERNAME/php.ini/