By default, Plesk for Linux stores user data in the /var directory. To achieve optimal result, we recommend partitioning the server hard disk as follows:

Partition Recommended Size
SWAP Refer to the OS vendor recommendation (usually at least the amount of RAM on the server times two).
/ 20GB minimum, 50GB recommended. This partition will be used for the OS and Plesk updates.
/tmp At least 3GB recommended.
/var The rest of the unallocated disk space. This partition will hold all Plesk domains, mail, backups, and databases.

Pay attention to the following directories - they may hold large amounts of data:

  • /var/www/vhosts - hosted domains content.
  • /var/qmail - mail configuration and content.
  • /var/lib/mysql - MySQL databases.
  • /var/lib/psa/dumps - Plesk client/domain backups.
  • /var/lib/pgsql/data - PostgreSQL databases.
  • /var/tomcat* - Tomcat applications.
  • /var/lib/mailman - Mailman lists.
  • /usr/local/psa/tmp/ and /usr/local/psa/PMM/tmp/ - temporary files created during the backup process.

These directories can be changed by editing the /etc/psa/psa.conf file (for example, if you want to change the location of the directory in which the website data is stored).