Instead of manually changing the date every time you edit a file, the server updates the timestamp automatically when the page is viewed. The Core SSI Commands
Q: How often should I update my SHTML files? A: The frequency of updates depends on your specific needs and goals, but aim to update your SHTML files at least once a week.
Option + Cmd + E (Clear cache) then Cmd + R (Reload) 2. Bypass Browser Cache via Developer Tools If a hard refresh doesn't work, open your developer tools. Open Developer Tools ( F12 or Right-Click -> Inspect ). Go to the Network tab. Check the box that says "Disable cache" . Reload the page while the developer tools are open. 3. Clear Server-Side Caching (CDN/Caching Plugins) view shtml updated
Last updated: January 2026. This guide is compatible with Apache 2.4+, Nginx 1.20+, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.
: Open it in a text editor (Notepad++, VS Code, or even standard Notepad). Instead of manually changing the date every time
https://yoursite.com/page.shtml?ver=2
By mastering the techniques outlined in this guide, from a simple Ctrl+F5 hard refresh to setting proper Cache-Control headers on your server, you can take full control of your content delivery. Whether you are a developer working locally or a site owner ensuring a seamless experience for your visitors, you now have the knowledge to confidently view, manage, and serve the latest version of your SHTML content every single time. Option + Cmd + E (Clear cache) then Cmd + R (Reload) 2
Updating an .shtml file requires care, as a mistake in the SSI directive can break the layout of the page. Method 1: Using FTP/SFTP (Recommended) Connect to your server using an FTP client like FileZilla . Locate the .shtml file.
What are you using (Apache, Nginx, IIS)?