A WordPress file management plugin allows developers and site owners to streamline files on the WordPress dashboard. You can access all your files from a single location without logging into the Control Panel of the File Transfer Protocol (FTP) client. In this article, we handpick the best WordPress file manager plugins in 2024 to help you make an informed choice.
WordPress file manager plugins perform all the basic functionalities like copying, removing, uploading, or moving files, helping you organize and access them easily. An advanced file manager can streamline your content management process, optimize website functionality, and improve the user experience.
What is a WordPress File Manager?
A WordPress file management plugin helps users easily access and manage their files in the WordPress environment. Website owners and developers can use these extensions to upload documents and manage files directly on the WP dashboard without accessing the web hosting control panel or FTP client.
How to Identify the Best WordPress File Manager Plugins?
The best WordPress file management plugins share specific features. Let’s walk you through the fundamentals.
Compare the Features
Ensure your shortlisted file manager has all the features necessary to manage files and folders. You should also check for any advanced functionalities that can improve your user experience.
Check Compatibility
Always check if your shortlisted WordPress file manager plugin is compatible with your current WordPress hosting plans. We recommend reading the widget’s documentation for compatibility with third-party WordPress plugins.
Test the Reliability
Ensure your shortlisted file management plugin is listed in the WordPress plugin directory. You can also read the latest user reviews to see what other users think of it.
5 Best WordPress File Manager Plugins Compared
Here are the five best WordPress file manager plugins for your website in 2024. Compare the key features, pros, and cons before making up your mind.
File Manager
File Manager is an intuitive WordPress file management plugin ideal for organizing all your files and folders on the WP dashboard. The widget is compatible with most third-party extensions, is easy to use, and comes with an integrated development environment (IDE).
Key Features
- Built-in Database Management: You can add, delete, copy, and move records and tables from the WordPress backend.
- Simplified File Management: Organize files and folders by type and add, remove, and manage your files without logging into the FTP client.
- Effortless Uploads and Organization: Manage user uploads, create folders, and organize files for greater efficiency.
- Restricted Access: Create private files or restrict user access to specific folders for greater privacy.
- SEO-friendly: The plugin uses clean codes and consumes fewer server resources right out of the box. You can combine it with a performance plugin to further improve page load speed.
Pros
- The plugin is beginner-friendly and easy to install, set up, and use
- Compatible with most third-party WordPress extensions
- Can be customized according to your website’s theme
- You can share files easily via email
- Preview common file types including media, such as images, videos, and audio
Cons
- No support is available
FileBird
FIleBird is a popular WordPress file management plugin that lets you manage documents and media from within the WordPress Media Library. The tool has a user-friendly interface and helps you create subfolders to categorize and structure your website content.
Key Features
- Drag-and-Drop Editor: Easily arrange the files and folders on your WordPress website just as you arrange them on the desktop.
- Smart Contextual Menu: Create, rename, and delete files and folders with a single click.
- Color-coded Folders: Segregate folders with color coding to help users find what they are looking for.
- Dynamic Image Gallery: Display images neatly on your website using the FireBird Gallery.
- Multiple Folder Themes: Choose between Windows 11, Dropbox, or the default FireBird folder theme.
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Pros
- The intuitive file management system helps organize files and folders seamlessly.
- You can use third-party WordPress gallery plugins instead of the default widget
- Compatible with top-rated WordPress page builders like Elementor and Divi
- You can download the entire WP media library or export/import folder structures
- Sort options by modified date, author, or file size
Cons
- Some users may face trouble while updating the free version
Advanced File Manager
Advanced File Manager is a multifunctional plugin packed into a simple interface that allows users to organize WordPress files and folders without logging into cPanel or FTP. The tool offers advanced functionalities such as role restrictions and can be customized with shortcodes.
Key Features
- Easy to Use: The widget is beginner-friendly and can be installed and set up in minutes.
- Multipurpose Tool: Edit, delete, download, zip, upload, or copy files and folders easily.
- Clean Codes: The extension features high-quality codes that consume fewer server resources.
- Shortcode: Use shortcodes to implement themes, hide files and folders, assign use roles, and more.
- Globally Compatible: The plugin is compatible with any WordPress secure hosting plan.
Pros
- Assign admin roles easily
- Access files inside and outside the WordPress root directory
- Upload and organize files with the drag-and-drop feature
- Preview and play audio and video files
- Uses a local file system instead of a cloud database
Cons
- Thr plugin might not work with all websites
File Manager Pro – Filester
FIlester is one of the best WordPress file manager plugins on the market. It is user-friendly, easy to set up, and offers all the functions you need to manage WordPress websites. The plug is fully customizable and allows users to restrict access.
Key Features
- Intuitive File Management: Right-click to access quick operations like the smart content menu and the drag-and-drop feature.
- Advanced Functionalities: Set the default root path, maximum file limits, and rights for different users.
- Flexible Configuration: Take control of file uploads, user interface, access rights, etc., with one click.
- Create or Extract Archives: The tool is compatible with multiple file extensions, including .zip, .rar., .xy, and .gzip.
- File Preview: Take a sneak peek at standard files on the Explorer itself.
Pros
- Supports local file systems
- You can assign a root path for each user role
- The plugin has an advanced hidden files/folders option
- Choose between multiple views
- You get six premade themes to customize the widget
Cons
- Some users might not like the UI
CatFolders
CatFolders is an intuitive WordPress file management plugin that simplifies media organization within the WP media library. It streamlines managing and categorizing media folders on your WordPress website and reduces your media management effort.
Key Features
- Bulk Folder Upload: Drag and drop multiple files or folders just like on the desktop.
- Page Builder Support: CatFolders is compatible with 20+ page builders, including Elementor and Beaver Builder.
- Category Folder Ajax Search: Find folders easily with the built-in search function.
- Sort by File Size: Calculate and sort files by size and clean up your WP media library as required.
- Lightweight Plugin: The widget uses clean code and is optimized to use fewer server resources.
Pros
- Categorize all media file types in WP media folders and find them in your post or page builder
- Simply drag and drop files and folders in WordPress without technical know-how
- Filter and search files easily to save time
- You can select and arrange files in bulk, nest categories within folders, sort files in various categories, and create image galleries.
- It is compatible with the default WP Gute berg editor, WooCommerce, and other WYSIWYG editors.
Cons
- The plugin is new on the market and while there are no cons at the moment, more reputable alternatives are available
Conclusion
That summarizes our list of the best WordPress file manager plugins in 2024. We handpicked the most popular and feature-packed widgets so you can make informed decisions. Compare the key features, pros, and cons to find an extension that best suits your website.
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FAQ
Can I use multiple file managers on my WordPress site?
Yes, you can install multiple file managers on a WordPress website. However, it may reduce page load speed and affect user experience.
Are WordPress file manager plugins compatible with all themes?
The best WordPress file manager plugins are compatible with top-rated WP themes. Read the documentation to check for possible problems.
Can I restrict user access to specific files and folders?
Yes, you can restrict user access to files and folders using any file management plugin mentioned above.
Will a file manager plugin affect my website’s loading speed?
The best WordPress file manager plugins are optimized for SEO. Hence, they will not hamper your site’s loading time.
Can I preview audio and video files on a file manager?
Yes, you can preview audio and video files on some file management plugins like File Manager and Advanced File Manager.
