File management in WordPress is important especially when the administrator has to manage multiple sites. This requires constant access to the file manager to implement the changes needed for upgrades or other maintenance related tasks.
File management is particularly a hassle for bloggers who manage multiple high volume websites. File management activities mean the administrator is constantly logged into the accounts. In addition to being a constant strain on the resources, staying logged in accounts is a serious security loophole that could result in a breach.
It is my personal belief that WordPress offers a solution for every problem in the form of plugins and custom code snippets. I have covered several of these solutions on Cloudways Blog before. These plugins help the developer to achieve a certain functionality in the most effective and quickest way. On the other hand, coding the custom module for such features can take hours and can cause a lot of complexities.
File management is now also possible through the WordPress Dashboard. In order to attain such functionality, we have to use a Plugin built for it. Some plugins can help you with the issue. However, I recommend FileZilla FTP protocol for security reasons.
Advantages of File Manager Access in WordPress
File Manager Access from inside WordPress Dashboard offers several key benefits, some of which are:
- A single location for all tasks: To access files you do not require to log in to your WordPress web hosting cPanel or FTP. All media and WordPress files can be accessed from a single location.
- Plugins support Multi File Uploading: Instant files can be uploaded using the File Manager plugin.
- WordPress Dashboard is more user-friendly than the original File Manager.
- All file related actions supported (Copy, Paste, Delete, Rename, Duplicate, and Drag-and-Drop)
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Features of WordPress File Manager Plugin
You can do the following with the WP File Manager Plugin:
- Copy, Paste, Delete, Rename, and Duplicate files.
- Drag and drop to move files.
- Archives (ZIP, RAR, and TAR files can be downloaded).
- View list or icons with a thumbnail display.
- Editing text, PHP and other files within WordPress.
- View and Edit files.
Once you have installed the plugin, you will see the File Manager interface integrated into the WordPress Settings menu. All the files and folders are available on this menu.
Right-click on any file or folder to view available options and tasks. These options are also accessible on the toolbar.
More power to File Manager plugin with features such as adding cloud capabilities. You can even access your cloud files from within WordPress.
Additional Features
- You can search your desired files within the File Manager Dashboard
- Improved view options like List and Thumbnails.
The full-screen option is also available for distraction free mode. It can be activated from the option located in the top nav bar.
Overall, the plugin is easy to use and has all the necessary featured required for any kind of file management. Another feature the plugin offers is to create archive folder in multiple formats such as TAR, GZIP, BZIP XZ, and ZIP.
Preview option of the plugin gives the details about the content of the folder such as its size, a number of files and the date it was modified on.
You can take a look at the complete features here
WordPress File Manager plugin is an excellent plugin for File Manage Access in WordPress Dashboard. If you access WordPress file manager frequently and don’t want to waste time, you are better off using this plugin.
There’s one more similar plugin I’d like to mention here, and it’s called File Manager. This plugin also allows you to do similar stuff that we have mentioned so far.
If you have a query about the WordPress File Manager plugin, please leave a comment below.
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Ibad Ur Rehman
Ibad Ur Rehman is a WordPress Community Manager at Cloudways. He likes to explore the latest open-source technologies and to interact with different communities. In his free time, he likes to read, watch a series or fly his favorite Cessna 172SP in X Plane 11 flight simulator.
I hope I’m not the only one who think this is a terrible idea..
We close the theme and plugin editor for security reasons… Not to install a plugin that give access to ALL files…
Agreed a million times over for client sites. But it might some in handy at some point for those who know the risks.
Hi Richard, I can’t deny the fact that this plugin is insecure, but the aim of my article is to educate and provide a good file manager plugin for WordPress. As I have mentioned it in the very beginning of my article in 3rd para, that we still recommend users to use FTP Filezilla. However, this plugin can be helpful in many cases to process some quick task within the file manager as well. I appreciate your response 🙂