How to Access Server Files Through WordPress File Manager Plugin

A WordPress file manager plugin is like your website’s backstage pass, giving you the power to handle file tasks directly from your WordPress dashboard. It sorts all your basic tasks like copying, moving, uploading, and smoothly clearing out files you no longer need.

Plus, these plugins usually feature interfaces that are designed with user-friendliness in mind, ensuring an effortless experience.

This detailed guide delves into the nitty-gritty of using a file manager to upload your precious files, accompanied by our top 6 recommendations for WordPress file manager plugins.

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How to Use the WP File Manager Plugin to Transfer Files and Documents

There are various WordPress file manager plugins available, but for the sake of this tutorial, we will demonstrate the steps of using the  WP File Manager Plugin for file and document transfers.

Additionally, we’ll learn how to create new files and folders and how to edit existing files through this WordPress file management plugin.

Note: Move over to this section to learn about the WP File Manager Plugin’s features.

Step#1: Install and Activate the Plugin

• Download and install the WP File Manager Plugin either from the plugin’s page or within the WordPress admin dashboard (Plugins > Add New).
• Search for “File Manager,” identify the correct plugin (visible in the provided image), and click “Install Now.”
• Ensure to activate the plugin to access its features.

Step#2: Access the WP File Manager Plugin

• Once you have successfully installed and activated the plugin, access it by clicking “WP File Manager” on the left sidebar. This action will unveil the following interface:

• Now, within this interface, you can navigate and access your files and folders.

Step#3: Uploading Files

• To upload files using the WordPress file manager, find the destination folder (we recommend wp-content > uploads).
• Choose between a simple drag-and-drop upload or click Upload files to select your file from Explorer.

Step#4: Create New Files and Folders

• Creating new files in the WordPress file manager is easy. Click on the New File icon, and choose your file type from the available options: TXT (plain text), CSS (Cascading Style Sheet), or HTML (HTML document).

• For folders, click “New Folder”, then choose “New Folder” from the dropdown.

Step#5: Edit Files With the WordPress File Management Plugin

• Click the “Edit File” button. This action opens a code editor in your WordPress dashboard.
• Ensure to save your changes once you’ve completed your edits.

Features of WordPress File Manager Plugin

WP File Manager offers a range of functionalities that streamline file management. While we’ll delve into the features of this plugin, it’s worth noting that other file manager plugins also provide similar capabilities.

Here’s a concise overview of the WP File Manager Plugin features:

• View and Edit files.
• 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.
• Edit text, PHP, and other files within WordPress.

Instant Integration

• Once you have installed the plugin, the File Manager interface integrates into the WordPress Settings menu, presenting a comprehensive list of all files and folders.

Easy Navigation

• Right-click on any file or folder to view available options and tasks. These options are also accessible on the toolbar.

Better Functionality

Also, you get advanced capabilities, including seamless integration with cloud services, and a lot more.

File Discovery

• The File Manager Dashboard facilitates efficient file discovery through an intuitive search functionality, allowing users to easily locate specific files.

Multiple Viewing Options

• Users benefit from versatile view options, including List and Thumbnails, customizing the interface to individual preferences.

Distraction-Free Mode

• You can maximize focus with the full-screen option, which is easily activated from the top navigation bar for a distraction-free experience.

User-Friendly

Overall, the plugin is easy to use and has all the necessary features required for any kind of file management. Additional features include the creation of archive folders in multiple formats like TAR, GZIP, BZIP XZ, and ZIP.

Detailed Folder Insights

The preview feature of the plugin provides comprehensive details about the folder’s content, including its size, the count of files, and the date of the last modification.

You can take a look at the complete features of the WP File Manager Plugin here.

Advantages of File Manager Access in WordPress

File Manager Access from inside the WordPress Dashboard offers several key benefits, some of which are:

• A single location for all tasks: Access files without the need to log in to your WordPress web hosting cPanel or FTP. All media and WordPress files can be managed from a unified location.
• Efficient File Handling: Simplifies file tasks with a user-friendly interface for actions like copying, moving, and deleting files, eliminating the need for external tools.
• Time and Effort Saving: Streamlines file management by consolidating tasks within the WordPress environment, saving time and effort compared to external control panels or FTP clients.
• Streamlined Workflow: Enhances the overall workflow by centralizing file management, reducing complexity, and making it more intuitive within the familiar WordPress interface.
• Improved Security: Offers a secure method for managing files directly from WordPress, minimizing the risks associated with external logins and potential security vulnerabilities.
• User Accessibility: Provides a more accessible solution for users unfamiliar with FTP or cPanel, making file management tasks inclusive for a broader range of users.

6 Best WordPress File Manager Plugins

WordPress provides a variety of plugins, including file managers, to improve your website’s functionality.

Consider the following factors when selecting a WordPress file manager plugin:

• Features: Confirm that the plugin includes essential file and folder management functions. Look for advanced features like a database or code editor if needed.
• Compatibility: Check the plugin’s last update date; preferably, choose one updated within the last three months. Ensure compatibility with the latest WordPress version.
• Reliability: Verify that the plugin is listed on the official WordPress Plugins directory and has positive customer reviews.

With this criterion in mind, here are our top six recommended file manager plugins.

1. Bit File Manager

First up, we have the File Manager by Bit Form Team, a 100% free, open-source WordPress plugin designed to streamline your file management experience. With a user-friendly interface, this plugin simplifies essential tasks, making FTP concerns a thing of the past.

Active installations:

• 20,000+

Key Features:

• Quickly upload files with the convenience of drag and drop.
• Choose between List and Icons view for a personalized file management experience.
• Handle various archives, including zip, rar, 7z, tar, gzip, and bzip2.
• Edit images and files directly within the plugin.
• Experience automatic synchronization after uploading folders or documents
• Benefit from a robust server backend for smooth operations.
• Operates seamlessly using a local file system, eliminating the need for a database.
• Speed up your workflow with convenient keyboard shortcuts.
• Enjoy a feature-rich context menu and toolbar for enhanced functionality.

Rating & Reviews:

• This plugin has 4.3 out of 5 stars on WordPress.org.

Pricing:

• 100% free and open source

2. Wicked Folders

Next, we have Wicked Folders by Wicked Plugins, a powerful plugin that gives you unparalleled control over folder organization on your WordPress website. This plugin simplifies tasks with an intuitive drag-and-drop interface for seamless file management.

Active installations:

• 20,000+

Key Features:

• Effortlessly organize pages, posts, and custom post types into folders for a neat structure.
• Customize the plugin by determining which post types can be organized using folders.
• Create folders without limitations and nest them for optimal organization.
• Easily reorganize folders and move items intuitively with drag-and-drop functionality.
• Streamline your workflow by bulk-moving items into folders.
• Duplicate folders effortlessly, maintaining consistency across your content.
• Use dynamic folders to filter pages, enhancing content management.
• Identify and organize files without folders in the “Unassigned Items” section.

Rating & Reviews:

• The plugin has 4.9 out of 5 stars on WordPress.org. It has 45 positive reviews in total, with literally no 1-star reviews.

Pricing:

Here’s a breakdown of the pricing plans for WICKED FOLDERS:

FREE EDITION

• Price: $0

WICKED FOLDERS PRO PERSONAL EDITION

• Price: $49
• Includes: One year of plugin updates

WICKED FOLDERS PRO AGENCY EDITION

• Price: $149
• Includes: One year of plugin updates

3. FileBird

FileBird transforms WordPress media library management with its intuitive folder organization system. While the core plugin is free, a premium plan with extended functionalities, such as multiple-page builder support, is available.

Users can explore FileBird through a free demo before committing to installation.

Active installations:

• 100,000+

Key Features:

• Categorize media files into virtual folders, ensuring seamless permalinks during file and folder movements.
• Enhance media management with features like advanced search, product image galleries, and efficient folder download/export.
• Access ultimate control over WordPress media library folders through FileBird’s collapsible sidebar.
• Import and synchronize media category structures seamlessly from various plugins.
• Quickly export the entire WP media folder structure for migration or backup.
• Easily sort and search for files and folders within the media library and the page/post editor.
• FileBird supports RTL languages, enhancing accessibility for users of languages like Hebrew and Arabic.

Rating & Reviews:

• The rating of this plugin is 4.7 out of 5 stars. It has 952 reviews in total, mostly positive.

Pricing:

Regular License

• Cost: $27, including the item price and a buyer fee.

Extended License

• Cost: $199, including the item price and a buyer fee.

4. Filester

Filester, a free WordPress file manager plugin, offers an intuitive drag-and-drop interface that facilitates effortless file arrangement, complementing a smart context menu for quick operations. You get versatile file and folder management functionalities, including copying, moving, uploading, creating, renaming, and duplicating.

Active installations:

• 50,000+

Key Features:

• Copy, move, upload, create folders/files, rename, duplicate, and more for efficient organization.
• Edit WordPress configuration files seamlessly with integrated development environments like ACE Editor, CodeMirror, CKEditor, TinyMCE, etc.
• Customize access rights, unloadable file types/extensions, maximum file size limits, and more according to your preferences.
• Supports various archive formats, including .zip, .rar, .xz, .tar, and .gzip.
• Manage file extensions, visibility, root path access, and .htaccess files through the user authority settings feature.
• Use Photopea, TUI Image Editor, and other tools to edit media files efficiently.
• Access the plugin in your preferred language with support for English, German, Spanish, Italian, French, Japanese, and more.

Rating & Reviews:

• This plugin has an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars and has 110 positive reviews.

Pricing:

• Filester is a WP File Manager Pro plugin that you can download and use entirely for free.

5. Real Media Library

Real Media Manager enhances WordPress media library management with its simple and elegant user interface, featuring a tree structure sidebar for improved organization. The search bar facilitates quick file location, while the plugin offers a free demo for users to explore before downloading.

This file manager plugin also simplifies media library tasks, offering a user-friendly solution with advanced features for efficient file and folder management.

Active installations:

• 80,000+

Key Features:

• Easily move files into folders using intuitive drag-and-drop actions, streamlining file management.
• Hold SHIFT and drag a file to another folder to create a shortcut for efficient file linking.
• Simplify file selection in WordPress by inserting media dialog by filtering files based on folders.
• Adjust the order of files through drag-and-drop or use order functions, providing flexibility in organization.
• Gain insights into the upload process with a modal displaying the current status, remaining time, and upload speed.
• Choose the destination folder during the WordPress media upload, streamlining the file placement process.
• Easily generate galleries with images from specific folders directly in the Gutenberg editor.

Rating & Reviews:

• This plugin has a 4.7 out of 5-star rating. It has a total of 200 mostly positive reviews.

Pricing:

Single

• Price: €39
• License Duration: Lifetime
• Websites: 1
• Updates: Lifetime
• Support: 1 year

Starter

• Price: €79
• License Duration: Lifetime
• Websites: 3
• Updates: Lifetime
• Support: 1 year

Professional

• Price: €119
• License Duration: Lifetime
• Websites: 5
• Updates: Lifetime
• Support: 1 year

Business

• Price: €199
• License Duration: Lifetime
• Websites: 10
• Updates: Lifetime
• Support: 1 year

Agency

• Price: €299
• License Duration: Lifetime
• Websites: 25
• Updates: Lifetime
• Support: 1 year

6. Advanced File Manager

Advanced File Manager streamlines WordPress file management with a simple and intuitive user interface. The premium version offers advanced capabilities like shortcode for logged-in and non-logged-in users, facilitating front-end integration.

This file manager plugin offers essential features for seamless file management in WordPress without overwhelming complexity.

Active installations:

• 100,000+

Key Features:

• Customize the root directory path.
• Manage files inside and outside the WordPress root directory.
• Perform essential upload, download, and delete operations. Also, you can execute various file and folder actions.
• It’s an alternative to FTP for seamless file management.
• Strengthen security by hiding actual file paths and safely moving files to the trash.
• Choose between List and Icons views.
• Create and extract archives (zip, rar, 7z, tar, gzip, bzip2).

Rating & Reviews:

• The product has received a stellar rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 362 reviews.

Pricing:

• The price for this plan is $12.00, and it includes lifetime updates.

Conclusion

WordPress File Manager plugins offer an efficient solution for easily managing files within the WordPress Dashboard. If you find yourself frequently navigating the WordPress file manager and seeking to save time, integrating file manager plugins becomes a practical choice.

In this blog, we’ve demonstrated the use of the WP File Manager Plugin for transferring files and documents. We’ve also covered the processes of creating new files and folders, as well as editing files using the WordPress file management plugin.

Additionally, we’ve highlighted a list of top plugins that provide similar functionalities. Should you have any inquiries about the WordPress File Manager plugin, please feel free to leave a comment below.