Managing files and folders from the WordPress backend
File Manager covers everyday file operations from the WordPress dashboard, including access to files outside the WordPress directory.
The free version supports uploading, downloading, copying, moving, renaming, creating, and deleting files and folders. Drag-and-drop and multi-file selection help with bulk moves, while a built-in trash gives deleted items a holding place. For sites that need more than dashboard-level access, it also supports FTP/SFTP.
You can set the root directory and control which file types can be uploaded or downloaded; the plugin also advertises uploads of any size. These controls make it worth checking access settings carefully before giving users file-management access.
Editing, finding, and previewing files
Built-in editing, search, and previews make the dashboard useful for routine file work, not just moving files.
- Code editor: Edit files in the backend, with syntax checking before saving to help catch errors.
- Archives: Create and extract ZIP, RAR, TAR, and GZIP files; useful when handling packaged files.
- Search and navigation: Find files, revisit browsing history, and check directory sizes.
- File views: Switch between list and icon layouts, with previews for common file types, image thumbnails, and PDF support.
- Shortcuts and uploads: Use keyboard shortcuts for common actions, drag files into the manager, and send images, PDFs, or ZIP files to the WordPress Media Library.
Pro controls for private folders and frontend access
Pro adds ways to expose selected files to users while limiting what they can access or change.
The shortcode enables frontend access, and private folders can be assigned to different user roles or individual users. Administrators can restrict operations and hide or lock specific files and folders, which is useful when access should differ across a team.
Pro also adds code-editor theme and fullscreen controls, plus Google Drive and Dropbox connections. Upload, download, and edit email notifications can help administrators track file activity; sites considering these controls should confirm the Pro tier covers their workflow.
Broad adoption with support threads still unresolved
File Manager is among the directory’s most widely installed plugins and has an excellent user rating, but its visible support-resolution record merits attention.
The plugin was updated about five weeks ago, indicating recent maintenance. However, none of its five visible support threads are marked resolved. That does not establish how every support request is handled, but sites relying on help for critical file operations should check support responsiveness before making it part of an essential workflow.
