Manage files in the dashboard and publish downloads

Shared Files PRO combines a WordPress admin-area file manager with tools for displaying and tracking downloads. Organize files in the dashboard without publishing a list, or add shortcodes to pages and posts for users to browse files. Layouts include simple and two-column lists, category lists, accordions, individual file pages, search-focused lists and upload forms.

Shared Files stores its files separately from the WordPress Media Library. Media Library files can also be activated for use in Shared Files. Add file names, descriptions, dates, expiration dates, categories, tags and custom field data. You can upload multiple files, group them, activate files uploaded by FTP with one click, or use an external file URL and track its loads.

Organize, preview and find files

• Manage audio, video, images, PDFs, Word files, folders and other file types.
• Use SVG icons for 25 file types or assign custom icons to individual files.
• Preview supported files in the browser. Open images and videos in a lightbox, including YouTube, MP4, WebM, OGG and MOV content.
• Set an expiration date or download limit for each file, and include files in site search results.
• Let visitors search the front-end file list and filter results by category, tag or custom field data.

Set file access and upload rules

By default, anyone who can open a page containing a file list can download its files. PRO lets you set file-opening permissions for visitors and roles. For front-end uploads, you can allow visitors to submit files without logging in or require users to be logged in. Uploaders can add files to new categories, and you can allow any user role to edit files from the front end.

Favorites are available to logged-in and non-logged-in users. A wait-countdown page can display a counter before a download starts automatically. Download pages can also be isolated from the rest of the file list.

Track activity and send notifications

Download counters, a download log and a front-end search log show activity. See popular files, including the top 50, and log a downloader’s city and country. City and country information can also appear in the search log. Email notifications can be sent when a file is uploaded or downloaded.

Install and add a file list

1. Install Shared Files PRO in WordPress.
2. Open Shared Files > File Manager in the admin area.
3. Add files and configure their names, descriptions, dates, categories, tags, permissions or expiration settings.
4. Open Shared Files > Shortcodes and select a shortcode for the list or upload layout you need.
5. Insert the shortcode into a page or post to display the files.

Shared Files PRO is compatible with WordPress Multisite. Use it for dashboard file organization, searchable public lists or download pages with restricted file-opening permissions.