6 Best WordPress File Upload Plugins to Use as File Manager Alternative

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Are you tired of the tedious process of managing files on your WordPress website? Do you often find yourself wasting time trying to upload, download, or modify files? Then, it’s high time you explored the world of WordPress File Upload Plugins. These innovative tools can transform your file management experience, streamlining processes, and saving you valuable time.

This article dives into a list of the most efficient WordPress File Upload Plugins, detailing their features, benefits, and pricing structures. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned WordPress user, these plugins can significantly enhance your website’s functionality and user experience.

So, buckle up and get ready to revolutionize your file management system with these top-notch plugins. You’ll gain insights into how these plugins work, how they can solve your file management problems, and most importantly, how they can take your WordPress website to the next level.

Best WordPress File Upload Plugins

Here are the best WordPress file upload plugins that you can use as a File Manager Alternative.

1. Contact Form by WPForms

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WPForms is a powerful and user-friendly WordPress form builder that enables you to create various types of forms for your website in minutes. Among its many features, WPForms also supports file uploads, making it a versatile tool for collecting user-submitted files through your website.

The file upload feature allows users to submit files directly through your forms, which can be essential for applications, resumes, user-generated content, and more.

Features and Benefits

  • Drag and Drop Form Builder: WPForms’ user-friendly drag and drop interface makes it easy to add file upload fields to any form.
  • Multiple File Uploads: Users can upload multiple files at once, depending on your form settings.
  • File Type Restrictions: You can specify which file types are allowed (e.g., PDF, DOCX, JPG) to ensure you receive the correct formats.
  • File Size Limitations: Set file size limits to prevent excessively large uploads.
  • Email Notifications: Receive notifications with the uploaded files attached or links to download them.
  • Secure File Storage: Uploaded files are securely stored in your WordPress media library or a specified folder, ensuring ease of access and management.
  • Integration with Other Plugins: WPForms integrates with various plugins and services, enhancing its functionality, such as connecting with email marketing services or CRM systems.

Pricing Structure

WPForms offers four different pricing plans

  • Basic: $79 per year
  • Plus: $199 per year
  • Pro: $399 per year
  • Elite: $599 per year

The Pro plan includes the file upload feature, multi-page forms, and payment integrations.

2. Drag and Drop Multiple File Upload – Contact Form 7

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Drag and Drop Multiple File Uploader is a powerful WordPress plugin extension for Contact Form 7 that brings simplicity and efficiency to your website. This plugin allows users to upload multiple files via the drag-and-drop feature or the traditional browse-file method.

Whether you’re managing a blog, an e-commerce store, or a corporate website, this plugin solves the problem of cumbersome file uploads and makes the process a breeze.

Features and Benefits

  • File Type Validation: This feature ensures that only files of specified types are uploaded, preventing potential security risks.
  • File Size Validation: Prevents users from uploading files that are too large, which could slow down your website.
  • Ajax Uploader: Allows for faster, smoother uploads without needing to refresh the page.
  • Limit Number of Files Upload: Restricts the number of files a user can upload, ensuring your server space is not overwhelmed.
  • Custom File Types Extension: Allows you to specify which file types are allowed for upload.
  • Manage Text and Error Message: Enables customization of text and error messages to match your brand’s tone and language.
  • Supports Multiple Languages and is Mobile Responsive: Caters to a global audience and ensures smooth operation across all mobile devices.
  • Cool Progress Bar: Provides visual feedback on the progress of uploads, enhancing user experience.
  • Compatible with any browser: Ensures that all users, regardless of their preferred browser, can use this feature.
  • Premium Features include Image Preview, Auto Deletion of Files, Save Files to WordPress Media Library, Change Upload Folder, and many more, providing advanced control over file uploads and enhancing website performance and user experience.

Pricing Structure

The plugin is free to use with the premium version starting from $34.99/site/year.

3. Big File Uploads

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Big File Uploads is a WordPress plugin designed to help you overcome the typical constraints of uploading large files to your website’s media library. It is an excellent alternative to Formidable Forms, providing a simple and efficient solution to bypass upload size limits imposed by your server or hosting provider.

With Big File Uploads, you can increase your maximum file upload size to whatever your disk space allows, thereby avoiding server timeout errors and enhancing your website’s media functionality.

Features and Benefits

  • Maximum File Upload Size Set the maximum file upload size as large as your hosting provider allows, eliminating the need to worry about exceeding your server’s file size limits.
  • FTP/SFTP-Free File Uploading Upload large files to your media library without the need for FTP or SFTP, simplifying your workflow.
  • File Chunking This built-in feature allows for the upload of large files in smaller pieces, preventing timeout errors.
  • Role-Based Upload Size Limit Set maximum file size for each user role, providing control over how much space different users can consume.
  • Upload to Cloud The plugin enables you to upload any size file directly to a connected Infinite Uploads cloud account, offering an alternative when local storage is limited.
  • Compatibility Big File Uploads works with any server or hosting provider, making it a versatile tool for all WordPress websites.
  • Disk Utility Analyze storage usage in your media library with the included uploads directory disk utility, providing insights into how much space different types of files are taking up.

Pricing Structure

The plugin is free to use with the premium version starting from $16/ month.

4. WordPress File Upload

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WordPress File Upload is a dynamic plugin that enables users to securely upload files to a website from any page, post, or sidebar. This plugin solves the problem of complex file upload processes, making it an easy and secure task for both website owners and visitors.

It is not only a file upload plugin but can also function as a simple contact form to submit data, with the option to include a file or not.

Features and Benefits

  • HTML5 Technology: This plugin utilizes the latest HTML5 technology, ensuring compatibility with both old and new browsers, and mobile phones, allowing users to access and use the plugin from any device.
  • GDPR Compliant: It adheres to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) of the European Union, ensuring the privacy and security of user data.
  • Customizable Form Fields: It allows for the addition of custom fields like checkboxes, text fields, email fields, and dropdown lists, providing flexibility in form design.
  • Upload Progress Monitoring: Users can monitor the upload progress with a progress bar and can cancel the upload process at any time, giving control over the upload process.
  • File Attachments: Uploaded files can be added to Media or attached to the current page, enhancing content management.
  • Visual Editor: It contains a visual editor for customizing the plugin easily without any knowledge of shortcodes or programming, making customization accessible.
  • Multilingual Support: The plugin supports different languages including Portuguese, German, French, Serbian, Dutch, Chinese, Spanish, Italian, Polish, Swedish, Persian, and Greek, catering to a global audience.

Pricing Structure

The plugin is free to use with the premium version starting from €20.00.

5. Multiline files upload for contact form 7

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Multiline files upload for contact form 7 is a powerful WordPress File Upload Plugin that allows users to seamlessly attach and upload an unlimited number of files to Contact Form 7 on your WordPress website.

The plugin is designed to enhance user experience by allowing users the freedom to upload files one after the other, view their selected files, and even delete any file they have already selected. With this plugin, the admin can opt to receive all attached files via email in a single ZIP file.

Features and Benefits

  • Receive multiple files via email: This feature allows the admin to receive all user-uploaded files in one email, simplifying file management.
  • Accept various file types: From documents to audio, video, and music files, this plugin is compatible with a wide range of file formats, ensuring versatile file handling.
  • Allow different MIME (File Types) that are not directly accepted by WordPress: This feature expands the range of file types that can be uploaded, increasing flexibility for users.
  • Frontend upload button: This feature makes file selection and uploading easier for users, improving the user experience.
  • Upload files one by one: This feature enhances user convenience by allowing users to upload files sequentially.
  • View list of selected files: Users can view their selected files, ensuring they have chosen the correct ones, enhancing accuracy.
  • Delete any individual file: This feature allows users to delete any file they have selected, offering them control over the files they upload.
  • Responsive design: The uploader works well with all devices, including mobiles, tablets, laptops, and desktops, ensuring accessibility.
  • Compatibility: This plugin is compatible with the latest version of WordPress, ensuring seamless integration.
  • Easy Installation & Configuration: The plugin is easy to install and configure, making it a hassle-free addition to your website.

Pricing Structure

The plugin is free to use with the premium version starting from $29.

6. Advanced File Manager

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The Advanced File Manager is a top-tier, user-friendly file manager plugin for WordPress that provides an alternative to FTP and cPanel. It’s a powerful tool that lets you edit, delete, upload, download, zip, copy, and more without needing any additional software.

The plugin allows you to access files inside and outside the WordPress root directory, eliminating any limitations typically associated with traditional file managers.

Features and Benefits

  • Editable Root Directory Path This feature allows you to modify the root directory path.
  • Shortcodes You can use shortcodes for logged in and non-logged in users with multiple attributes and features for frontend (pro).
  • Files Access This plugin gives you access to files inside and outside the WordPress root directory.
  • User Operations You can easily upload, download, and delete files.
  • File Operations Perform multiple operations with files and folders like copying, moving, uploading, creating folders/files, renaming, archiving, extracting, editing, etc.
  • PDF Preview This feature allows you to preview PDF files before downloading or sharing them.
  • FTP Support It serves as an alternative to FTP, meaning you don’t need to switch between different platforms to manage your files.
  • Hide Files Real Path You can hide the real and actual path of the files, enhancing the security of your files.

Pricing Structure

The plugin is free to use with the premium version starting from $19.

What Are The Major Benefits of Using WordPress File Upload Plugins

WordPress by itself allows uploading files, but file upload plugins offer several advantages that enhance the experience for both you and your website visitors. Here are some of the key benefits:

  • Improved User Experience: Plugins can simplify the file upload process for visitors. This can include features like drag-and-drop functionality, progress bars for uploads, and the ability to upload multiple files at once.
  • Enhanced Functionality: Plugins go beyond basic uploads. They can allow for things like embedding upload forms anywhere on your site, restricting file types and sizes, and even adding password protection to specific files.
  • Better File Management: Plugins often provide improved organization tools for your media library. This can include folder creation, categorization, and even integration with cloud storage services.
  • Increased Security: Some plugins offer features to improve security, such as limiting the types of files that can be uploaded or setting restrictions on file size. This can help to prevent malware or malicious files from being uploaded to your site.
  • More User-Generated Content: If your site relies on user-generated content, such as guest posts or photo submissions, a file upload plugin can make it easier for users to contribute content.

Overall, WordPress file upload plugins can make your website more user-friendly, add valuable functionality, and give you more control over your media library.

Final Word

The success of a WordPress website often lies in the right combination of plugins. The plugins discussed here offer exciting capabilities to manage, upload, and organize files efficiently, enhancing your website’s overall functionality.

They not only simplify the process of file management but also boost user engagement by providing a seamless experience. Whether you aim to grow your audience, boost engagement, or establish your brand’s authority, these plugins are sure to be a game-changer.

Don’t let complex file management hinder your success. Harness the power of these plugins and take your website to new heights today!

FAQs

What are WordPress File Upload Plugins?

WordPress File Upload Plugins are tools that allow users to upload files directly through your WordPress website. These plugins can handle various file types such as images, documents, videos, and more, providing a convenient way to collect and manage files from users.

Why should I use WordPress File Upload Plugins instead of traditional file managers?

WordPress File Upload Plugins offer a more integrated solution for managing user submissions directly on your website. They enhance user experience, streamline data collection, improve security, and can be customized to fit specific needs. This makes them a superior alternative to traditional file managers.

Are WordPress File Upload Plugins secure?

Yes, many WordPress File Upload Plugins come with robust security features, including file type restrictions, size limitations, and virus scanning. These features help protect your site from malicious uploads and ensure compliance with data protection regulations.

Can WordPress File Upload Plugins handle large files?

Most WordPress File Upload Plugins allow you to set size limits for uploads, and many can handle large files. However, the ability to upload very large files may also depend on your server configuration and hosting environment.

How do I add a file upload field to my WordPress form?

Adding a file upload field to your WordPress form is straightforward with most file upload plugins. Simply use the drag-and-drop form builder to add the file upload field to your form, configure the settings such as allowed file types and size limits, and publish the form on your website.

Can I restrict the types of files users can upload?

Yes, WordPress File Upload Plugins typically allow you to specify which file types are allowed for upload. This ensures that you receive only the file formats you need and helps prevent potential security issues.

Where are the uploaded files stored?

Uploaded files are usually stored in your WordPress media library or a specified folder on your server. Some plugins also offer integration with cloud storage services for additional flexibility and storage options.

Do WordPress File Upload Plugins work with other WordPress plugins?

Yes, WordPress File Upload Plugins are designed to be compatible with other WordPress plugins. They often integrate seamlessly with email marketing tools, CRM systems, and other third-party services, enhancing their functionality and utility.


    Vikas Singhal

    Founder, InstaWP

    Vikas is an Engineer turned entrepreneur. He loves the WordPress ecosystem and wants to help WP developers work faster by improving their workflows. InstaWP, the WordPress developer’s all-in-one toolset, is his brainchild.
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