Keep file management separate from the Media Library

Shared Files PRO manages documents and other downloadable documents in WordPress. Use its admin-area file manager to organize files without publishing a list, or place downloads on pages and posts with shortcodes. Files are stored separately from the WordPress Media Library, and Media Library files can also be activated for use in Shared Files.

Add names, descriptions, dates, expiration dates, categories, tags and custom field data to files. Upload files individually or in groups, arrange them into groups, or add FTP files and activate them with one click. You can also use an external file URL and track its loads.

Choose a display layout to fit the page

Shortcodes can display files in simple lists, two-column layouts, category lists, accordions, single-file pages, search-focused lists and upload forms. Visitors can search files using filters for categories, tags and custom field data. Files can also appear in website search results.

Shared Files PRO works with audio, video, images, PDFs, Word documents, folders and other file types. Additional file types can be activated in the add-on settings. Choose from SVG icons for 25 file types or assign custom icons. Supported files can be previewed in the browser; images and videos can open in a lightbox, including YouTube, MP4, WebM, OGG and MOV content.

Set file access and upload permissions

Configure file-opening permissions for users and roles. Front-end upload forms can accept files from logged-in users, or from visitors when uploads without login are enabled. Uploaders can add files to new categories, and any user role can be allowed to edit files from the front end. Set an expiration date or a download limit for each file.

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

Review activity in download and search logs

Use download counters, a download log and a search log for front-end searches to review activity. The extension can identify popular files, including the top 50, and can log a downloader’s city and country. City and country information is also available in the search log. Email notifications can be sent when files are uploaded or downloaded.

Add files, then place them on a page

1. Install Shared Files PRO in WordPress.
2. In the admin area, open Shared Files > File Manager.
3. Add files and configure their names, descriptions, dates, categories, tags, permissions or expiration settings.
4. Open Shared Files > Shortcodes and pick 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 and supports workflows from admin-only file organization to searchable public or permission-restricted download pages.