Barn2 Plugins

Document Library Lite creates a WordPress document library/download manager. It is the free plan of Document Library Pro, which is also available in Essentials and Advanced plans with additional features. It displays documents in a table layout and allows users to quickly search for, sort and download documents.
View the <a href="https://documentlibrary-free.barn2.com/" rel="nofollow ugc">plugin demo</a> to see it in action.
<iframe loading="lazy" class="youtube-player" width="750" height="422" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K0H-9FUQgW0?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe>
<h3>Features</h3>
<ul>
<li>Easy document management – add documents of any file type, plus all the document data you want to display.</li>
<li>List documents in searchable, sortable tables.</li>
<li>Choose any or all of the following columns: ID, image, title, content, date, categories, plus download button.</li>
<li>List all files in your document library, or list them by category or status.</li>
<li>100% responsive – works on any screen size or mobile device.</li>
</ul>
Supports the following file types:
<ul>
<li>PDF</li>
<li>DOC, DOCX (Microsoft Word)</li>
<li>XLS, XLSX (Microsoft Excel)</li>
<li>PPT, PPTX, PPS, PPSX (Microsoft PowerPoint)</li>
<li>ODT, ODS, ODP (OpenDocument Format)</li>
<li>JPG, JPEG, PNG, SVG (image files)</li>
<li>MP4, MOV (video files)</li>
<li>.numbers, .pages, .key (Apple document formats)</li>
<li>And many more</li>
</ul>
The plugin adds a dedicated ‘Documents’ section to the Media Library where you can manage documents separately from images and other media types. If you’ve ever wanted Media Library categories then you can filter the media library to view document files only.
The document library makes things easier for your users. Instead of having to read through a long list of document links, they can use the instant search box, sortable columns and category filters to find exactly what they’re looking for. They can click to download documents of any file type straight to their device.
To get started with the WordPress download manager plugin, simply install the plugin, start adding documents and they will instantly appear on the ‘Document Library’ page. You can also use the <code>[doc_library]</code> shortcode to insert document libraries anywhere.
<h3>Document Library Pro</h3>
Our <a href="https://barn2.com/wordpress-plugins/document-library-pro/?utm_source=wporg&utm_medium=freeplugin&utm_campaign=freepluginwporg&utm_content=dlw-wporg" rel="nofollow ugc">Document Library Pro</a>‘s Essentials and Advanced plans add powerful features for organisations managing larger document libraries.
<a href="https://barn2.com/kb/document-library-plugins-free-pro-comparison/?utm_source=wporg&utm_medium=freeplugin&utm_campaign=freepluginwporg&utm_content=dlw-wporg" rel="nofollow ugc">View free & pro comparison table</a>
<ul>
<li>Bulk upload – Add files using drag and drop file upload, CSV import, or import Media Library files to the download manager.</li>
<li>Extra layout options – Display documents in a beautiful grid layout, and optionally structure the WordPress document library into collapsible folders.</li>
<li>Add extra columns – File size, file type, document excerpt, status, last modified date, author, plus custom fields and custom taxonomies. You can also rename the column headings of the document library. Advanced Custom Fields and ACF Pro support.</li>
<li>Individual document pages – Create a separate page for each document.</li>
<li>Host documents on third party sites – As well as displaying files from the Media Library, your WordPress download manager can include documents hosted on third party sites such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and Office 365.</li>
<li>Private document libraries – Restrict access to any or all of your document libraries either through simple password protection, or to specific roles or use accounts. Either protect the library globally or via category or individual document.</li>
<li>Version control – Manage multiple versions of the same document, keeping your library organized and up to date.</li>
<li>Control which downloads to list – Display documents based on additional factors including author, post type, taxonomy term, custom field, year, month, day, or ID. You can also exclude documents from the file manager by ID or category.</li>
<li>Filter dropdowns – Make it easier for people to find specific documents by adding filter dropdowns for categories, tags and taxonomies.</li>
<li>Standalone document search – As well as the AJAX search box above the document library, you can use the ‘Document search’ widget or [doc_search] shortcode to add a search box anywhere on your site. For example, you can use this to display a ‘Find Downloads’ search box to the homepage, site header, or sidebar.</li>
<li>Flexible document links – Control the links in your WordPress document library including choosing which columns are clickable and opening links in a new tab.</li>
<li>Multiple document download – Allow users to select multiple documents and download them together in a handy zip file.</li>
<li>Instant document preview – Display ‘Preview’ buttons so that users can view documents without downloading them.</li>
<li>Display audio and video – As well as downloadable documents, display embedded audio and video players directly in the WordPress document library.</li>
<li>Caching – Speed up load times with built-in caching.</li>
<li>Compatibility with third party plugins – Tested with <a href="https://barn2.com/kb/dlp-plugin-compatibility/?utm_source=wporg&utm_medium=freeplugin&utm_campaign=freepluginwporg&utm_content=dlw-wporg" rel="nofollow ugc">dozens of other plugins</a>.</li>
<li>And much more – PLUS get dozens of extra features for added flexibility, such as the ability to show and hide each part of the WordPress download manager, customize the colors, and more.</li>
</ul>
<h3>How to Create a WordPress File Manager</h3>
You can use Document Library Lite to create a download manager which lists documents of any file type. It’s perfect for creating a WordPress document library, resource library, download management, file manager, audio library, video gallery, and much more.
First, install the plugin and choose your settings at Documents > Settings. This page gives you full control over the WordPress file manager including which columns to display, and the text of the document download button.
Next, you can start adding documents at Documents > Add New. The plugin automatically adds a ‘Document Library’ page to your WordPress site. This page lists all your documents in a searchable, sortable table. Each file in the download manager appears as a separate row of the table, complete with helpful information such as the filename and summary description. This helps users to learn more about each document before downloading the file to their computer.
For more flexibility, you can use the <code>[doc_library]</code> shortcode to list different downloads on different parts of your site. Use the <a href="https://barn2.com/kb/document-library-wordpress-documentation/?utm_source=wporg&utm_medium=freeplugin&utm_campaign=freepluginwporg&utm_content=dlw-wporg#doc-library-shortcode" rel="nofollow ugc">shortcode options</a> to override the global settings and apply different options to each document library. And don’t forget, you can get dozens more shortcode options with our premium <a href="https://barn2.com/wordpress-plugins/document-library-pro/?utm_source=wporg&utm_medium=freeplugin&utm_campaign=freepluginwporg&utm_content=dlw-wporg" rel="nofollow ugc">Document Library Pro</a> plugin!
<h3>Full List of Features</h3>
<ul>
<li>Add documents, document data, and upload a file for each document.</li>
<li>Supports all file types.</li>
<li>Built-in ‘Document Library’ page which automatically lists all your downloads.</li>
<li><code>[doc_library]</code> shortcode for added flexibility.</li>
<li>List documents in a table with sortable columns.</li>
<li>Choice of 6 styles for your document download links including buttons, download icons, file type icons, and text.</li>
<li>Instant AJAX search box to find documents more quickly.</li>
<li>‘Search on click’ feature to filter the WordPress file manager by clicking on a document category.</li>
<li>Display the number of documents in the table, and allow users to change this number.</li>
<li>For easier WordPress document management, you can filter the Media Library to view document files only.</li>
<li>Structure the download manager into categories.</li>
<li>Choose the number of downloads per page in the document library.</li>
<li>Optional lazy load setting to list unlimited documents with no performance limitations.</li>
<li>Change how the WordPress document library is sorted, and customize the sort order for your file manager.</li>
<li>Display the document featured image and allow users to open the image and view it in a lightbox.</li>
<li>Configure your file manager centrally on the plugin settings page, and instantly update all your document lists (except where you have overridden specific options in the shortcode).</li>
<li>Developed, maintained and supported by Barn2 Plugins.</li>
</ul>
View the <a href="https://barn2.com/kb/document-library-wordpress-documentation/?utm_source=wporg&utm_medium=freeplugin&utm_campaign=freepluginwporg&utm_content=dlw-wporg" rel="nofollow ugc">plugin documentation</a> for full details.
<h3>Shortcode options</h3>
Options for the <code>[doc_library]</code> shortcode:
<ul>
<li>content – The columns to display in the document library. This can be any combination of the following (comma-separated): id, image, title, content, categories, or date.</li>
<li>doc_category – List downloads from a specific category only.</li>
<li>status – List documents based on their status (e.g. published/draft/private).</li>
<li>lightbox – Enable or disable the feature which opens document featured images in a lightbox modal window.</li>
<li>docs_per_page – Change the number of documents on each page of the library.</li>
<li>link_style – Choose the style of the document download links. This can be any of the following: button, button_icon_text, button_icon, icon_only, icon, or text.</li>
<li>lazy_load – List unlimited documents with no performance limitations.</li>
<li>sort_by – Override the sort order of the WordPress download manager library.</li>
<li>sort_order – Choose whether files are ordered alphabetically in ascending or descending order.</li>
<li>scroll_offset – If your theme has a sticky header then you can use this option to ensure that users are jumped to the correct point of the page when they use the pagination buttons at the bottom of the WordPress document library.</li>
<li>wrap – By default, if the document library contains too much text to fit on one row then it wraps onto multiple rows. If you prefer, then you can truncate the text and ensure that each download only takes up 1 row of the library. This helps to save space if you have a large download manager table.</li>
<li>search_on_click – Allow users to click on a category in the ‘Document categories’ column in order to filter the download library by that column.</li>
</ul>
For example: <code>[doc_library doc_category="meetings" content="title,content,link" sort_by="date"]</code> 
View the <a href="https://barn2.com/kb/document-library-wordpress-documentation?utm_source=wporg&utm_medium=freeplugin&utm_campaign=freepluginwporg&utm_content=dlw-wporg#doc-library-shortcode" rel="nofollow ugc">full documentation</a>, check out the <a href="https://documentlibrary-free.barn2.com/" rel="nofollow ugc">demo</a>, and if you need more features then have a look at <a href="https://barn2.com/wordpress-plugins/document-library-pro/?utm_source=wporg&utm_medium=freeplugin&utm_campaign=freepluginwporg&utm_content=dlw-wporg" rel="nofollow ugc">Document Library Pro</a>.
Thank you for using our WordPress document library plugin 🙂

Document Library Lite


This is one of most incomplete and unusable plugin I have ever seen! You need to buy their pro version to use essential features, because 98% of plugin features are not included in free version. You can create PDFs table but cannot add any link to show PDF detail or button to download PDF!!! 


Free plugin but unusable!


A must have for any course creator or membership site builder with files and documents to share.                  


Awesome File Manager Plugin!


Super useful plugin. The document table organizes documents exactly how users expect them. The AJAX search is very clean.



The setup wizard is nice. There are premium features offered, but they are very clearly marked and for the use cases I had in mind completely optional.



I didn't realize at first that I had to add the doc_library  shortcode to a page to insert the document table into my site, but the documentation linked to from the settings page is very clean and I found the info there. A block option would be nice to make it easier to insert the library into pages.



I was able to use this with the Paid Memberships Pro plugin to protect my table of documents. I just marked the page with the shortcode to require membership and the table was hidden from view. The files are still accessible if the user knows the exact URL of the file. That's okay for what I needed. If I had to hide them further, PMPro has documentation on how to do that for files on protected pages. I imagine Barn2 has this in the premium version or ready for a future release. I know it's tough, but helps to protect the files.



Overall a great plugin. Looks great. Works great. Team behind it is great. We're going to recommend this to all of our users who need this kind of table or grid view for documents organized by categories and folders.


Super useful. Works well with PMPro.


For those users that need to serve up documents (like a COA/HOA), this make it easy to host those documents.


Works great

Create a WordPress document library to manage, search and download files.

Freemius

Abu Hayat

bPlugins

shehabulislam

Farazi Forhad

Tanin Rahman

Embed Any Document Instantly with the #1 No-Code Plugin – Trusted by 10,000+ WordPress Sites
<a href="https://bplugins.com/products/document-embedder/" rel="nofollow ugc">Document Embedder</a> | <a href="https://bplugins.com/docs/document-embedder/getting-started/" rel="nofollow ugc">Documentation</a> | <a href="https://bplugins.com/products/document-embedder/pricing" rel="nofollow ugc">Pricing</a> | <a href="https://bplugins.com/support/" rel="nofollow ugc">Support</a> | <a href="https://bplugins.com/products/document-embedder/#demos" rel="nofollow ugc">Demo</a>
<a href="https://bplugins.com/products/document-embedder/" rel="nofollow ugc">Document Embedder</a> allows you to embed PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and other document formats directly into WordPress posts and pages. It supports local file uploads as well as files hosted on platforms like Google Drive and Dropbox. Files are displayed using the Google Drive viewer and can be configured to match your layout.
The new Document Library module adds a powerful way to organize and display multiple documents in a structured library. You can upload files from your device, WordPress Media Library, or via URL, rename or delete documents easily, and display them with customizable layouts. The library includes search, filter, and sorting options, a responsive design, and full control over view and download buttons. Shortcode and Gutenberg block support make it easy to add libraries anywhere on your site.
Want to capture leads before someone downloads? The Email Gate (Pro) requires visitors to submit their name and email before they can access a file. Every submission is logged to a built-in Leads Dashboard you can search, filter, and export as CSV.
This plugin is ideal for sharing reports, presentations, worksheets, guides, and other materials without requiring visitors to download them or leave your site.
<h3>Key Features – Free Version</h3>
<ul>
<li>
Embed Multiple File Types: PDF, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, images, code, and more.
</li>
<li>
Responsive Viewer: Adjust width and height to fit any layout — with independent controls for Desktop, Tablet, and Mobile.
</li>
<li>
Filename Display: Show the document title at the top for clarity.
</li>
<li>
Download Button: Easily allow users to download PDFs with a customizable button label (e.g., “Get Copy,” “Save PDF”).
</li>
<li>
Download Placement: Position the download button in the Toolbar or Below the Embed.
</li>
<li>
Download Behavior: Choose between Force Save Dialog (prompts users to save locally) or Open in New Tab.
</li>
<li>
Custom Download Filename: Define the exact filename shown to users when they download the file.
</li>
<li>
Gutenberg Block Support: Use the Document Embedder Block in the WordPress Block Editor (Gutenberg) for fast and easy document placement.
</li>
<li>
Simple Shortcode Embedding: Prefer the Classic Editor or page builders? Use the <code>[embed_doc]</code> shortcode to place documents anywhere on your site.
</li>
<li>
Powered by Google Drive Viewer: Reliable, fast rendering of your embedded files.
</li>
<li>
Dedicated Post Type: Manage all your documents individually using the <code>ppt_viewer</code> custom post type.
</li>
</ul>
Document Library Module
<ul>
<li>
Display Multiple Documents: Create a structured library of documents.
</li>
<li>
Support all File Types: Works with PDFs, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, images, and more.
</li>
<li>
Flexible Upload Options: Add documents from your device, WordPress Media Library, or via URL.
</li>
<li>
Quick Edit & Delete: Rename or remove documents without hassle.
</li>
<li>
Shortcode and Block Support: Add libraries anywhere using shortcode or Gutenberg block.
</li>
<li>
Customizable Layouts: Style the library to match your design needs.
</li>
<li>
Search and Filter Controls: Enable or hide search and filter options.
</li>
<li>
Sorting Options: Sort by file size, name, or recent upload, with hide/show controls.
</li>
<li>
Responsive Design: Optimized for desktops, tablets, and mobile devices.
</li>
<li>
Download & View Buttons: Show view/download icons or text, with full control over display.
</li>
<li>
Visibility Settings: Hide or show file icon, view button, download button, file size, and date.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Pro Version – Unlock More Features</h3>
Upgrade to <a href="https://bplugins.com/products/document-embedder/#pricing" rel="nofollow ugc">Document Embedder Pro</a> for more flexibility, better user control, and advanced integrations.
What’s Included in Pro:
<ul>
<li>
Disable Popout Option: Prevent users from opening documents in a new window.
</li>
<li>
Lightbox Display: Open documents in a modal window for smoother UX.
</li>
<li>
Loading Indicator: Show a spinner until the document fully loads.
</li>
<li>
Google Drive API Integration: Embed and manage docs directly from your Google Drive.
</li>
<li>
Dropbox Integration: Access and embed files from Dropbox easily.
</li>
</ul>
Download Management (Pro)
<ul>
<li>
Download Tracking: Record and display the total number of downloads per document.
</li>
<li>
Per-IP Download Limits: Set a maximum number of downloads per unique IP address (e.g., max 3 downloads per user).
</li>
<li>
Access Restrictions: Limit downloads to Logged-in Users only, or restrict by specific User Roles.
</li>
</ul>
Lead Generation (Pro)
<ul>
<li>
Email Gate: Require visitors to submit their Name and Email before they can download a document. Turn any file into a lead magnet.
</li>
<li>
Leads Dashboard: A built-in admin interface to view and manage all captured leads, featuring:
<ul>
<li>Search & Filters by date, email, or specific document</li>
<li>Export leads list as a CSV file</li>
<li>Bulk delete multiple leads simultaneously</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Document Library Module
<ul>
<li>Extended Uploads: Upload more than 5 documents (free version limited to 5).</li>
</ul>
<h3>Upcoming Features</h3>
<ul>
<li>
Multiple Themes: Choose different styles for displaying document libraries.
</li>
<li>
File Size d=Display: Show sizes in MB, KB, or other formats.
</li>
<li>
Flexible Date Formats: Display upload dates in different formats.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>How to Use – Step-by-Step Guide</h3>
<iframe loading="lazy" class="youtube-player" width="750" height="422" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mUlMpuPMP5Q?version=3&rel=1&showsearch=0&showinfo=1&iv_load_policy=1&fs=1&hl=en-US&autohide=2&wmode=transparent" allowfullscreen="true" style="border:0;" sandbox="allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox"></iframe>
<h4>Quick setup in just a few steps:</h4>
<ul>
<li>
Install and activate the Document Embedder plugin.
</li>
<li>
Navigate to Document Embedder > Add New Doc.
</li>
<li>
Upload or link your document and configure the viewer settings.
</li>
<li>
Copy the generated shortcode.
</li>
<li>
Paste the shortcode into any post, page, or widget where you want the document to appear.
</li>
</ul>
Gutenberg Block Support 
Prefer the Block Editor? No problem!
<ul>
<li>
Open the Block Editor.
</li>
<li>
Click + and choose the Document Embedder block under “Common Blocks.”
</li>
<li>
Select your document and configure the viewer.
</li>
<li>
Publish and you’re done!
</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://bplugins.com/products/document-embedder/#demos" rel="nofollow ugc">Live Demo</a> | <a href="https://bplugins.com/products/document-embedder/#pricing" rel="nofollow ugc">Try The Pro</a>
<h3>Supported File Types (16+ Formats)</h3>
<ul>
<li>
Documents: .PDF, .DOC, .DOCX, .PAGES, .TXT, .XPS
</li>
<li>
Spreadsheets: .XLS, .XLSX
</li>
<li>
Presentations: .PPT, .PPTX
</li>
<li>
Google Docs & Drive Files
</li>
<li>
Images: .JPEG, .PNG, .GIF, .TIFF, .BMP
</li>
<li>
Code Files: .HTML, .CSS, .JS, .PHP, .C, .CPP, .H, .HPP
</li>
<li>
Adobe Files: .AI, .PSD
</li>
<li>
3D & Vector: .SVG, .EPS, .DXF
</li>
<li>
Videos: WebM, MPEG4, MOV, AVI, FLV, WMV
</li>
<li>
Fonts: .TTF
</li>
<li>
Archives: .ZIP, .RAR
</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://bplugins.com/products/document-embedder/#demos" rel="nofollow ugc">Live Demo</a> | <a href="https://bplugins.com/products/document-embedder/pricing" rel="nofollow ugc">Try The Pro</a>
<h3>User Feedback</h3>
<h4>⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ <a href="https://wordpress.org/support/topic/nice-plugin-4757/" rel="ugc">nice plugin</a></h4>
❛❛it also works with the TutorLMS Plugin❜❜
–<a href="https://wordpress.org/support/users/testexperten/" rel="ugc">testexperten</a>
<h4>⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ <a href="https://wordpress.org/support/topic/excellent-plug-in-with-easy-management/" rel="ugc">Excellent plug-in with easy management</a></h4>
❛❛Many thanks to the developers for such a wonderful plugin. It really facilitates the administration of projects and optimizes the submission of content from external files. A great solution.❜❜
–<a href="https://wordpress.org/support/users/o544r2987k/" rel="ugc">o544r2987k</a>
<h4>⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ <a href="https://wordpress.org/support/topic/great-14919/" rel="ugc">Great</a></h4>
❛❛A great plugin. I use it on every page.❜❜
–<a href="https://wordpress.org/support/users/molomoro/" rel="ugc">molomoro</a>
Liked this plugin? Hate it? Want a new feature? <a href="https://bplugins.com/support" rel="nofollow ugc">Send your feedback</a>
<h3>Check out our other WordPress Plugins-</h3>
<a href="https://bplugins.com/products/html5-video-player/" rel="nofollow ugc">Html5 Video Player</a> – Display videos as single and playlist in multiple skins.
<a href="https://bplugins.com/products/pdf-poster/" rel="nofollow ugc">PDF Poster</a> – Display/Embed PDF files with different styles.
<a href="https://bplugins.com/products/html5-audio-player/" rel="nofollow ugc">Html5 Audio Player</a> – Listen audios with awesome visuals.
<a href="https://bplugins.com/products/streamcast-radio-player/" rel="nofollow ugc">StreamCast</a> – Customizable radio player with different skins.
<a href="https://bplugins.com/products/3d-viewer/" rel="nofollow ugc">3D Viewer</a> – Embed 3D models and 3D products with interaction.
<a href="https://bplugins.com/products/advanced-post-block/" rel="nofollow ugc">Advanced Post Block</a> – Show posts and custom posts in different layouts.

Document Embedder – Embed PDFs, Word, Excel, and Other Files

Document Embedder lets you display PDF, DOCX, PPTX, XLSX, and other files in WordPress sites with a responsive viewer and optional download button.

Document Library Lite vs Document Embedder – Embed PDFs, Word, Excel, and Other Files