Shafat Mahmud Khan

Frontend File Explorer is a modern, Windows Explorer–inspired file manager for WordPress. It gives you a clean admin interface to organize and share files plus a responsive frontend explorer powered by a simple shortcode.
Use it to create download areas for courses, client file portals, or resource libraries — without relying on heavy external file management tools.
The plugin provides a seamless experience for both administrators and frontend users:
<ul>
<li>Explorer-style UI: Navigate with breadcrumbs, toolbar actions, pagination, and Material Icons.</li>
<li>Dedicated Directory: Files are stored in a secured <code>wp-content/uploads/downloads</code> directory.</li>
<li>Admin Management: Create folders, upload files, delete items, and download ZIPs directly from the admin dashboard.</li>
<li>Frontend Integration: Embed the explorer anywhere using the <code>[frontend_file_explorer]</code> shortcode.</li>
<li>AJAX-Powered: Fast, smooth navigation and pagination without page reloads.</li>
<li>Translation Ready: Fully localized with the <code>frontend-file-explorer</code> text domain.</li>
</ul>
How to use the Explorer:
<ul>
<li>
Admin Interface: 
Navigate to File Upload in your WordPress admin sidebar. From this dedicated dashboard, administrators can create nested folders, upload bulk files (featuring multi-select and drag-and-drop), import existing Media Library assets, delete items, and download entire directories as ZIP archives.
</li>
<li>
Frontend Shortcode: 
Embed the user-facing explorer interface on any Page, Post, or Custom Post Type using the following shortcode setup:
<pre><code>[frontend_file_explorer]
</code></pre>
(Renders the explorer starting at the root storage directory)
Advanced Shortcode Usage: 
You can explicitly define the starting folder path relative to the root <code>uploads/downloads</code> directory by using the <code>folder</code> attribute:
<pre><code>[frontend_file_explorer folder="/course-materials"]
[frontend_file_explorer folder="/clients/acme-corp"]
</code></pre>
<ul>
<li>Frontend Capabilities: Visitors browsing the frontend can view contents, click files to download them, and copy direct sharing links.</li>
<li>Security: Destructive or mutating actions (like file upload, folder creation, or deletion) remain strictly hidden and blocked from public visitors. They are only accessible to logged-in users who possess the WordPress <code>upload_files</code> capability.</li>
</ul>
</li>
</ul>
Who is this plugin for?
<ul>
<li>Course creators who need a simple, branded downloads area.</li>
<li>Agencies and freelancers who share files with clients.</li>
<li>Site owners who want a lightweight, Explorer-like file manager in WordPress.</li>
</ul>

Frontend File Explorer

A modern, Windows Explorer–inspired file manager for WordPress with admin interface and frontend shortcode.

Mario Günter

devowl.io GmbH

Matthias Günter

Jan Karres

Faruk Garic

Organize uploaded media in folders: A file manager for WordPress
Real Media Library helps you with media management. Organize thousands of uploaded files into folders, collections and galleries. A real file manager that allows you to manage large amounts of files such as pictures, videos or documents in WordPress. Media library folders for everyone!
Create UNLIMITED main folders in the free version!
<iframe loading="lazy" class="youtube-player" width="750" height="422" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/INJ_sS81ua8?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>Free Sandbox</h3>
You want to try Real Media Library before installing? Take a free sandbox and play around!
<a href="https://try.devowl.io/?product=RML" rel="nofollow ugc">Create sandbox</a>
<h3>Features</h3>
Complete file and folder manager: Create, rename, move and delete a folder
Drag & Drop your files in folders: Drag & Drop and image to move it into a folder, where you can find other files
Create shortcuts for files: Hold SHIFT and move a file with drag & drop to another folder in order to create a shortcut
Filter in inserting media dialog: In the WordPress inserting media dialog, you find the folder on the left hand side to filter your files
Custom image order: Move files per drag & drop to change their order or use some order function e.g. to oder all files of the folder your are currently in by title ascending
Works also great in list-mode: Real Media library with a the WordPress media library in list-mode
Advanced upload management: On uploading a file, a modal appears, which shows the current status, remaining time of the upload and the upload speed
Upload files directly to folders: In the WordPress media upload dialog you choose in which folder your file should be uploaded
Create galleries from folder: Create a gallery with the images of one gallery folder in the Gutenberg editor]
You want a list of all features? Get it by scrolling down!
<h3>Supported Languages</h3>
Real Media Library is in multiple languages available:
<ul>
<li>English</li>
<li>German</li>
<li>Dutch</li>
<li>Spanish</li>
<li>French</li>
<li>Italian</li>
<li>Porguese</li>
<li>Swedish</li>
<li>Turkish</li>
<li>Indian</li>
<li>Chinese</li>
<li>Russian</li>
<li>Persian</li>
<li>Croatian</li>
</ul>
<h3>All Features of Real Media Library</h3>
<ul>
<li>WordPress 5.x / Gutenberg ready</li>
<li>Folder for the WordPress media library</li>
<li>Drag & Drop your files</li>
<li>Works great on touch devices</li>
<li>Create shortcuts of files in multiple folders. Shortcuts do not require physical storage space (0 kb).</li>
<li>Full control over your folders in one toolbar (create, rename, delete)</li>
<li>Rearrange folders by drag & drop or by criterium (e.g. name in ascending order)</li>
<li>Sort folder contents by drag & drop or criteria (e.g. A-Z) automatically or once</li>
<li>Bulk select folders and delete multiple folders at once</li>
<li>Filter in the WordPress insert media dialog</li>
<li>Advanced media library uploader</li>
<li>Upload files directly to a folder</li>
<li>Create dynamic galleries from a folder with Gutenberg block or shortcode</li>
<li>Order folder contents by drag & drop or by criterion (date, name, …)</li>
<li>Quickly navigate to folders with quick folder search</li>
<li>Translated into several languages</li>
<li>Compatible with all major themes, page builders and many plugins</li>
<li>Supports WordPress Multisite (each page has its own folder tree)</li>
<li>GPDR/DSGVO: The plugin does not collect personal data without your consent!</li>
<li>Import categories/folders from plugins like FileBird, FileBase, Folders, Media Library Assistant, Enhanced Media Library, Media Library Organizer, WordPress Media Library Folders by Mediamatic, Media Library Folders and more</li>
</ul>
<h3>Compatibility</h3>
Real Media Library is compatible with the most popular page builders, themes and popular WordPress plugins. You can buy our plugin in the security that it works with your WordPress. In the rare case that the Real Media Library is not compatible with a popular page builder, theme or plugin, just <a href="https://devowl.io/support/" rel="nofollow ugc">open a support ticket</a> and we will make it work.
Page Builders
<ul>
<li><a href="https://wordpress.org/plugins/gutenberg/" rel="ugc">Gutenberg</a></li>
<li><a href="https://visualcomposer.com/" rel="nofollow ugc">Visual Composer</a></li>
<li><a href="https://wpbakery.com/" rel="nofollow ugc">WPBakery Page Builder</a></li>
<li><a href="https://elementor.com/" rel="nofollow ugc">Elementor</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.elegantthemes.com/gallery/divi/" rel="nofollow ugc">Divi Builder</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.wpbeaverbuilder.com/" rel="nofollow ugc">Beaver Builder</a></li>
</ul>
Themes
<ul>
<li><a href="https://themeforest.net/item/avada-responsive-multipurpose-theme/2833226" rel="nofollow ugc">Avada</a></li>
<li><a href="https://themeforest.net/item/x-the-theme/5871901" rel="nofollow ugc">X The Theme</a></li>
<li><a href="https://themeforest.net/item/enfold-responsive-multipurpose-theme/4519990" rel="nofollow ugc">Enfold</a></li>
<li><a href="https://themeforest.net/item/betheme-responsive-multipurpose-wordpress-theme/7758048" rel="nofollow ugc">BeTheme</a></li>
<li><a href="https://themeforest.net/item/the7-responsive-multipurpose-wordpress-theme/5556590" rel="nofollow ugc">The7</a></li>
<li><a href="https://themeforest.net/item/jupiter-multipurpose-responsive-theme/5177775" rel="nofollow ugc">Jupiter</a></li>
<li><a href="https://themeforest.net/item/bridge-creative-multipurpose-wordpress-theme/7315054" rel="nofollow ugc">Bridge</a></li>
<li><a href="https://themeforest.net/item/flatsome-multipurpose-responsive-woocommerce-theme/5484319" rel="nofollow ugc">Flatsome</a></li>
<li><a href="https://themeforest.net/item/salient-responsive-multipurpose-theme/4363266" rel="nofollow ugc">Salient</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.elegantthemes.com/gallery/divi/" rel="nofollow ugc">Divi</a></li>
<li><a href="https://themeforest.net/item/newspaper/5489609" rel="nofollow ugc">Newspaper</a></li>
<li><a href="https://themeforest.net/item/uncode-creative-multiuse-wordpress-theme/13373220" rel="nofollow ugc">Uncode</a></li>
<li><a href="https://yootheme.com/" rel="nofollow ugc">YOOtheme</a></li>
</ul>
Plugins
<ul>
<li><a href="https://woocommerce.com/" rel="nofollow ugc">WooCommerce</a></li>
<li><a href="https://wpml.org/" rel="nofollow ugc">WPML</a></li>
<li><a href="https://polylang.pro/" rel="nofollow ugc">PolyLang</a></li>
<li><a href="https://codecanyon.net/item/justified-image-grid-premium-wordpress-gallery/2594251" rel="nofollow ugc">Justified Image Grid</a></li>
<li><a href="https://foo.gallery/" rel="nofollow ugc">FooGallery</a></li>
<li><a href="https://codecanyon.net/item/slider-revolution-responsive-wordpress-plugin/2751380" rel="nofollow ugc">Slider Revolution</a></li>
<li><a href="https://de.wordpress.org/plugins/wp-slick-slider-and-image-carousel/" rel="nofollow ugc">WP Slick Slider and Image Carousel</a></li>
<li><a href="https://codecanyon.net/item/essential-grid-wordpress-plugin/7563340" rel="nofollow ugc">Essential Grid</a></li>
<li><a href="https://de.wordpress.org/plugins/responsive-gallery-grid/" rel="nofollow ugc">Responsive Gallery Grid</a></li>
<li><a href="https://meowapps.com/plugin/wplr-sync/" rel="nofollow ugc">WP/LR Sync</a></li>
<li><a href="https://thrivethemes.com/quizbuilder/" rel="nofollow ugc">Thrive Quiz Builder</a></li>
<li><a href="https://wordpress.org/plugins/dark-mode/" rel="ugc">Dark Mode</a></li>
<li><a href="https://wordpress.org/plugins/media-list/" rel="ugc">Medialist</a></li>
</ul>
<h3>Full-featured file manager for media management</h3>
Real Media Library is a WordPress plugin that empowers you with advanced media management. With this plugin you are able to organize the thousands of images, audio, video and PDF files in your media library into folders. Basically it is a file manager like Windows Explorer or Mac Finder, but for WordPress.
Why do you need this plugin?
A growing WordPress blog or website means that you add a lot of new media files to your database every day. In a few weeks your website will be filled with thousands of media files. How will you be able to find one of these files in a flat list? Of course, you can use the WordPress search function and spend a few hours to find a file, but who can remember the names of thousands of files?
Organize your media with ease
This is where the Real Media Library Plugin comes in. With this plugin you can easily create folders, collections and galleries for your pictures to organize your media library properly. Next time you’re looking for a file, it’s just a click away in the file manager.
Organizing your blog media files with the Real Media Library plugin is as easy as dragging and dropping them into folders. You can rearrange the order of your files by dragging them around to move the important files to the top of the list for faster access.
Additionally, you can use the Real Media Library plugin to add media galleries into your posts directly from the WordPress ‘New Post’ editor. This allows you to add an entire media folder as a customizable gallery to your WordPress posts.
The Real Media Library is the must-have WordPress plugin for media management, which can save you a lot of time that you have to spend on managing your media files.
Folders, Collections and Galleries
As you can see from the Real Media Library plugin screenshots (GIFs), it supports three ways to order your files:
Folder: A folder can contain any type of file and collections, but not galleries. To create a subfolder, simply select a folder from the list and click this button.
Collection: A collection cannot contain files. But you can create other collections and galleries there. The above mentioned gallery is only a gallery data folder, which means that they are not automatically placed in your frontend (your website). You can create a visual gallery from this gallery data folder using the Gutenberg editor in your page/post.
Gallery: A gallery data folder can only contain images. It is easier for you to distinguish where your visual galleries are located. You can also drag and drop the images into your own image order.
<h3>Developer Friendly</h3>
You are a developer and want to write an add-on for Real Media Library or make your plugin compatible with ours? We are happy to help you!
Frontend API
Our plugin is written in React and we provide you with a JavaScript API that you can use inside a React application or with plain JavaScript.
<a href="https://devowl.io/wordpress-real-media-library/developer-api/" rel="nofollow ugc">Read frontend documentation</a>
Backend API
Our modern PHP backends offer WordPress actions & filters, an extensible PHP API and REST API endpoints. Work with what you prefer.
<a href="https://devowl.io/wordpress-real-media-library/developer-api/" rel="nofollow ugc">Read backend documentation</a>
Free Support
We like to work with other WordPress developers. If you need assistants to use our product for your code projects, just open a support ticket.
<a href="https://devowl.io/support/" rel="nofollow ugc">Open a support ticket</a>
<h3>Go PRO of Real Media Library</h3>
You will download the free version of this plugin, which contains all the core features and the ability to create unlimited main folders.
Our PRO version offers even more useful features and subfolders to help you manage your media library in WordPress. <a href="https://devowl.io/go/real-media-library?source=wordpress-org-description" rel="nofollow ugc">Learn more about the PRO version.</a>

Real Media Library: Media Library Folder & File Manager


Super easy to use, stable and clean media folder solution


Works great


This plugin is one of the few ones that has a super detailed API documentation, and when you look at its code, it's not a usual mess, but a structured code that uses interfaces, and proper API structure.



Plus it works really really well.



Definitely recommend!


Plugin with amazing dev documentation

Excellent !

Organize uploaded media in folders, collections and galleries: A file manager for WordPress. Media management made easy with Real Media Library! (Alte …

Frontend File Explorer vs Real Media Library: Media Library Folder & File Manager