Table of contents

What is a WordPress file manager?Why use?How to useFile manager pluginsAlternative waysPros and consBest practicesNext stepsAdditional resources

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WordPress Guide → Management → File Manager

WordPress File Manager: How to use it and top alternative plugins for file management

Managing files in WordPress doesn’t always require cPanel or FTP access. With a file manager plugin, you can upload, edit, and organize files right from your WordPress dashboard—no extra software needed. Whether you’re fixing an issue, customizing a theme, or managing media, file managers make the process easier and faster.

Let’s walk through how to use a WordPress file manager plugin safely, then explore the best options available today.

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What is a WordPress file manager?

A file manager in WordPress is a tool that lets you view and manage the files and folders on your website, directly from the WordPress admin area. It works like the File Explorer on your computer: you can click into folders, upload files, delete old ones, and even edit documents, without needing access to cPanel or FTP.

WordPress websites store all of their content—images, plugins, themes, and settings—as files on your hosting server. A file manager gives you direct access to those files in a visual interface, which can save time and help you make changes more confidently.

Why use a file manager in WordPress?

A WordPress file manager plugin gives you several useful benefits:

Media Cleaner is a trusted plugin that scans your Media Library and WordPress database to find unused files. It works by identifying files that are no longer referenced anywhere on your site (posts, pages, widgets, etc.).

How to use a WordPress file manager plugin

The most popular way to manage files in WordPress is with a plugin like File Manager by mndpsingh287. Let’s go through the full setup and usage steps.

1. Install and activate the plugin

In your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New.
Search for File Manager by mndpsingh287. Make sure the author name and icon match to avoid installing the wrong tool.
Click Install Now, then click Activate when the button changes.

Once activated, you’ll see a new WP File Manager option in your admin sidebar.

2. Access the File Manager

Click on WP File Manager in the sidebar. You’ll be taken to an interface that looks like a basic file explorer. The left pane shows your site’s folder structure (like wp-content, plugins, themes, etc.), and the right pane shows the files inside the selected folder.

You can:

Browse directories by clicking folder icons
Select files or folders by clicking them once
Right-click to see available options like Rename, Edit, Delete, or Download

3. Perform file tasks

Here’s what you can do with File Manager:

Upload files: Click the Upload icon in the top bar. Drag and drop files or click to select from your computer.
Download files: Right-click a file and select Download.
Rename items: Right-click and choose Rename to change a file or folder name.
Edit code files: Click the Edit button to open a built-in code editor for files like wp-config.php or functions.php. Be cautious—editing these files can break your site if done incorrectly.
Create new folders or files: Use the top menu to quickly create new items as needed.
Set permissions: Use the right-click menu to adjust file and folder permissions if you know what access level you want to allow.

4. Secure your file manager

This plugin is powerful, so take extra precautions:

Restrict access: Go to WP File Manager > Settings and limit access to Administrator roles only.
Use secure passwords: Make sure all admin users have strong, unique passwords.
Avoid editing core files unless necessary: Especially files like wp-config.php or .htaccess.
Back up your site: Before making any file edits, back up your site.

Top WordPress file manager plugins (tested and trusted)

These plugins are available in the WordPress Plugin Directory, regularly updated, and tested with recent WordPress versions.

1. File Manager by mndpsingh287

File Manager is one of the most popular file manager plugins for WordPress. It offers a complete desktop-like interface that lets you edit, move, zip, and upload files with just a few clicks.

Key features:

Drag-and-drop support for uploads and file movement
Built-in text/code editor with syntax highlighting
File operations: zip, unzip, rename, delete
User role access control

Best for: Full-featured file management in your dashboard

Starting at: $0 (Pro version adds more access controls and themes)

2. Advanced File Manager

Advanced File Manager is a lightweight, AJAX-based plugin with a modern layout and quick performance.

Key features:

Responsive UI for fast navigation
Frontend file management with shortcode support
Image previews and built-in search
No external libraries required

Best for: Users who want a minimal, no-frills file manager

Starting at: $0

3. Filester – File Manager Pro

Filester is a newer plugin with a sleek interface and advanced role management features. It’s ideal if you want a balance between power and usability.

Key features:

Tabbed browsing and dark mode
Role-based access control
Drag-and-drop file uploads
File change logs and detailed operations

Best for: Users looking for a modern file manager with extra control

Starting at: $0

Alternative ways to manage WordPress files

If you don’t want to use a plugin, or need access outside of WordPress, here are other file management methods.

Use cPanel’s File Manager

Many web hosts include cPanel, which has its own File Manager tool.

Log into your hosting account.
Find and open cPanel, then click File Manager.
You can upload, edit, or delete files from there—similar to the WordPress plugin version.

This is useful when your WordPress dashboard is inaccessible or broken.

Use FTP/SFTP with FileZilla or Cyberduck

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) lets you connect to your server remotely.

Install an FTP client like FileZilla.
Use the credentials provided by your host to connect (host, username, password, port).
You’ll see your website files in a left/right split panel.
Upload, download, or edit files from your local machine.

This method is recommended for large file transfers or when editing your site externally.

Use SSH (for advanced users)

SSH is a command-line method for accessing your server.

Requires hosting with SSH access and some terminal experience.
You can run commands to move, copy, edit, or delete files quickly.

If you’re not comfortable with command-line tools, stick with a plugin or cPanel.

Pros and cons of using a file manager plugin

Benefits

Very easy to use, even for beginners
No external tools or logins needed
Saves time on small tasks like uploading or editing a theme file
Works entirely from the WordPress dashboard

Risks

Can be dangerous if used without backups
Security issues if access isn’t restricted
Accidental edits to core files can break your site

Best practices for safe file management in WordPress

Whether you’re using a plugin, FTP, or cPanel, follow these tips:

Always back up before editing files. One mistake can take down your site. A backup gives you a safety net if a file is accidentally deleted or misconfigured.
Limit access. Only admins should be able to use file managers. Reducing access prevents unauthorized users from making damaging changes or accessing sensitive files.
Avoid editing core WordPress files unless you understand what they do. Changes to files like wp-config.php or .htaccess can affect your entire site and make it inaccessible.
Use a staging environment to test file changes before going live. Staging sites let you experiment without risking your live website, which is critical for plugin or theme file edits.
Choose well-rated, actively maintained plugins to minimize bugs or security holes. Outdated or abandoned file manager plugins can introduce vulnerabilities that hackers exploit.

Next steps for using a WordPress file manager

Using a file manager plugin is a beginner-friendly way to manage your WordPress files without needing FTP or hosting access. Just remember to take precautions—especially when editing core site files.

Start by installing File Manager by mndpsingh287 and explore how easy it is to upload, rename, and manage files in your dashboard. If you’re ever unsure, back up your site and test changes on a staging version first.

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