Simple File List

Simple File List

4.3/5 (26 ratings) 3K+ active installs Updated Jun 22, 2026
Front-side file manager with upload form activated.

Front-side file manager with upload form activated.

Simple File List is the easiest way to add a fully functional file manager to your WordPress website. Drop the shortcode [eeSFL] on any page and your visitors instantly get a clean, browsable file library — complete with thumbnails, descriptions, an inline media player, email file sharing, and optional file uploading. You can control exactly who can see and manage files based on their WordPress role.

Stop wrestling with clumsy FTP clients or third-party cloud storage to exchange files with clients and colleagues. Simple File List keeps everything on your own server, where you own your data.

Why Simple File List?

  • One shortcode, instant file manager[eeSFL] is all you need to deploy a fully featured file library.
  • Separate from the Media Library — your files stay organized and out of the way.
  • Role-based access — show the file manager to everyone, only logged-in users, only admins, or no one.
  • Your data, your server — no third-party cloud storage, no monthly SaaS fees.
  • Works on managed WordPress hosts — fully compatible with Pressable, Kinsta, WP Engine and similar environments.
  • PHP 8.5 approved and actively maintained.

File Manager Features

  • Add, rename, delete and edit file descriptions from both the front end and the WordPress admin.
  • Three display styles: Table, Tiles or Flex — pick the look that fits your site.
  • Light theme, dark theme, or bring your own CSS — fully customizable.
  • Show file name, date, size and auto-generated thumbnails for PDFs, images and videos.
  • Give any file a friendly display name (Nice Name) that can contain characters not allowed in real file names.
  • Add descriptions to files; optionally display them in the file manager.
  • Sort by name, date added, date modified or file size — ascending or descending.
  • Inline Media Player — audio and video files play directly in the browser without leaving the page.
  • Email File Sharing — let users send a file link by email straight from the file manager.
  • Bulk File Management — select multiple files at once and apply a description, download as a zip archive, or delete them all using the File Ops Bar.
  • Custom File Directory — define any path on your server as the file manager’s storage directory.
  • Optionally allow front-end users to rename, send, delete and edit files themselves.
  • Includes custom action hooks: Uploaded, Added, Removed, Deleted, Edited, Listed, Loaded, Scanned.

This Plugin is Perfect For:

  • Sharing contracts, reports or official documents with clients.
  • Building an internal document library for your team or organization.
  • Distributing class materials, course downloads or e-learning resources.
  • Hosting an archive of audio, video, PDF or other downloadable files.
  • Replacing FTP or Dropbox for exchanging large files with non-technical clients.
  • Any situation where files are too large or too numerous for email attachments.

File Upload Features

  • Simple, reliable uploader that works on mobile devices too.
  • Drag-and-drop upload zone with a real-time progress bar.
  • Allow uploads by everyone, logged-in users only, admins only, or disable entirely.
  • Restrict accepted file types and maximum file size.
  • Limit the number of files per submission.
  • Email notification each time a file is uploaded.
  • Optionally collect the uploader’s name, email and a file description.

Internationalized

  • cz_CZ – Czech (Czech Republic)
  • da_DK – Danish (Denmark)
  • de_DE – German (Germany)
  • es_ES – Spanish (Spain)
  • es_MX – Spanish (Mexico)
  • fr_CA – French (Canada)
  • fr_FR – French (France)
  • fr_BE – French (Belgium)
  • it_IT – Italian (Italy)
  • nl_NL – Dutch (Netherlands)
  • pt_BR – Portuguese (Brazil)
  • pt_PT – Portuguese (Portugal)
  • sv_SE – Swedish (Sweden)

Plus

  • Lightweight and easy to style — override any CSS to match your theme.
  • Committed, responsive support directly from the developer.

Try the Demo

Simple File List Demo

Upgrade to PRO — Add Sub-Folder Support

Take your file manager to the next level with unlimited folder hierarchies:

  • Create unlimited levels of sub-folders.
  • Use a shortcode attribute to display any specific folder: [eeSFL folder=”folderA/folderB”]
  • Display different folders in different places on your site — even multiple folders on the same page.
  • Front-end users cannot navigate above the folder you specify.
  • Breadcrumb navigation shows exactly where you are.
  • Easily move files and folders as needed.
  • Rename folders and add descriptions that appear in the file manager.
  • Delete any folder along with all of its contents in one click.
  • Sort folders first, or sort them together with files.
  • Optionally display folder sizes.
  • Define a custom file manager directory anywhere on your server.

Get Simple File List Pro

PRO Extensions

File Access Manager

Lock down your files so only the right people can see them:

  • Prevent direct file URL access — files are only reachable through the file manager.
  • Limit access to logged-in users; specify a minimum role or an exact role match.
  • Create a private file manager for a specific WordPress user or a group of users.
  • Independently control upload permissions and front-end file management per access mode.

Five access modes:

Normal Mode — No restrictions. Files are viewable by anyone who can reach the page and may be linked to from outside your site.

Limited Mode — Restrict access to WordPress users with a specified role or higher.

Group Mode — Restrict access to a defined group of WordPress users.

User Mode — Restrict access to a single specific WordPress user.

Restricted Mode — Restrict all files by default; grant access to specific files for specific users or roles.

Search & Pagination

  • Adds a search bar and pagination to any file manager instance.
  • Search by file name and/or date within the current folder and sub-folders.
  • Pagination keeps large file libraries fast and easy to navigate.
  • Configure files per page, and show or hide search and pagination independently.
  • Shortcode attributes for full control: [eeSFL search=”YES/NO” paged=”YES/NO” filecount=”25″]
  • Place a standalone search form anywhere on your site: [eeSFLS permalink=’file-list-url’]

More Information | Try the Demo

Tools Extension

The Tools extension adds a suite of utility features for power users and site administrators:

  • Additional administrative tools for managing and maintaining your file library.
  • Designed to complement the core file manager with advanced housekeeping capabilities.

More Information