WPDM - File Hosting

A shared link outlives the reason you sent it

You send a client the proposal in a link. The project ends, the contacts change and the link lives on in an email forwarded to who knows how many inboxes. Nobody decided to leave it open. Nobody decided to close it either.

A link with no expiry stays open as long as nobody remembers to close it. WordPress File Hosting & Sharing turns your site into a private file service, with folders for each user and links that stop working after a number of downloads or minutes you define.

A file manager for your users

• Dropbox-style interface: it appears on any page with the [wpdm-file-browser] shortcode and in a File Hosting tab of the user dashboard.
• Personal folders: each user gets a root folder automatically and creates subfolders inside it.
• Drag-and-drop upload: several files at once, within the maximum size and allowed types you set.
• Expiring links: direct links that shut off after a certain number of downloads or minutes.
• Other ways to share: copying the file's page link, sending it by email with a personal message or getting code to embed it on another site.
• Shared With Me: each user sees what was shared with them, downloads it and can import a file into their own.
• Per-file limits: a stock cap and a per-user download cap.

Who downloads each file

For each file or folder you choose which user roles can download, or you allow access to anyone with the link. That second option is convenient, which is why it is worth saving for what can really circulate.

Role permissions fit when you hand out documents to a collective, such as members or the team. If what you need is to give access to a named person, you also need the Advanced Access Control add-on, which is not included in this one.

Downloads are tracked by WordPress Download Manager Pro, which also takes care of storage and access control. That is why the maximum size and file types are defined there.

Download Manager Pro and other limits

It needs WordPress Download Manager Pro. This plugin is an add-on, and without the Pro version it does not work as described here.

Only logged-in users can upload, so each person you want to give a space to needs an account on your site and an authorized role.

The Dropbox comparison refers to the browser interface. Its features do not include a desktop app or folder syncing with the computer.

Setup and a first expiring link

With WordPress Download Manager Pro active, install the add-on like any plugin and follow this order:

1. In Downloads, Settings, Frontend Access, choose which roles use the manager and define the maximum size and file types.
2. Add the [wpdm-file-browser] shortcode to a page, or send users to the File Hosting tab of their dashboard.
3. New Folder creates folders, and New Package uploads files.
4. The share button on each file generates the expiring link, shows the page link, sends it by email or provides the embed code.

Before opening it to clients, upload a test file and check its access from a private window, logged out.

Server files or documents in Dropbox

For the team or users to work with server files, WP File Manager Pro offers a manager with per-user and per-role permissions, and private folders. If the documents already live in Dropbox, WPDM Dropbox Explorer lets you browse, manage and attach them from WordPress Download Manager.

Sharing files with clients: answers

Does it work on its own?

No, it requires WordPress Download Manager Pro.

How does a link expire?

It stops working after the number of downloads or minutes you set when generating it.

Does each user see only their own files?

Each one has a root folder. What others can download depends on the access you define, so check it on your installation.

Can I share with a specific person?

By link or email, yes. To assign access to specific users you need Advanced Access Control.

Can I limit what people upload?

Yes, the maximum size and file types are set in the WordPress Download Manager settings.

Can I show a file on another site?

Yes, the share button offers code to embed it.