Do you want to add an FTP-like file manager in your WordPress admin area?
A file manager allows you to edit your WordPress configuration, themes, plugins, and other files right from the WordPress admin dashboard. This is perfect when you need to change your website’s files but don’t have access to FTP or cPanel.
In this article, we will show you how to easily add an FTP-like file manager in WordPress.
Why Do You Need an FTP-Like File Manager in WordPress?
When you need to securely transfer WordPress files, we always recommend using an FTP client that supports the SSH or SFTP protocols.
However, a file manager is helpful if you don’t have access to FTP or the cPanel account provided by your web hosting provider. For example, you might contribute to a multi-author WordPress blog and only have limited access and permissions.
In this case, a file manager allows you to edit, preview, upload, and download the WordPress configuration and other files. You can think of it as a web-based FTP client.
That being said, let’s take a look at how to easily add an FTP-like file manager to your WordPress website.
Most of our Tutorials come in writing without video, so keep reading, do not skip any of the steps
Adding an FTP-Like File Manager in WordPress
The easiest way to add an FTP-like file manager to your WordPress website is by using the File Manager plugin. It allows you to edit files on a remote server using a simple user interface.
The first thing you need to do is to install and activate the File Manager plugin. For more details, see our step-by-step guide on how to install a WordPress plugin.
Upon activation, you will see a new WP File Manager option in the WordPress sidebar. Simply click on it to open the file manager app, which will show all your WordPress files and folders.
Above the files, you will see a toolbar showing all the File Manager settings.
This toolbar is similar to the settings in an FTP client, and it has everything you need to preview, edit, upload, download, and delete files or folders.
To work with a file or folder, simply give it a click and then select any of the settings in the File Manager toolbar.
If you are familiar with FTP clients, then the folders work in exactly the same way. Simply click on any folder to open it and see its contents.
To edit a file on your WordPress blog, simply click on the ‘Edit file’ button.
This will open the file in a new window, ready for you to make your changes.
If you just want to look at a file’s contents, then you can click on the ‘Preview’ button.
This is the button that looks like a small eye icon in the toolbar.
Sometimes, you may want to make changes to your website’s images. For example, you might save time by bulk uploading media files in WordPress.
Simply go to the wp-content » uploads folder and then click on the ‘Upload Files’ button.
You can also upload zip files and extract them in the file manager.
We hope this article helped you learn how to add an FTP-like file manager in WordPress. Hit the comments section if you have any questions.