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Restrict WordPress File Access, Download & File Management

When you manage files, you will always need to setup file access for users, and it's always complex to do so. In WP File Download, we've included smart tools to get rid of that. Setup who have access to the file download, who can manage the files and categories with advanced file permissions.
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File Visibility by WordPress User Group

With WP File Download, you can control who sees your files by WordPress user group. Simply choose a file category, make it private by selecting a user group or an individual user, hit save, and you're good to go.

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File Visibility by WordPress User Group
Restrict File Visibility by User

Restrict File Visibility by User

You can select one or several WordPress users and give them specific access to a single file. So the user will be able to download or to preview the file only if he's connected to his account.

Setup File Management Permissions

File management permissions are defined by WordPress user roles that get possibility to execute some specific actions on files and categories. All the users in a WordPress User Role are seeing permissions applied to their account. That includes:

  • Permissions to create new file categories
  • Permissions to edit existing file categories
  • Permissions to edit their own file categories (not others)
  • Permissions to delete file categories
  • Permissions to access to WP File Download file manager
  • Permissions to Download files (frontend)
  • Permissions to Preview files (frontend)
  • Upload files on frontend (frontend)

This setup ensures that users can only access and manage what they're authorized to, keeping your file system secure and organized.

Setup File Management Permissions
Manage a Personal File Repository

Manage a Personal File Repository

Allow WordPress users to maintain their file collections with WP File Download. As an admin, you can assign a category of files to specific users, giving them exclusive access to their designated categories and files. Each user can be responsible for multiple file categories.

Automatically Create Private Categories per User

Automatically Create Private Categories per User

Take user-specific file access to the next level with automatic private category creation. WP File Download can automatically generate a private category for each logged-in user ideal for membership sites, client portals, and more. Simply choose a main parent category and select the user roles you want this feature applied to. Upon login, each user will get their own secure category created instantly, with no manual setup required.

Restrict Access to File Download and Preview by User Role

WP File Download has the option to enable/disable file download and preview actions on the frontend. You can customize these settings so that only certain user roles have specific permissions. For example, you might allow public users only to preview files. This feature makes it simple to create a tailored file access system, ensuring the right content is available to the right users!
Limit access to file download and preview by user role
Upload files by category

Upload files by category

In the category view, you can activate the possibility of frontend file upload. Then, your users can upload files directly while browsing a file category, on the frontend. The file upload possibility is controlled by a setting in each WordPress user role. Moreover, admin can generate a shortcode for file upload with a preselected category, also controlled by a user role limitation setting. Managed file download is easy, flexible and fast. 

Control the file upload by WordPress user role

A user can upload files from frontend only if he's user role is allowed to. Also, following the user file access rights, the files uploaded will be published or will require to be approved by an admin after being uploaded. Note, it's also possible to allow file upload for public users (not connected) if, for example, you are on an intranet trusted website.

Control the file upload by WordPress user role
Upload files by category

Restrict file category access with password

Additional access restriction is possible using a password per file category. This is similar to the WordPress password protection on posts, just edit a category to setup password, and it's done! Furthermore, the password protection can be combined with a user role access limitation.

File download limitation by count and delay

Do you need to control how many times a file can be downloaded or limit access for a specific time period? With WP File Download, you can set a delay or cap the number of downloads based on the user's WordPress role. This feature offers greater control over file accessibility, ensuring your content is managed effectively.

Control the file upload by WordPress user role

File manager access restriction in Video

WP File Download Plugin + Addon Prices

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WP FILE DOWNLOAD PLUGIN
PLUGIN + 1 YEAR SUPPORT & UPDATE
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  • SOCIAL LOCKER ADDON
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  • CLOUD ADDON
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BEST DEAL
PLUGIN + ALL ADDONS
PLUGIN + 1 YEAR SUPPORT & UPDATE + CLOUD & SOCIAL LOCKER ADDONS
$69
1
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  • MULTI DOMAIN / MULTI SITE
  • 1 YEAR UPDATE
  • 1 YEAR SUPPORT
  • NO RECURRING PAYMENT
  • NO DATE LIMITED
  • SOCIAL LOCKER ADDON
  • WooCommerce Integration
  • CLOUD ADDON
  • COMPARE ALL FEATURES
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Features Comparison

Recent testimonials & ratings

Average rating for WP File Download, JoomUnited is 4.9 Star of 5 stars - based on 226 Reviews
Phil
Phil
CMS developer, PQueen company

Really PRO download manager

The plugin usage and support is included for all my clients for a year, which I think is absolutely unbelievable. Product is great and with complete documentation as usual here :) We're ven using some hooks they prepared for our developer team here. Loving it!
Phil
Seattle,United States,
17 May 2023
Mac O'
Mac O'
Management in IT

Sophisticated, yet easy to manage

This plugin is the most feature rich file manager I've ever used for WordPress, yet the it's easy to use. The JoomUnited team has made an amazing work regarding that UX part. A small price to pay for a very sophisticated product.
Mac O'
Oranmore, Irlande,
08 June 2023
Marin
Marin
Com,UmbriaSA

Customizable plugin

A year since I bought this plugin and in the meantime some great functionality has been added. Installed to all my clients website along with the cloud addon (OneDrive connector)
Marin
Firenze,Italy,
27 March 2023
Mikel
Mikel
Marketing G.,Sardana

Intuitive and professional

Very customizable plugin for anyone who wants to manage a large file amount, like we provide to our private clients. And about how this plugin works… it's just easy as managing my files on Google Drive.
Mikel
Comunidad de Madrid,Spain,
22 July 2023

FAQ: Restrict WordPress File Access, Download & File Management

What is WP File Download, and how does it manage file access?

WP File Download is a WordPress plugin that allows you to easily manage file access, downloads, and file organization. It provides advanced permissions and settings to restrict file visibility and management based on user roles, ensuring only authorized users can access specific files or categories.

How can I restrict access to specific files or file categories?

You can restrict access by using user roles or specific users. Simply select a file or category, set the visibility options in the WP File Download settings, and choose who can view, download, or manage those files based on their user role or individual account.

Can I limit how many times a file can be downloaded?

Yes, WP File Download allows you to set limits on file downloads. You can define how often a user can download a file and set a time delay for access. These restrictions can be customized based on the user’s WordPress role, providing greater control over your file accessibility.

Is it possible to password-protect file categories?

Absolutely! You can set up password protection for individual file categories, similar to WordPress’s post-password feature. This allows you to further restrict access to sensitive files, and you can combine this with user role limitations for added security.

Can users upload files from the frontend?

Yes, WP File Download allows users to upload files directly from the front end. You can enable this feature based on user roles, allowing specific users to add files to designated categories while maintaining control over the upload process.

How do I set file access restrictions for editors or contributors?

You can define file access restrictions for editors or contributors by adjusting their user role settings within WP File Download. Specify which actions (like viewing, downloading, or managing files) they can perform and set permissions for creating, editing, or deleting file categories, ensuring they have the appropriate level of access based on their role.