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Shared Files – Frontend File Upload Form & Secure File Sharing

By Anssi Laitila

Site Administration & Utilities /

Reviewed by Omar Dabbas

Trusted WordPress expert with 20+ years of experience evaluating plugins for the WP ecosystem.

Shared Files – Frontend File Upload Form & Secure File Sharing Review - In-Depth Analysis

File management plugin with frontend file upload, download manager, and tracking features.

Performance Overview

WPS Score

6.9/10

User Rating

4.4/5 (based on 34+ reviews)

Active Installations

4,000+

Update Frequency

Below Average It is calculated using the weighted average of same category plugins.

Security Score

6.24 / 10 (Medium Risk) It is calculated using the weighted average of all versions.

What It Does

Shared Files is a powerful WordPress plugin that allows you to securely share and manage files, documents, and downloads directly from your WordPress site.

With features like user permissions, frontend file upload, and download tracking, it is the perfect solution for businesses, educational institutions, and anyone needing to share files easily and securely.

This plugin provides an interface for uploading and managing a large group of documents and files easily with numerous layout options and shortcodes for inserting downloadable files anywhere on the website.

Shared Files allows adding tags to files, either using the same tags as posts or a custom taxonomy, helping you stay organized.

It also includes a download manager that tracks the most popular files, a download log for all file downloads, and a search log for all searches made in the front end.

Comparing to Alternatives

Shared Files offers robust frontend file upload and secure sharing features, positioning it well among similar plugins. Here are some notable alternatives to consider.

Top alternatives

Strengths

User-friendly interface with straightforward file upload and download.
Comprehensive feature set including frontend upload forms and secure sharing.
Active development with regular security patches addressing vulnerabilities.
Free version provides useful functionality for basic file sharing needs.
Pro version adds advanced features like multiple file uploads and enhanced management.

Weaknesses

Files can be accessed by anonymous visitors if URL is known, raising security concerns.
Folder upload functionality is not supported, limiting bulk uploads.
Some advanced features require the paid version, limiting free usage.
Security history includes multiple vulnerabilities, though recent versions have fixes.

User Sentiment Analysis

With a strong majority of 5-star ratings, users appreciate the plugin's ease of use and feature set. However, a small portion of users report limitations and security concerns.

Positive highlights

"Its a great plugin to working with! I use it on a photography and Affinity site." — harmannus
"nice work" — renatopax
"Easy to use and it’s the best tool to use for sharing files." — glassqueen
"The plugin offers very simple up- and downloading possibilities and great possibilities to configure its usage." — reinhardwallner
"This plugin makes building a site for sharing documents easy." — Martin Sauter

Common complaints

No support for uploading entire folders, only individual files.

Weaknesses

Files may be accessible to anonymous visitors if URLs are known.
Limited folder upload functionality.
Some features locked behind the pro version.
Security vulnerabilities have been reported historically, requiring updates.

Who Should Use This?

Best for

Users needing a straightforward and configurable frontend file upload and sharing solution with options for both free and paid features.

Not ideal for

Those requiring robust folder upload capabilities or absolute file access security without risk of URL exposure, or users concerned about past security vulnerabilities.

Pricing & Value

Free version includes

The free version includes basic file upload and sharing features suitable for simple use cases.

Pro version

Adds multiple file upload capabilities, enhanced file management options, and additional configuration settings for advanced use.

Final Verdict

Shared Files is a well-regarded plugin offering an easy-to-use interface and a solid set of features for frontend file uploads and secure sharing. Its free version is functional for basic needs, while the pro version unlocks more advanced capabilities. However, users should be aware of its past security vulnerabilities and the fact that files may be accessible if URLs are known, which could be a concern for sensitive data.

Overall, it is a strong choice for users seeking a flexible file sharing solution with active maintenance and support, but those needing folder uploads or guaranteed file access security might consider alternatives. Regular updates and cautious configuration are recommended to mitigate security risks.

Other Notable Features

Here are a few other notable features of this free Shared Files – Frontend File Upload Form & Secure File Sharing plugin.

File management

Frontend file upload

Download manager

Screenshots

FAQ

You can report security bugs through the Patchstack Vulnerability Disclosure Program. The Patchstack team help validate, triage and handle any security vulnerabilities. Report a security vulnerability.