Library Viewer

New in Version 3.3.0: Admin Library Viewer! You can now manage and browse your library directly from your WordPress dashboard. Go to Media > Library Viewer to get started.

Library Viewer allows you to display files and folders from your server directly on your WordPress site.

By default, the free version displays the contents of the “library” folder located in your site’s root directory (example: yoursite.com/library). To display any other directory, you can use the path parameter available in Library Viewer Pro.

Whether you want to create a public document library, a members-only download area, or an internal file portal, Library Viewer provides a lightweight and flexible solution.

Unlike traditional file manager plugins, Library Viewer focuses on controlled visibility and flexible file access.

You can:

• Allow users to browse files without allowing them to open or download them
• Restrict file access based on login status or user roles
• Open files using custom viewers or external services
• Integrate file access with WooCommerce purchases
• Manage your library directly from the WordPress dashboard

Live Demo

Explore a working example of Library Viewer: View Demo

Ideal Use Cases

• Document libraries
• Members-only downloads
• WooCommerce customer downloads
• Internal company file portals
• Educational resources
• Front-end file management systems

Key Features

• Access Control: Allow users to browse files but restrict opening them to logged-in users or specific roles.
• Custom Viewer: Open files in a custom viewer or redirect them via a web service of your choice.
• Breadcrumb Navigation: Easy navigation through subfolders.
• Search & Filter: Show or hide specific files and folders (Pro version).

Quick Start

1. Create a folder named “library” in your server root (e.g. public_html/library)
2. Upload your files and folders inside it
3. Add the shortcode [library-viewer] to any page or post
4. Publish the page and view your library
5. (Optional) Use shortcode parameters to control access and behavior
6. To view your library in the backend, navigate to Media > Library Viewer.

Library Viewer Admin Pages

ADMIN PAGE DOCUMENTATION

The Library Viewer Admin Pages feature, introduced in version 3.3.0, brings library functionality directly into your WordPress dashboard. It is designed for site owners and administrators who need quick access to their libraries without visiting the front end. Unlike a single fixed admin screen, Library Viewer allows you to register multiple Library Viewer Admin Pages, each with its own configuration, permissions, and displayed library.

For advanced usage and full configuration options, please refer to the Admin Page Documentation.

Key Features of the Admin Page:

• Centralized Browsing: View all files and folders in your “library” folder (or in other directories when using Library Viewer Pro) directly from the Media > Library Viewer menu.
• Customizable Access: You can define exactly which user roles or capabilities (e.g., editors, custom roles) have permission to view this admin page.
• Flexible Display: The admin page uses the same powerful engine as the shortcode. In the “Library to display” field, you can set any [library-viewer] shortcode with the parameters of your choice (as described in the Parameters Documentation) to customize the backend display.
• Easy Navigation: Includes a dedicated “Settings” tab where you can change the page title and manage access permissions without touching any code.

How to Use:

1. Go to your WordPress Dashboard.
2. Navigate to Media > Library Viewer.
3. Use the Library tab to browse your files.
4. Switch to the Settings tab to customize the title or restrict access to specific roles.

Parameters Documentation

  FULL PARAMETERS DOCUMENTATION AND USE CASES

  PARAMETERS OF LIBRARY VIEWER

• have_file_access (have_file_access parameter controls which users can access and view files.)
• my_doc_viewer (my_doc_viewer parameter defines which viewer is used to open files.)
• login_page (login_page parameter sets the login page where users are redirected if authentication is required)

  PARAMETERS OF LIBRARY VIEWER FOR WOOCOMMERCE

• have_file_access=”customer_with_folder_access” (The customer_with_folder_access value for the have_file_access parameter grants access to users who purchased a product with folder access.)
• sold_on (sold_on parameter specifies the WooCommerce product required to unlock folder access.)

  PARAMETERS OF LIBRARY VIEWER PRO

• path (path parameter defines which server folder is displayed in the front-end library. When we refer to a “folder,” we mean the folder’s contents, including any subfolders and files within it.)
• guest_view_access (guest_view_access parameter controls whether guest users can view folder contents. By default, all users can see folder contents, but they cannot open files.)
• waiting_seconds (waiting_seconds parameter Sets delay before redirecting users to login (0 = immediate redirect))
• breadcrumb (breadcrumb parameter enables or disables breadcrumb navigation)
• hidden_folders (hidden_folders parameter hides specific folders from the library view)
• shown_folders (shown_folders parameter explicitly defines which folders are visible.)
• hidden_files (hidden_files parameter hides specific files from the library view.)
• shown_files (shown_files parameter explicitly defines which files are visible.)
• url_suffix (url_suffix parameter adds a URL suffix to allow multiple library instances on the same page.)

  PARAMETERS OF LIBRARY VIEWER FILE MANAGER ADD-ON

• delete_folder (delete_folder parameter controls permission to delete folders.)
• delete_file (delete_file parameter controls permission to delete files.)
• rename_folder (rename_folder parameter controls permission to rename a folder.)
• rename_file (rename_folder parameter controls permission to rename a file.)
• create_folder (create_folder parameter controls permission to create a folder.)
• upload_file (upload_file parameter controls permission to upload a file.)
• unzip_file (unzip_file parameter controls permission to unzip a zip file.)
• download_folder (download_folder parameter allows downloading folders as ZIP files.)
• download_file (download_file parameter allows downloading individual files.)

  FULL PARAMETERS DOCUMENTATION AND USE CASES

Hooks Documentation

From 2.0.0 version and then, there are many hooks that you can customize the functionality of this plugin. You can read more in HOOKS DOCUMENTATION Read also in my blog: How to add PHP hooks in your WordPress Site

Premium Extensions Features

• With LIBRARY VIEWER PRO you can:
  • Display any folder on your server, not just the default “library” folder.
  • Customize URLs with hooks and parameters.
  • Show or hide the breadcrumb with a simple shortcode parameter.
  • Gain full control over which folders and files are displayed or hidden.
  • Forbid direct access to files, ensuring they are only accessible via the Library Viewer.
• With the LIBRARY VIEWER FOR WOOCOMMERCE ADD-ON you can:
  • Grant library access to customers who purchase specific products.
  • Create a “Members Only” file area linked to WooCommerce purchases.
• With the LIBRARY VIEWER FILE MANAGER ADD-ON you can:
  • Allow users to upload, rename, delete, and manage files directly from the front-end.
  • Use the library as a powerful front-end file manager for your admins or specific user roles.