Are there any simple PHP file managers available?

Frequently, when installing a website on a hosting server, there are certain steps that need to be taken:

1. Uploading the compressed file via FTP and then unpacking it using the hosting control panel's file manager.

2. Uploading all the site files through FTP.

However, in some cases, the first option is not viable due to the absence of a file manager in the hosting panel or restricted access to it. The second option can be time-consuming.

Hence, we are in search of a third alternative approach for downloading the site. Ideally, it would involve a single PHP file acting as a file manager, capable of extracting compressed archives.

Yes, there are several simple PHP file managers available that can be used as an alternative approach for downloading your website files. Some popular options include:

1. **elFinder**: It is a web-based file manager that supports uploading, downloading, and managing files and folders. It also has features like drag-and-drop, file compression, and extraction.

2. **Tiny File Manager**: This is a lightweight file manager that can be easily integrated into any PHP project. It allows you to upload, delete, and move files and folders.

3. **KCFinder**: It is a file manager specifically designed for web applications. It supports multiple file operations, image resizing, and thumbnail generation.

4. **FileGator**: This is a free, open-source file manager written in PHP. It provides a user-friendly interface for uploading, managing, and sharing files.

5. **Monsta FTP**: It is a web-based FTP client that also functions as a file manager. It supports drag-and-drop file transfers and provides a user-friendly interface.

6. **Simple File Manager**: This is a minimalist file manager written in PHP. It allows you to browse, upload, download, and delete files and folders.

7. **eXtplorer**: It is a web-based file management system that comes with features like file editing, zip compression, and file permissions management.

8. **phpFileManager**: This is another lightweight file manager for PHP. It offers basic file operations like uploading, deleting, and moving files and folders.

9. **AjaXplorer**: It is a web-based file manager that offers a rich set of features, including file preview, image editing, audio/video playback, and dоcument management.

10. **phpFM**: This is a lightweight and easy-to-use file manager that supports basic file operations like uploading, deleting, and renaming files and folders.

11. **NewFile CMS**: It is a content management system with a built-in file manager. It allows you to create, edit, and delete files and folders within the CMS interface.

12. **Explorer File Manager**: This file manager has a clean and intuitive user interface. It supports file uploads, downloads, and folder management.

13. **VFM - Simple Virtual File Manager**: It is a user-friendly and feature-rich file manager that offers capabilities like file sharing, drag-and-drop file uploads, and folder permissions management.

14. **Responsive FileManager**: This file manager is built using jQuery and PHP. It provides an easy-to-use interface with features like file uploading, folder creation, and file search.

15. **FileRun**: It is a full-featured file management system that supports file synchronization, file versioning, file sharing, and more. It also has a responsive design for mobile devices.

16. **Slim File Manager**: It is a lightweight file manager with a clean and modern user interface. It supports file operations like uploading, deleting, moving, and renaming files and folders.

17. **Droply**: This file manager is designed specifically for file uploads. It has a simple interface and supports drag-and-drop file uploads, progress tracking, and customizable settings.

18. **Codiad**: It is not just a file manager but a full-featured web-based IDE (Integrated Development Environment) that allows you to manage and edit your files in a development environment. It supports syntax highlighting, code completion, and other developer-friendly features.

19. **eXtplorer**: It is a feature-rich file management script that offers a wide range of functionalities such as file editing, permissions management, zip compression, and remote file editing via FTP or SSH.

20. **FileRun**: It is a powerful file management system that offers an intuitive user interface, file collaboration features, dоcument editing capabilities, sharing options, and much more.

21. **Pydio**: It is an open-source file sharing and syncing solution that provides advanced file management features like versioning, encryption, multi-user access, and mobile support.

22. **Imagevue**: Although primarily designed for image management, Imagevue can also handle other file types. It offers features like drag-and-drop uploads, batch operations, slideshow creation, and image editing.

These PHP file managers offer various functionalities and cater to different use cases. You can explore them further to find the one that best fits your needs and requirements.

I recently discovered a file manager created by Chinese developers that I found incredibly impressive. I highly recommend it to everyone, it's called kodexplorer.


Kodexplorer offers a wide range of features and functionalities that make file management a breeze. Its clean and intuitive interface makes navigating through files effortless. Additionally, its seamless integration with various cloud storage services allows for easy access to files from multiple platforms.

An even better option would be to request ssh access from the hosting provider. If they do not provide it, you can ask them to unpack your archives. In the process, they may unpack it multiple times, and there is a chance they will grant you ssh access.