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Best file upload plugin for WordPress

9+ Best File Upload Plugins for WordPress (Expert Ranking) 

Written By: author image Joella Dunn
author image Joella Dunn
Joella is a writer with years of experience in WordPress. At Duplicator, she specializes in site maintenance — from basic backups to large-scale migrations. Her ultimate goal is to make sure your WordPress website is safe and ready for growth.
     Reviewed By: John Turner
reviewer image John Turner
John Turner is the President of Duplicator. He has over 20+ years of business and development experience and his plugins have been downloaded over 25 million times.

Need to find the best file upload plugin for your WordPress site?

Online forms are a great way to collect feedback from your audience. But what if you want users to upload images, documents, and even spreadsheets? In this case, you’ll need a file upload plugin.

In this post, we’ve reviewed the best WordPress file upload plugins for you!

Why You Should Use a File Upload Plugin

By default, you can only upload files to your WordPress site by logging into the admin dashboard. However, you might want your audience to upload files without having to create new user accounts.

With a file upload plugin, you can start accepting file uploads from front-end visitors. Since you won’t have to create new users, your dashboard will stay secure.

Once you add file upload functionality to your contact forms, users can send you images, documents, videos, documents, and more. 

Here are some ways to use a file upload plugin:

  • Accept medical forms
  • Add images to identify new members
  • Review resumes for job applications
  • Verify identification with ID uploads
  • Collect essays for a scholarship application
  • Review guest posts submissions
  • And more!

Key Features to Consider in a WordPress File Upload Plugin

1. Easy to Use 

You should be able to add file upload functionality without complex configurations. The goal is for you, as a beginner, to quickly familiarize yourself with the plugin and use it regularly without stumbling over techie hurdles. 

2. Multi-File Uploads

You won’t want users to have to submit the form multiple times. With the right plugin, they can upload several files at the same time, saving time and improving user experience. 

3. Extensive File Support

The best file upload plugin should support many types of files. This includes popular ones such as MP3, MP4, JPG, PNG, GIF, and PDF, to less-known types like SVG and WEBM. 

4. File Size Limit

Ideally, the best file upload plugin should allow you to upload large files. If a plugin has a low file size limit, it could be a hassle when users need to share large files.

5. Security

Last, but by no means least, consider the security of the plugin. Since files may contain sensitive information, choose a plugin that encrypts the files during upload and also stores them securely. 

9 Best File Upload Plugins for WordPress

By now, you know what to look for in a file upload plugin. But, there are still countless options to choose from.

To help you, we’ll review the best file upload plugins for WordPress. Each plugin has been screened by our in-house WordPress experts, so you can find the perfect fit for your requirements. 

1. WPForms

WPForms plugin

From all the tools we looked at, we found WPForms to be the best file upload plugin. It stood out because of its user-friendly drag-and-drop builder that required no coding skills to use.

When you need to add file upload functionality to a form, simply drag and drop the File Upload field onto the page.

WPForms File Upload field

WPForms also has pre-made templates with built-in file upload fields. For example, the Job Application template allows users to add their resume and cover letters. Since this is automatically set up, it can save you valuable time.

WPForms job application template

The file upload field can have a variety of uses. Here are the file types it supports:

  • Image files including .png, .gif, and .jpg
  • Audio files including .wav, .mp3, and .mp4
  • Video files including .mpg, .mov, and .wmv
  • Documents like .doc, .xls, .ppt, and .pdf

You can easily restrict what file types you’re accepting in a form submission. 

WPForms allowed file types

If you need extra options, we’d recommend the File Upload Types plugin by WPForms! This add-on lets you use file types like .csv, .ai, .zip, and more. 

Your web host will have a maximum file upload limit for your site. To avoid going over this value, feel free to set a maximum file size in WPForms.

WPForms max upload size

You can also allow users to add multiple files in one form. 

WPForms max file number

This makes it easy for your online visitors to give all their information in one entry. Plus, your entry management will become much more efficient.

What We Liked About WPForms 

  • User-friendly interface
  • Wide range of form templates
  • Easy-to-use file upload fields
  • Two file upload formats: modern and classic
  • Supports a variety of file types
  • Flexible maximum file upload limit
  • Supports multiple file uploads
  • Set file type restrictions
  • Automatically store files in the media library
  • Easy entry management
  • Email notifications for new entries
  • Supports conditional logic, so only the right users see file upload fields

What We Didn’t Like About WPForms 

  • The file upload field is a premium feature

Why WPForms Is Our Top Pick 

WPForms is the best file upload plugin for WordPress because it has pre-made templates with already integrated file upload functionality. But, you’ll have the option of adding a file upload field to any form. This is flexible, ensuring you only get the best responses. 

Need to see more before making a decision? Read our in-depth review of WPForms!

2. Formidable Forms

Formidable Forms plugin

Similar to WPForms, Formidable Forms is a drag-and-drop WordPress form builder with a file upload field. It comes with templates for everything from business operations to user registrations.

When you need users to upload files, add the file upload field. New file submissions will then be stored in your media library.

Formidable Forms file upload field

With Formidable Forms, you can allow multiple files to be uploaded. One unique feature is that it can delete old files when you delete an entry, which declutters your media library.

Formidable Forms file upload options

Formidable Forms allows all form types that are supported by WordPress. However, it will automatically only support images by default. This is to prevent possible security risks from public uploads. 

What We Liked About Formidable Forms 

  • Drag-and-drop form builder
  • Hundreds of form templates
  • Supports all file types supported by WordPress
  • Option to restrict file sizes
  • Accepts multiple file uploads
  • Can resize images automatically

What We Didn’t Like About Formidable Forms 

  • You’ll need to upgrade to the premium version to access the file upload option.
  • Automatically restricts file upload types to images (although this is for security reasons)
  • Only one upload field style 

Why We Chose Formidable Forms 

Formidable Forms gives you everything you need to start accepting file uploads from your site. It’s flexible and supports unique features like auto image resizing. 

3. Gravity Forms

Gravity Forms plugin

Another form builder with file upload features is Gravity Forms. It allows you to create new forms and easily add a file upload field.

Gravity Forms file upload field

You can customize the field label and description so that users know exactly what you’re asking for. Additionally, you’ll be able to limit the file type and maximum upload size.

Gravity Forms can also send any file submissions to the cloud. It integrates with cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive so you never lose any data.

Gravity Forms Dropbox integration

What We Liked About Gravity Forms 

  • Drag-and-drop form builder
  • Custom maximum file size
  • Multiple file upload capability
  • Integrates with cloud storage

What We Didn’t Like About Gravity Forms 

  • Gravity Forms is a premium plugin, so there’s no free version
  • High premium pricing

Why We Chose Gravity Forms 

Gravity Forms’ solid file upload management features make it a compelling choice. 

4. WordPress File Upload

WordPress File Upload plugin

WordPress File Upload offers a free and simple way to upload files to your site. It quickly adds file upload functionality to any post, page, or sidebar. 

We gave this plugin a try, and we were not disappointed. All you’ll need to do is customize where the uploader is located. 

WordPress File Upload page location

Once users upload files, they’ll appear on the Uploaded Files page. From here, you can download them or view the file details.

WordPress File Upload entries

What We Liked About WordPress File Upload 

  • Easy to use
  • Free plugin on WordPress.org
  • Adds file upload fields to any post, page, or sidebar as a widget
  • Supports extra form fields like checkboxes and dropdown lists
  • Customizable settings
  • Add custom fields

What We Didn’t Like About WordPress File Upload 

  • Although it’s fairly easy to add simple file upload menus, customizing the plugin can be tricky.
  • Outdated interface

Why We Chose WordPress File Upload 

If you need a basic file upload plugin that’s also free, WordPress File Upload could be for you. However, we’d recommend trying a plugin with easier customization options.

5. MemberPress

MemberPress plugin

MemberPress is a WordPress membership plugin. On top of managing subscriptions and content access, it also offers a file upload feature.

This allows users to easily upload files to registration forms. You might find this useful if you need a new member’s identification or other documents before onboarding them.

You can easily do this in the Fields settings. Simply select the File Upload type and have it show up as they’re registering.

MemberPress file upload

What We Liked About MemberPress 

  • Adds file upload functionality to membership sites
  • File access restriction
  • Upload files and track how many members download them
  • Extra membership features to create paywalls, recurring subscriptions, and more

What We Didn’t Like About MemberPress 

  • It’s best suited for a membership website.
  • There’s no free version.

Why We Chose MemberPress 

MemberPress is a great choice for membership sites that need to request documents from users during the registration process. Plus, it helps you restrict files so that only the right users can access them. 

6. Easy Digital Downloads

Easy Digital Downloads

Easy Digital Downloads is the ultimate plugin if you’re selling digital products on your WordPress website. We found it extremely user-friendly and loved that it’s tailor-made for the e-commerce space. 

Along with selling digital products, you can use EDD to request files as customers check out. You might need this, for example, to use someone’s business logo on a custom t-shirt.

EDD upload file at checkout

With EDD’s Upload File extension, the file upload field can be set to any location on your e-commerce site. You can also lower the maximum number of files uploaded or customize the allowed file extensions.

Easy Digital Downloads file upload

What We Liked About Easy Digital Downloads 

  • File upload fields for checkout pages or other locations
  • Enable upload file functionality for each product
  • Allow users to re-download uploaded files
  • Attaches uploaded files to specific products
  • Access files on the Purchase History page

What We Didn’t Like About Easy Digital Downloads 

  • Requires a premium EDD license.

Why We Chose Easy Digital Downloads 

Easy Digital Downloads is perfect for businesses that need users to upload files so that they can create custom orders. 

7. Big File Uploads

Big File Uploads plugin

Can your users not upload files to your site because they’re too large? You might want to try the Big File Uploads plugin.

With Big File Uploads, you’ll increase your site’s maximum upload size. It bypasses server timeout errors using file chunking. 

Big File Uploads custom upload size

As long as you have enough disk space, the plugin will upload large media files directly to your media library. You can even customize the maximum file upload size for each user role.

Big File Uploads custom upload size per user role

What We Liked About Big File Uploads

  • Flexible maximum file upload size, since the only limit is your host’s available storage
  • Upload large media files without having to use an FTP or SFTP client
  • Compatible with any hosting provider or server
  • Custom maximum upload sizes for user roles
  • Maximum upload size in MB or GB

What We Didn’t Like About Big File Uploads

  • It has a simple configuration, but not many extended features.

Why We Chose Big File Uploads

If you only need a plugin to increase your upload size, Big File Uploads can help. It allows you to start accepting larger file submissions from your audience. 

8. File Manager

File Manager plugin

File Manager is a WordPress plugin that lives up to its name. It allows you to edit, download, and upload files without using a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) client. Essentially, you’ll get a more user-friendly file manager right in your WordPress dashboard.

This plugin can help you edit code on the back end, but it can also be displayed on the front end of your site. With a shortcode, you can embed a file manager anywhere on your site.

File Manager shortcode

Don’t worry about unauthorized users editing your site files. You can add rules that disable certain operations. For example, you could only enable the upload functionality.

File Manager upload rule

What We Liked About File Manager

  • Use many operations on files and folders within your admin dashboard
  • Drag and drop files to move them
  • Control permissions for what files can be uploaded or downloaded
  • Integrated development environment
  • Share files by email
  • Preview media files
  • Backup and restore functionality

What We Didn’t Like About File Manager

  • User restriction settings are limited to the pro version.
  • More complicated process for front-end file uploads.

Why We Chose File Manager

You should use File Manager if you want an easier way to control site files without a separate control panel or FTP client. Since it works on the front end, it can also be a file upload plugin. 

9. Customer Upload Files for WooCommerce

Customer Upload Files for WooCommerce

If you run a WooCommerce store, there is a compatible extension for file uploads. Customer Upload Files for WooCommerce allows customers to upload attachments to customize their orders.

WooCommerce file upload during checkout

What We Liked About Customer Upload Files

  • Add file upload functionality to product, cart, or checkout pages
  • Customers can review or delete files after uploading
  • Charge customers for file uploads
  • Allows multiple file uploads
  • Supports custom file extensions
  • Compatible with WooCommerce

What We Didn’t Like About Customer Upload Files

  • No free version
  • No drag-and-drop functionality

Why We Chose Customer Upload Files

This plugin is ideal for WooCommerce store owners who create custom orders for new customers. 

Bonus File Upload Plugin: Duplicator

So far, we’ve mentioned plugins that add file upload fields to the front end of your website. But what if you want an easier way to upload files to your dashboard? 

Unfortunately, the native WordPress importer isn’t a great tool for transferring a custom theme or existing media library into your site. It only supports XML or WXR files. So, when you’re planning on importing your old content into a new website, you’ll need a better tool.

That’s where Duplicator comes in. Duplicator is a WordPress backup and migration plugin that simplifies file imports and exports.

Duplicator plugin

With Duplicator, you can create a downloadable zip file with all of the files you want to export. The plugin makes it easy to download active themes, plugins, WordPress files, and database tables.

Duplicator custom package components

Once you download this backup, you can easily upload it to another WordPress site. All you’ll need to do is install Duplicator and find the Import page. 

Import website archive

This gives you the flexibility to migrate your site to a new host, server, or domain name. If you re-upload a backup to your own site, Duplicator can also help restore your data after crashes or other errors.

FAQs About File Upload Plugins

What is the best free file upload form plugin for WordPress?

If you need a completely free file upload form plugin, we’d recommend WordPress File Upload. This plugin can add a file upload field to any post, page, or sidebar. However, if you want more flexible and comprehensive form editing options, consider using WPForms, the best contact form plugin. 

What is the best big file uploads plugin?

WPForms is the best big file uploads plugin. You can easily add a file upload field to any contact form and adjust its max file size. Big File Uploads is another tool that helps your users upload large files to your website. 

What is the best front end upload file plugin for WordPress?

The best front-end upload file plugin for WordPress is WPForms. With this tool, you can create any type of form that you want front-end visitors to use. Since it has a variety of fields, you’ll be able to add file upload functionality without any effort. 

What is the best WordPress plugin for multiple file uploads?

For multiple file uploads, we’d recommend WPForms. If you want users to add multiple files to your forms, all you’ll need to do is customize the maximum file number.

How do I create a file upload form in WordPress?

To create a file upload form, first install WPForms Pro. Then, feel free to select a pre-designed form template or start from scratch. Finally, find the file upload field and drag and drop it into the form.

Conclusion

That’s it! We hope you found a file upload plugin that meets your needs.

While you’re here, you may enjoy these extra WordPress tutorials:

Do you want to start protecting your website’s data? Download Duplicator Pro to automatically back up your site to the cloud!

author avatar
Joella Dunn Content Writer
Joella is a writer with years of experience in WordPress. At Duplicator, she specializes in site maintenance — from basic backups to large-scale migrations. Her ultimate goal is to make sure your WordPress website is safe and ready for growth.

Disclosure: Our content is reader-supported. This means if you click on some of our links, then we may earn a commission. We only recommend products that we believe will add value to our readers.