With the increase in the use of applications over the internet, a system to conveniently manage the data is inevitable. As a solution, web-based file managers can be used to manage the files and folders with ease through a web browser such as Internet Explorer, Firefox, Chrome, Safari, etc.
File sharing is essential for schools, universities, and businesses. Established businesses can afford to host commercial file server, however, others may prefer to stay with Free or open source file browser options.
File sharing on web can also be a useful tool for managing personal media such as images, videos, and music. There are many cloud-based options available however they are only Free for limited use when your data size increases you will require monthly subscription-based plans to store more data. Most people prefer to create their own file server backed by a large hard drive at home and share files between multiple devices.
Additionally, documents can also be shared with other users. With powerful JavaScript features, most of this software also supports Online Editing of the Text/Word/Excel files. Some file servers are stand-alone while a few require installation of software like IIS / Apache / MySQL / ASP / PHP/.Net.
Below is a lowdown on the top open source web-based file sharing software:
The Best Free File Sharing Software, Sites and Applications
HTTP Commander
HTTP Commander is a web-based file sharing software for Microsoft servers (developed using ASP.NET). This ASP.NET file manager supports both kind of user authentication – Forms and Windows (used for Active Directory users). HTTP Commander has great UI for desktop PCs and mobile devices. It includes main file operations like copy, move, create, delete, multiple uploads and download, ZIP archiving and many other features. It supports to share local server folders and allows to move files to clouds like DropBox, OneDrive, Box.NET. HTTP Commander is a leader in Microsoft server-based options since few ASP.NET file explorer software available on the web. This ASP.NET file browser is well suited for windows based system and is really easy to install. If you are really looking for an ASP.NET file manager, we would recommend this option.
Key features: Integration with cloud storages, online documents, and images edit services. Mobile interface. WebDAV support. Windows authentication. 50+ languages support. Integration with MS Office, Open Office, and Office web apps.
eXtplorer
eXtplorer is used for browsing directories or files on the file server. The basic functionalities like to edit, move, copy, delete, search, upload and download files are available. Creating and extracting archives, new files and directories can also be done. Additionally, eXtplorer can be used to login and work through FTP. WebDAV access is also possible. This product has a dual-license. The user can opt to use under either Mozilla Public License (MPL 1.1) or GNU. The minimum requirement to run eXptlorer is PHP 4.3 on the server and an update of Javascript on the browser.
Key Feature: Access Files through FTP
AjaXplorer
AjaXplorer has quick accessibility like a website. This file sharing software is supported by all major web browsers. AjaXplorer can easily adapt to small screen devices. iOS application enables a comfortable user experience on iPhone and iPad (Android coming). A Web server with PHP 5.1 or later is sufficient to run AjaXplorer.
AjaXplorer is one of the best file sharing software available for free. It may not have features like premium software, however, it does have the best offering among the free and open source file sharing software.
Key Feature: Preview and playing of multimedia files directly online are possible. Direct streaming of video formats from the file server is possible. Online documents and images can be edited online when linked with external web services such as Zoho, pixlr.
KFM
A free to use open source file manager, KFM has an option of using it as a plugin for JavaScript-based rich text editors such as CKeditor, Tiny MCE or FCKeditor. Apache or IIS web server support is required. Additional requirements are Linux operating system PHP 5.2+, MacOSX, Windows, Database (MySQL 4.1+/5.0+, PostGreSQL, or SQLite)
Key Features: It has a search engine, text editor with syntax highlighting capability, tagging, MP3 playback and video playback with multilingual plugins.
PAFM
PAFM can enable a complete user control on the files. The source code editing can be done with CodePress. Code Press is an editor with as-you-type syntax highlighting.
Key Features: as-you-type syntax highlighting.
QuiXplorer
The internet and Intranet file sharing and managing can be realized with QuiXplorer. It is also a multi-user file manager. Apart from the usual functionalities, the multiuser mode requires user authentication, administration control over users and individual settings for each user.
Key feature: Multi-user mode with individual settings for each user.
BytesFall Explorer
BytesFall Explorer is an open source file sharing software that is released under the license GNU GLU. It is written in PHP and Javascript. Apart from the usual functionality such as copy, paste, view, download, etc., it uses the work of some other projects like LiveTree, GeSHi, Shell Commander, FCKeditor, tar/Gzip/Bzip2/Zip archives to carry out different functions.
Key feature: BytesFall Explorer has an interface similar to windows explorer, furthermore it has various functions through external projects.
NavPHP
PHP navigator with its unique XP style navigation is written in PHP and AJAX. The main features include multiuser support, Gzip & Deflate webpage, built in HTML and code editor as well as Extract Zip. This web-based file manager is completely free.
Key Features: File or Folder can be downloaded as Zip, Zip archive can be extracted to the current folder, Keyboard shortcuts.
FileMan
FileMan has a compatible file browser to easily access files and directories. WYSIWYG editor enables the creation and editing of HTML files. ASCII/binary transfer capability enables uploading one or multiple files. Functions such as searching for files based on file names, replacing files and much more can be easily carried out. The powerful archive management system is a feature of FileMan which allows creating, viewing and extracting.Tar files.
Key Feature: Improved HTML Editor, access to a multitude of options and formatting tools, ‘AJAXified’ User Interface.
Relay
The Relay is released under GPL. It is AJAX enabled, also features improved UI and performance, which is ideal for large file sets. Files and directories uploaded into file stores from other means can also be easily handled.
Key Feature: Drag-and-drop files and folders, dynamic loading file structure.
DesktopBrowser
This is a web application which uses SharpKit to maintain client-side code in C#. It is a simple free and open-source file browser project, maintained at Google Code. Local and network drives can be easily browsed. Requirements: NET 4 Framework, IIS Express.
Key Feature: Image view – with a preview of the first photo from each folder, sorting by any column(s), Next/previous sibling folder navigation.
OwnCloud
Getting your own data stored in an open source community had never been so easy and reliable using this file manager. By using this web based file manager you decide with whom to share which information and to what extent. The data can be accessed through web browsers, iOS, Android devices and your desktop and laptop. It supports MS Windows platform.
Key Feature: File sharing, User management, web based file upload and download using a Javascript based file browser.
Seafile
It’s an advanced free to use open source cloud storage through which you can access and store your own data and share it with groups and teams as and when you desire. It can be operated with just about any advanced mobile device, internet browser, desktop or laptop. It is supported by all popular platforms.
PhpFileManager
It is an advanced file management system and that converts information into a single file. Supported by Linux and Windows, you can access your data and share it with your team with just about any mobile or computer devices. You can copy, move, delete, remain and a host of other things with this advanced file manager.
Mollify
This is an easy to use file management system that can be operated upon and used with the help of any web server; it’s endowed with flexible privacy policy that ensures that the data can be accessed according to your terms and condition, with different types of permissions granted to different users.
Encode Explorer
It is a file browser written in PHP and it is free for anyone who wants to create and manage files in the cloud environment. The application is loaded with user friendly features through which you can manage all the related functions associated with file management. It can be accessed and operated on Android and other mobile applications, desktop and laptop.
PHPfileNavigator
It is a PHP application which enables you to manage files in a cloud environment and share it with your team or community. Supported by Linux, Windows and smartphone applications, the software is easy to install and use. The encryption ensures that the confidentiality of the information is maintained.
Ajax File Manager
It is a state-of-the-art web file management system that manages your file as effectively as any operating system does. Runs on Windows XP and other well known operating systems. The encryption policy ensures that the data can only be accessed by different systems with permissions issued to different users. It is loaded with a recycle bin feature and fast interaction is possible via AJAX.
KCFinder
It is a well equipped free file browser system and works with Apache 2 web server; it’s also compatible with other well known servers. It integrates PNG watermark support as well as HTML5 drag and drop features. Multiple files can be uploaded and accessed with any advanced mobile, desktop or laptop.
Net2ftp
It is a web file sharing system that is run by the FTP server where you can perform a host of functions related to the file management system and share it with your team or community. You can upload and download files, cut , copy, chmod, rename and even have a view of your directory at the click of the button.
Monsta
It is an open source file management system that puts FTP file sharing right in your browser. It includes PHP and Ajax source code and is scripted for all types of programmers. Supported by Linux and Windows operating system, you can manage your important documents effectively, it also features multi-language support.
YaFM
It is a web based file manager written in PHP though which you can upload and download your files, copy and rename it with ease. Works on UNIX operating system. It does not require MySQL, but you can implement one if you require. It carries the GPL license and comprises of an advanced file finder.
Kinky File Explorer
It is a totally free cold fusion based file exploration system that helps you to share your files and information through a read-only directory. It helps you to impart relevant information to your group or community without offering the right for snooping. It integrates an Ajax file loading system.
Limbo Media
A very impressive open source file management software that comes with a beautiful user interface and user management with access control. The tool provides easy ways to manage different file types including images, videos, and documents.
You can also control each user level read, write and admin access. This is probably one of the best options available for managing your home files over multiple devices.
Although there are other web-based file explorer applications, the above listed are the best, easy to use as well as reliable. What is the software you are using for file sharing?
iDC File Manager
The iDC file manager is a multi-user file sharing system which can be installed either on Linux or Windows web server. Every format of digital media such as documents, images, audio, video, publishing layout, presentations, and PDF files can be saved, shared and managed. The application is driven by MySQL Database.
Key Feature: Hotlink Function with Social Network Support, Monitor User Activity with Built-In Log Viewer. It’s Available in 8 Languages.
WebFile Explorer – Not available anymore
WebFile Explorer is a Free ASP.NET file explorer built with a friendly user interface and online administration with user permission and quota limits. Server configuration knowledge is not required to manage users/permissions. The standard browser can be turned into a “Windows XP Explorer” like file manager when documents have to be shared among a number of people. Remote file storage or hosting services can also be realized. In order for the File browser to run properly, the system must be running Microsoft Windows NT, 2000, 2003, 2008 or XP Professional/Server. It’s obvious that this ASP.NET file browser will require ASP.NET (Active Server Pages) and web server support of IIS.
Key Feature: A built-in Photo Viewer, A built-in WYSIWYG editor for HTML documents. Sends files as e-mail attachments.
phpXplorer
phpXplorer, as the name suggests is written in PHP. This is a free open source file management system. The file types, property sheets, views, and themes are built on its own by modular design. The permission manager restricts user access to multiple users in a detailed manner.
Key Feature: It has got dialogs for editing HTML, PHP, image, Apache, compressed and email files.
Limpid Browser
It is an open source PHP and MySQL application through which you can store and share your information from just about any server and advanced mobile and computer devices. Supported by Windows and another well known operating system, the encryption ensures that your confidential data is protected by a security code.
Article Updates
- Updated on May 2019: Minor changes and updates to the introduction section. Images are updated to HTTPS.