Get the library people can actually use—free.
FileDeck is our recommended starting point for a free public document library. You get four layouts, instant search, category and tag filters, sortable columns and unlimited documents. Add the library with a block, shortcode or supported page builder.
- 4
- Layouts in Free
- Table, grid, gallery and folders, each with instant search, sortable columns and category and tag filters.
- Free
- Download counts
- Plus inline display for supported PDFs, images and Google document links.
- No cap
- On documents
- FileDeck imposes no document limit. Hosting resources still matter.
01Built with Free
What you can build without upgrading.
Start with a few files and organise more as the collection grows—there is no product-imposed document cap, although hosting resources still matter.
For example
A school policy libraryA collection of product manualsAn archive of meeting minutesA page of downloadable resources
Free also includes download counts and inline display for supported PDFs, images and Google document links. Visitors can search library metadata; searching the text inside files requires Pro.
02The free options
What to inspect in each free version.
Five free plugins, grouped by the job each is built for. Each name links to its WordPress.org listing.
| Free option | What to inspect | FileDeck’s case |
|---|---|---|
| Visitor-facing libraries | ||
| FileDeck | Layouts, filters, sorting, blocks and counts | These are included together in Free |
| Document Library Lite | Searchable document table | FileDeck adds free alternative layouts and category/tag filters |
| Media organisation | ||
| FileBird base plugin | Media Library organisation | Use FileDeck for a visitor-facing library; assess FileBird’s separate Document Library add-on separately |
| Download management | ||
| Download Monitor | Download management, counts and members-only protection | FileDeck combines free counts with a public library; its private-access tools require Pro |
| WordPress Download Manager | Download delivery and basic access controls | Compare the free public-library experience against FileDeck’s layouts and filters |
The base FileBird plugin and its Document Library add-on are different products. A test of one does not establish the features of the other. To check FileDeck’s rows yourself, browse the live demo.
Already using one of these? FileDeck Pro includes source-specific importers for eleven plugins, among them Document Library Lite and Pro, Download Monitor, WordPress Download Manager and FileBird. You can evaluate the free display first; automatic import requires Pro, and free assisted migration is available. See the migration guides
03Requirements to check
What requires FileDeck Pro?
Free is for public libraries. If your requirements include any of the following, compare the paid plans.
- 03.1Pro, from $59/year for one sitePrivate access, client areas, file-content search, OCR, versions, review workflows, detailed analytics and importers.
- 03.2AI & GovernanceOptional AI and records-governance tools sit in AI & Governance, which includes Pro.
- 03.3Free file protection elsewhereSome competing free plugins offer file protection. FileDeck Free is for public libraries; we do not claim that paid access control is unavoidable across the category.
See plans and prices, or compare paid options in our guide to eight document library plugins.
04Questions
What people ask about free document library plugins.
Is there a document limit in FileDeck’s free version?
FileDeck imposes no document cap. The practical size of your installation depends on hosting and file requirements.
Does FileDeck’s free search read inside PDFs?
No. It searches document metadata. Supported local-file content indexing is a Pro feature.
Can I count downloads with the free version?
Yes. You do not need to choose a different plugin just to get basic counts. Pro adds deeper activity reporting.
Can I start with ten files?
Yes. A small public collection can use the same library tools as a larger one.
Can I migrate from another plugin for free?
You can evaluate the free display first. FileDeck’s one-click source importers require Pro.
05Next step
Start with your first collection today.
Download FileDeck free, or try the live library first.
Written by the FileDeck team. Competitor details are based on the sources linked here, reviewed 26 September 2026. Prices exclude applicable taxes and may change. All plugin names are trademarks of their respective owners; we are not affiliated with any vendor listed.