Moving from Simple File List
Bring your file lists into FileDeck’s searchable document workflow.
Import supported files and folders, review descriptions and permissions, then publish the new collection.
On your own site
Switch in three steps
Install FileDeck alongside
Add FileDeck Pro to the same site. Simple File List can stay active or already be switched off — either works. Nothing changes on your live pages yet.
Import as drafts
Go to Documents → Import & Export → Migrate. FileDeck shows a Simple File List card with the number of files it found. Choose Import as drafts and click Import. Every list with files is included, not just the first, so a setup with several lists comes across together.
Review permissions, then switch over
Check descriptions and restricted files with representative accounts. Then publish and deactivate the old plugin: pages that still hold its [eeSFL] shortcode show the FileDeck library from then on (see what happens to your old links), or swap in the FileDeck block. The original files stay in their folder, so review who can still reach them.
What comes across
Files, folder structure, descriptions and dates — plus a logged-in-only version of any role or user restriction.
Files, names & descriptions
Each file becomes a document with its display name (or a tidied filename, if it has none), its description and its date added. Submitter names and comments are kept in the document body.
Folders become categories
Simple File List has no categories — folders on disk are its only grouping. A file at policies/hr/leave.pdf lands in an HR category nested under Policies. Names are tidied for display, so hr-policies reads as “Hr Policies” — rename any that read awkwardly afterwards.
Restricted files become logged-in-only
Files limited to a role or a list of users import as logged-in-only documents, and their new copies go into FileDeck’s protected vault. Logged-in-only is a wider audience than a specific role or user list, so recreate the exact rule before publishing.
Files copied into your Media Library
FileDeck copies each file into your Media Library rather than linking to Simple File List’s folder. That is what lets it generate PDF thumbnails, search supported file contents and protect restricted files. The originals stay where they were, at their existing addresses.
Review private-file permissions before publishing.
The importer converts files restricted to a role or a list of users into logged-in-only access. That is not the same audience. Import as drafts or use a private staging copy, recreate the intended access rules, and test with authorised and unauthorised accounts before switching the live page. Existing source URLs need their own check: the importer copies files, so the originals remain in Simple File List’s folder.
Why teams move to FileDeck
Search inside your files
Pro searches the text inside supported PDFs and Office files stored on your site, with OCR for scanned PDFs when you enable it — so people can find a file by what’s in it.
Access control that scales
Gate categories by role, by password or to logged-in users, with client areas for private document sets and per-document assignment to named people — set once for a whole category, not file by file.
Honest, flat pricing
Renewals cost the same as your first year, and paid plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. No introductory discount that jumps at renewal.
Want help with the move?
Free assisted migration is available. Tell us how your lists are set up and we’ll help you plan the import and check the result on your own site — no credential handoff needed. Our migration offer can also add the remaining time on your current eligible paid plan to your FileDeck licence; contact us to confirm how it applies.
Questions about moving
Do I need Simple File List to still be active?
No. FileDeck reads the list data already stored on your own site, so the import works whether the plugin is active or deactivated, as long as its saved lists and files are still there. See the full walkthrough.
Where do my files end up?
In your Media Library, as real attachments. The import copies rather than moves, so your originals stay in Simple File List’s folder at their existing addresses. Once the new library is live, review who can still reach those originals, especially for restricted files.
What happens to restricted files?
They import as logged-in-only and their new copies go into the protected vault. A specific role or user list is not carried across, so recreate it before publishing — with a role restriction, a category password or a client area — and test it with an authorised and an unauthorised account.
Do download counts come across?
No. The importer brings files, folders, names, descriptions, dates and restrictions. FileDeck starts counting downloads from your import.
Can I run the import more than once?
Yes. Every document records which source record it came from, so re-running skips what is already in rather than creating duplicates. If an import is interrupted, start it again.
Make your next document library FileDeck.
Bring the supported files and metadata across, review the result, then replace your library page when it is ready. FileDeck Pro includes the source-specific importer and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Free assisted migration is available.
Try the free library first if you want to evaluate the display. Source-specific automatic import requires Pro. For private libraries, verify permissions with representative accounts before publishing.
Written by the FileDeck team. What the importer brings across was reviewed against the current FileDeck Pro importer on 26 September 2026 — read about our methods.
Simple File List is a trademark of its respective owner. FileDeck is an independent product and is not affiliated with or endorsed by it; the name is used only to identify the plugin you are migrating from.