Requirements and compatibility Free & Pro

FileDeck runs on WordPress 6.1 or newer with PHP 7.4 or newer (tested through PHP 8.4). It works with any theme, needs no special server setup, and the only optional dependency is the PHP ZipArchive extension, used by the Pro multi-select zip download feature.

Minimum requirements

• WordPress: 6.1 or newer
• PHP: 7.4 or newer, tested through PHP 8.4
• Theme: any theme — block or classic
• Server: standard WordPress hosting; nothing extra required

If your host runs a current WordPress and PHP version, FileDeck will run. You can check both under Tools → Site Health → Info in wp-admin.

Does FileDeck work with any theme?

Yes. Libraries are server-rendered standard HTML with progressive enhancement, so they inherit your theme’s typography and behave like native content. Layout, column, and accent color controls under Documents → Settings let you match your branding without touching CSS. The FileDeck Library block works in the block editor, and the [filedeck] shortcode works anywhere shortcodes render.

Performance and JavaScript

FileDeck loads no jQuery and keeps its front-end footprint small. Search, sort, filter and pagination run in the visitor’s browser, so there are no round-trips for those. Libraries with up to about 500 documents also get an inlined instant-search index for zero-round-trip search-as-you-type; for larger collections, scope libraries by category (or use Pro full-text search). There are no performance settings to tune.

Because pages are server-rendered and search runs client-side, FileDeck works with page caching — cached library pages still search, sort, and filter normally.

Accessibility and translations

FileDeck tables meet WCAG AA accessibility standards, and the plugin is fully keyboard- and screen-reader-friendly out of the box. It is translation-ready, so you can translate it with standard WordPress translation tools.

What is ZipArchive needed for?

Only one feature: the Pro multi-select zip download, where visitors tick checkboxes and download their selection as a single zip. It requires the PHP ZipArchive extension, which is present on nearly all hosts. Every other feature — including single-file downloads — works without it. If zip downloads fail on your server, ask your host to enable ZipArchive.

Web server notes (Pro file protection)

Pro’s true file protection works on Apache automatically via .htaccess. On nginx, one documented config snippet is needed to block direct access to the protected uploads folder. This only applies if you use protected documents.

FAQ

Will FileDeck slow down my site?

No. It ships no jQuery, renders libraries server-side, and handles search-index sizing automatically, so even large libraries stay responsive.

Does FileDeck work with caching plugins?

Yes. Library pages are server-rendered and search runs in the browser, so page caching does not break search, sorting, or filtering.

Can I use FileDeck on an older PHP version?

FileDeck requires PHP 7.4 as a minimum. Versions below that are not supported, and upgrading PHP is recommended for security regardless.