One document workflow for your public library, members and clients.
FileDeck brings searchable libraries, private document access, reporting and lifecycle management together. Free includes four layouts and visitor filters. Pro adds content search, client areas, versions, review reminders and lead capture from $59/year for one site.
For policies, manuals, member resources and client documents, this is the workflow to compare against your current WPDM setup.
Start free with the free version on WordPress.org.
Why move to FileDeck?
- Find
- Make the library easy to use
- Publish searchable, sortable collections with your categories, metadata and preferred layout. Pro can search the contents of supported locally stored files.
- Serve
- Serve the right audience
- Restrict documents by role or person, create client areas, accept moderated submissions and apply quotas or expiry rules.
- Maintain
- Manage the next revision
- Versions, editing locks, approval and review dates connect publication to ongoing maintenance.
01Side by side
Compare the buying decision.
What you pay, what your visitors and members get, and what happens after a document is published.
| Buying decision | FileDeck | WordPress Download Manager |
|---|---|---|
| Paying for it | ||
| Paid single-site entry | Pro: $59/year | Pro: $99/year |
| Publishing to visitors and members | ||
| Searchable public library | Free: four layouts and filters | Templates and library features; check the required plan and add-ons |
| Private access, uploads and download limits | Pro | Available; compare configuration and package |
| After publication | ||
| Review workflow and document maintenance | Pro: reviews, versions, locks and approval | Check each required workflow |
| Native selling of digital products | No standalone checkout | Commerce tools available |
WPDM also offers bundles. Compare the relevant bundle with FileDeck’s appropriate tier rather than assuming each extension is bought separately. WPDM plans and bundles are listed on its pricing page.
See the library your visitors would use: try the live demo.
02Moving across
Switch with a review step.
The WPDM importer in FileDeck Pro brings packages, categories, tags, files and download totals into FileDeck. Free assisted migration is available.
- 02.1Import as draftsEach package becomes a document with its categories, tags, file and download total. A multi-file package brings each further file in as a document of its own, so check how those titles read.
- 02.2Recreate the audienceSource role and password restrictions may become logged-in-only access. Recreate the precise audience before publication.
- 02.3Check what sits outside the importReview commercial entitlements and historic links separately before you replace the library on your live page.
Want help with the move? Free assisted migration is available.
03Requirements to check
Already charging for membership?
The membership platform handles billing; FileDeck handles access to the library.
FileDeck Pro can gate documents using supported membership plans, including MemberPress, Paid Memberships Pro and WooCommerce Memberships. This differs from a native pay-per-download store with its own orders and payment gateways, so if you sell individual files today, check that requirement first. How membership-plan access works.
04Questions
What people ask about the two.
Can FileDeck sell individual downloads?
FileDeck has no standalone checkout. Pro can restrict documents to holders of supported membership plans, such as MemberPress, Paid Memberships Pro and WooCommerce Memberships, while the membership plugin handles billing. If you need a pay-per-download store with its own orders and payment gateways, compare WPDM’s commerce tools against that requirement.
Do WPDM access rules transfer exactly?
Not necessarily. Source role or password restrictions may become logged-in-only access in FileDeck, which is a different audience. Import as drafts, recreate the intended access rules, and test with authorised and unauthorised accounts before publishing.
How should I compare WPDM bundles with FileDeck?
Compare the WPDM plan or bundle that covers your requirements with the FileDeck tier that does: Free for a public library, Pro for access control, document workflows and reporting, or AI & Governance for records tools and optional AI.
05Next step
Choose FileDeck for the document library your visitors use and your team maintains.
See plans, or try the library in the live demo first.
Start free with the free version on WordPress.org.
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. WordPress Download Manager is a product of W3 Eden, Inc. FileDeck is not affiliated with them.