Sometimes one needs to manage files on one’s Joomla installation but FTP isn’t up to the job because of hosting issues, e.g. many of us install Joomla with the apache (or other web server) as the owner and don’t want to open permissions for the FTP user as this often requires a 646, 664 or even 666 permissions. Remember that 666 really is the mark of the devil when it comes to file permissions – never ever give “world” write access to your files or folders.
This is where you need a file manager that where you can, temporarily chmod files and folders for access via FTP or edit your files within the browser. Luckily there are a number of options. Here are the ones I typically use. Some install as Joomla components and some are standalone scripts that can be used in the case where you have a non-working installation of Joomla or have not installed Joomla yet.
Each of these scripts acts like a cross between and FTP client and Windows Explorer/Macintosh Finder, etc.
extPlorer Joomla File Manager
This was my workhorse file manager for years. However it’s getting old at this stage and I’ve found it doesn’t always work on some hosts. The script can be installed in standalone mode without Joomla or installed into Joomla via the exension manager. It’s darned powerful and will allow on to edit files, changes permissions on files and folders recursively, upload and download files, move and copy files. One of the most powerful features of the script is that it can also use your FTP credentials, essentially changing it’s ownership propoerties. This tool can be downloaded from extplorer.sourceforge.net . As with any script make sure you download the latest version.
NavPHP File Management Script
NavPHP is another exellent management script. This one is standalone. Just download the archive, unpack and upload to your host (or upload the archive and unpack using a script like Akeeba’s excellent Kickstart.php). This script also enables the user to upload, download, chmod, edit, etc. One downside is that one can only select individual files and folders to perform actions on; no recursive chmod available here unfortunately.
I use this when I don’t have a Joomla install or in an emergency where I need to fix some simple things fast. Good free tool.
OSE File Manager Joomla File Management Component
This one is like a simplified but more modern version of extPlorer. It suits most of my needs and supports Joomla versions 1.5, 1.6, 1.7 and 2.5. These days OSE File Manager is my file manager of choice. Again it support recursive chmod, upload, download, editing, source code editing, file moving, copying, and the creation of files and folders amongst other tools.
Another reason for using it? Well I find Open Source Excellence products to offer a high level of quality. Their OSE Membership extension is a great tool for instance and their support desk is responsive – though I have never had to contact them in relation to the file manager. This tool can be installed via the extension manager and accessed via the Components menu.
Download OSE File Manager here
NinjaXplorer File Management Script for Joomla
On the odd occassion that OSE does not work for me (I don’t know why it fails on some websites – probably some hosting issue) I use NinjaXplorer. It’s very similar in feature set and interface. As with OSE File Manager it can be installed via the extension manager and accessed via the Components menu.
So you may ask yourself what the downside of such scripts are. Well they give full access to the file system in your virtual host so they are a major security hole if someone breaks in. Make sure you set a proper password for the standalone scripts and do delete them once you have finished with them if they are not going to be used again (or set them to be non-executable using CHMOD).
So there you have it. These are your best bets if you need a web based file manager for your Joomla website. Let me know if I’ve left any out or if you have any suggestions of comments 😉
You can download NinjaXplorer here