With the plugin "External files for the media library" it is possible to access external directories in order to use files contained therein in image galleries.

With the plugin "External files for the media library" it is possible to access external directories in order to use files contained therein in image galleries. How to do this is described below. There are actually several options for this. Please decide which one applies to your application. Files are not on your own hosting, but are available via FTP Preparation You need the FTP access data for the server on which the files are located. You need the plugin "External files for the media library". Implementation In the WordPress backend, go to Media library > Add external files > FTP. Enter the access data you have for the FTP connection in the form. Use it to log in via FTP. It will take a moment for the directories and files to load. Click on the button provided for the files you want to import. Alternatively, you can also import all the files that are displayed. Files are located in your own hosting Preparation Upload the files to your own WordPress hosting, e.g. via FTP or using a tool provided by your host, so that they are stored there. Store them outside the WordPress directories, e.g. in a separate directory. You will need the "External files for the media library" plugin. Implementation In the WordPress backend, go to Media library > Add external files > Local server. It will take a moment for the list of directories and files to load. Click on the button provided for the files you want to import. Alternatively, you can also import all the files that are displayed.

WordPress Plugins from Thomas Zwirner

External files in the media library

WordPress plugin

free of charge

media library

Add one or more files via their URLs under „Media → Add new media file“. This way, you can use external files wherever the media library is available.

Plugin page:

https://de.wordpress.org/plugins/external-files-in-media-library/

Support forum: https://wordpress.org/support/plugin/external-files-in-media-library/

GitHub repository: https://github.com/threadi/external-files-in-media-library

Articles

Create an image gallery from an FTP directory
With the „External Files for the Media Library“ plugin, it is possible to access external directories in order to use the files contained therein in image galleries. Read more
use case
Can I restrict other users from storing external files?
Yes, the External Files plugin in the media library comes with a wealth of permissions. Here you can find a description of what is possible. Read more
Frequently Asked Questions
I get timeouts when loading the FTP directory.
What solutions are available for timeouts when loading directories and files via FTP? Read more
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a size limit for files in the media library?
WordPress itself does not impose any size restrictions on files in the media library. Read here to find out what limits do exist and how you can get around them. Read more
Frequently Asked Questions
Installation of „External files in the media library“
The ways to install the „External files in the media library“ plugin are described here. Read more
Installation
I can't upload ZIP files!
Uploading ZIP files is disabled by default in the „External files in the media library“ plugin. However, you can change this as follows: Read more
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the plugin to bypass my hosting's upload size limit?
Yes, absolutely. With the „External Files in the Media Library“ plugin, you store files on an external host rather than locally. This means that the limits on your hosting do not apply. Read more
Frequently Asked Questions, feature
Unpacking files in the media library
The plugin offers several ways to open ZIP files, both individually and completely. Read more
feature
Unzip ZIP files in media library
The plugin „External Files in the Media Library“ also allows ZIP files to be unpacked into the media library. The files from the ZIP file are inserted into the media library as normal files. Read more
feature
How can I retrieve a single file from an UpdraftPlus backup?
This is also possible with the „External files in the media library“ plugin. To do this, go to: FAQ I don't see a ZIP file! Why is that? You must first activate the ZIP files in the plugin settings. Will the file overwrite the existing file when it is unpacked? No, this never happens as this is not permitted by the plugin.... Read more
Frequently Asked Questions