Description
Import large files into the Media Library from your server. Skip browser upload limits without touching php.ini.
Stop fighting WordPress upload limits
Hosting caps and PHP upload limits should not decide whether your video, PDF, or product images make it into WordPress. Add From Server Lite (AFS Lite) lets you place files on the server with FTP or SSH, then import them into the Media Library from wp-admin.
No php.ini edits required. Free imports use chunked AJAX in the browser (keep the Import page open). Compatible with typical shared hosting for that flow, and with multisite as a normal per-site plugin (settings and Media Library stay on each site). Imports land in the Media Library, so you can use them on WooCommerce product images the usual way.
Need help? Contact eLearning evolve.
How it works
- Upload files to your server with FTP or SSH (no browser size limit).
- Open AFS Lite in WordPress and browse to the folder.
- Select files or a whole folder and import them into the Media Library.
That is the whole idea: put the files on disk first, then let WordPress register them properly.
Built for real media libraries
- Folder import: select a folder and import its files and subfolders (scanned in chunks).
- Chunked imports: large jobs run in AJAX chunks while you keep the Import page open; cancel anytime.
- Duplicate awareness: skips files that already look imported (hash/path checks). Pro adds skip/replace/rename and cleanup tools.
- Search, filters, and pagination: find what you need in large directories.
- Configurable root: choose which area of the server the plugin may browse (limited by PHP open_basedir).
- Import summary: see how many files imported, were skipped as duplicates, or failed.
A UI that stays out of your way
Browse folders and files with checkboxes, a current-path display, and selection counts. Select-all controls sit at the top and bottom of the file list; Continue/Import stays in the wizard footer. Keyboard shortcuts: Ctrl+A (or Cmd+A) selects all visible files; Esc clears search.
Security that matches the job
Importing from the server means path safety matters. AFS Lite is built with that in mind:
- Files must sit under your configured root (path boundary checks).
- Dangerous types such as PHP and executables are blocked by default. Types WordPress does not allow (including SVG unless you opt in under Settings) stay blocked too.
- Forms and AJAX use WordPress nonces.
- Paths are validated before browse or import.
- Output is escaped; inputs are sanitized.
Add From Server Pro when you outgrow the basics
Lite covers local browse and import. Add From Server Pro (AFS Pro) unlocks the heavier workflow tools:
- Background imports that keep going after you leave the page
- Scheduled and recurring folder imports
- Import history with per-file results
- Pause, resume, and retry failed items
- Folder structure preserve options
- Remote FTP / SFTP and S3-compatible sources
- REST API and WP-CLI
- Email alerts and role-based access control
Our other plugins
Installation
Getting started is straightforward.
- In WordPress admin, open Plugins Add New.
- Search for Add From Server Lite.
- Install and activate the plugin by eLearning evolve.
- Open AFS Lite in the admin menu (or AFS Pro if the Pro add-on is also active).
- Optional: under Settings, set the root directory you want to browse.
- Upload large files to that area with FTP or SSH.
- Use Import Files to select files or folders and send them into the Media Library.
You can also upload a zip from Plugins Add New Upload Plugin if you downloaded it from WordPress.org.
FAQ
-
How do I bypass WordPress upload limits?
-
Upload the files to your server with FTP or SSH, then import them with AFS Lite. The browser upload limit no longer applies to those files.
-
Can I import large videos, PDFs, or RAW photos?
-
Yes. If the file fits on disk and WordPress supports the type, you can import it, including large video and PDF files. RAW formats only work if WordPress (or another plugin) registers that type.
-
Can I bulk import WooCommerce product images?
-
Yes. Upload the image folder by FTP, import the folder into the Media Library, then attach media to products as usual.
-
Do I need root access or php.ini changes?
-
No. You need FTP or SSH access to place files on the server. You do not need root access or PHP config edits.
-
Yes for the Free local import flow: no php.ini changes and no special PHP extensions. Imports are chunked over AJAX, so keep the Import page open until the job finishes. Very large single files or thumbnail generation can still hit host time limits. Browsable paths follow PHP open_basedir (often your WordPress or uploads folder only). Background imports that continue after you leave the page need Add From Server Pro.
-
What is the difference between AFS Lite and AFS Pro?
-
AFS Lite imports from folders on the same server. AFS Pro adds background and scheduled imports, history, remote FTP/S3, REST/CLI, email alerts, RBAC, and more. Details: Add From Server Pro.
-
Do I need Pro for basic imports?
-
No. Browse and import to the Media Library are included in the free plugin.
-
Where do I get a Pro license?
-
Purchase from eLearning evolve. Your key appears under My Account after checkout. Activate it under AFS Lite / AFS Pro Settings.
Reviews
Contributors & Developers
“Add From Server Lite” is open source software. The following people have contributed to this plugin.
Contributors
“Add From Server Lite” has been translated into 1 locale. Thank you to the translators for their contributions.
Translate “Add From Server Lite” into your language.
Interested in development?
Browse the code, check out the SVN repository, or subscribe to the development log by RSS.
Changelog
6.0.3
- UI: Import wizard width stays about 70% of the admin content area on smaller laptops (full width on mobile).
6.0.2
- Fixed: SFTP remotes work on hosts without the PHP ssh2 extension by falling back to bundled phpseclib (pure PHP). ssh2 is still used when available.
- UI: Remote Sources stage success notice is clearer (background import started vs continue to Import).
6.0.1
- UI: Settings is 2nd in the Lite sidebar; when Pro is active, Settings stays after Access Control.
- UI: Muted/grey admin text set to black for clearer contrast.
- UI: Pro Features copy cleanup.
- Readme: tightened Description/FAQ wording to match what Free actually supports.
6.0.0
- Major Upgrade: freemium AFS Lite / AFS Pro experience, refreshed Import UI, and Pro feature teasers in the free plugin. Get Add From Server Pro.
- Chunked AJAX bulk import engine with folder scanning and cancel support.
- Settings screen for root directory and related options; Import Files and Settings links on the Plugins screen.
- Plugin display name updated to Add From Server Lite.
- Security: Duplicate-check AJAX (
afsrreloaded_check_duplicate) now requires a real file under the configured root (Path_Guard). Thanks to comradezephyr for responsible disclosure. - Security: File hashing skips non-regular files and files larger than 64 MiB by default (filter: afsrreloaded_file_hash_max_bytes) to limit request-time DoS via md5_file.
- Security hardening for path boundaries, open_basedir-safe root checks, and safer handling of files already under uploads.
- Pro-ready modules (history, schedules, remote FTP/SFTP/S3, email alerts, RBAC, REST/CLI) ship in Free and unlock with a valid AFS Pro license.
5.3.0
- Freemium Free/Pro experience groundwork and Import UI refresh.
- Security fixes for path checks, hashing, and root fallbacks.
5.2.2
- Security: Path checks now require files to sit under the configured root (fixes sibling-prefix cases such as /path/app vs /path/app2).
- Fixed: More consistent root path checks when browsing and importing.
5.2.1
- Fixed: “Unable to determine root directory” on hosts where the old home-directory guess was not readable. Falls back to ABSPATH and uploads.
5.2.0
- Changed: Imports use the default WordPress year/month uploads structure.
- Fixed: Original file dates preserved; empty upload folders avoided; Media Library paths stay correct.
5.1.0
- Fixed: Invalid date folders and empty upload folders.
- Added: Clearer skip messages for restricted file types.
5.0.0
- Major UI and security overhaul: folder import, duplicate detection, search, configurable root, and related improvements.
4.1.2
- Critical fix for folder name display and navigation.
- Plugin Check and i18n improvements.
4.1.0
- Namespace and PHP 8+ compatibility updates.
4.0.0
- Initial Add From Server Lite release.