Fix a template without FTP
- Open the file tree at wp-content
- Edit the template in a tab with PHP completion
- Save — syntax is checked first
- If the site fatals, restore from the recovery wizard
Your WordPress files.
Room to work.
A WordPress-aware file manager and code editor for agencies and developers who need to work inside wp-content without FTP theatre.
Why Files
WordPress file management that does not fight the filesystem.
Files is a file manager and code editor that runs inside WordPress. It uses the WordPress filesystem API, keeps an editor that understands PHP and WordPress APIs, and backs up PHP files before save. It is useful when you need to inspect, edit, archive or recover files without leaving wp-admin — and without pretending that a generic web file manager understands WordPress.
A better starting point
Files gives you a modern file tree, a tabbed editor with WordPress and PHP completion, syntax checking before PHP save, and a recovery wizard when a save goes wrong. Pro adds autosave drafts, core-file access, config and database tools. Remote Nought.io operations are coming through Runtime — they are not in this release.
- Theme and plugin editors in WordPress are still primitive, tabless, and limited to a handful of files.
- FTP, SFTP and cPanel are slow for small edits and easy to get wrong on shared hosting.
- Generic file-manager plugins treat WordPress as a pile of files, with little awareness of PHP syntax or recovery.
- A bad save can take the site down, and recovery then depends on whether anyone kept a copy.
In practice
From task
to done.
How the product fits into the work you already do.
Hand a developer a working file context
- Search for the hook or template name
- Open related files in tabs
- Make the change, zip a copy if you need a handover
- Leave wp-admin without a separate SFTP session
What’s inside.
The capabilities behind the product.
File tree and manager
Browse, copy, move, duplicate, zip, upload, download, preview and delete files and folders without FTP.
Tabbed code editor
Edit multiple files with line numbers, find and replace, syntax highlighting, folding and keyboard shortcuts.
WordPress and PHP completion
Function reference and auto-completion for WordPress and PHP while you edit.
PHP syntax check before save
PHP files are parsed before they hit the filesystem, reducing obvious white-screen saves.
File backup and recovery wizard
Edited PHP files are backed up before save. If a fatal error appears, the recovery wizard can restore the last copy.
WordPress filesystem API
Writes go through WordPress filesystem APIs rather than assuming direct disk access.
Deep search
Search files and folders by keyword across the configured root.
Media preview
Image gallery plus audio and video playback for media files in the tree.
On the roadmap
Up next.
Planned work, separate from what is available today.
Runtime registration
Register Files as a capability in the shared Nought dashboard instead of a disconnected plugin screen.
Remote Nought.io file operations
Approved remote file jobs from Nought.io, rather than only working while you are logged into wp-admin.
Fits your workflow.
WordPress
Admin UI, filesystem API, capability checks.
Runtime
Planned. Files should register as a capability in the shared Nought shell.
Nought.io
Planned remote operations. Not available in the current beta.
Lite vs Pro
| Capability | Lite | Pro |
|---|---|---|
| File manager and tree | Yes | Yes |
| Tabbed editor, syntax, completion | Yes | Yes |
| PHP syntax check and recovery wizard | Yes | Yes |
| Autosave drafts and quick diff | — | Yes |
| Full-screen editor | — | Yes |
| Advanced mode including WordPress core and wp-config.php | — | Yes |
| wp-config constant manager | — | Yes |
| Database table viewer and search/replace | — | Yes |
| Advanced image editor | — | Yes |
Download Lite only appears when a WordPress.org listing exists. Checkout URLs are wired centrally when Freemius IDs are ready.
Technical details
Runs inside WordPress
The current product is a WordPress admin plugin. It is not a remote file service.
Filesystem API
Creates and writes files through WordPress filesystem APIs and respects FS_CHMOD_* constants where set.
Local recovery copies
PHP backups live on the server with a recovery nonce. If WordPress itself is down, restore still needs SSH or FTP.
System requirements
- WordPress 5.9 or later
- PHP 7.4 or later
- A user with sufficient file capabilities
Privacy and security
File operations run on the WordPress server. Do not treat a file manager as a substitute for proper access control, 2FA, or least-privilege roles.
Your toolkit, your choice
One product.
Or the connected Suite.
Choose an individual product licence or ask about Nought Suite. Contact us for pricing and availability.
Individual
Files
Discuss this product and the right licence for your sites.
Ask about Files ↗The toolkit
Nought Suite
Connected WordPress tools, with individual and agency options.
Explore the Suite ↗Remote operations
Nought.io
Some Nought.io plans include Suite products. What’s included depends on your plan.
Explore Nought.io ↗Questions
Does this replace SFTP?
For many day-to-day edits, yes. For bulk migrations, broken WordPress installs, or host-level work, you still want SSH or SFTP.
Is it safe to edit PHP in the browser?
Safer than the default theme editor: files are syntax-checked and backed up before save, and a recovery wizard can restore the last copy. It is still a privileged tool. Limit who can use it.
Is it on WordPress.org?
A Lite distribution is planned. Do not assume a wordpress.org listing until the Download Lite button appears on this page.
Does it connect to Nought.io today?
Not in the current beta. Remote file jobs are a Runtime / Nought.io capability still being built.
Also in the toolkit
Nought Suite The collection of WordPress products built by Nought. Buy one, or licence the lot. ↗ Hewn Nought's structured WordPress theme and editor. Build pages from real components, preview the change, keep the content in WordPress. ↗ Backup Two layers: a conventional WordPress backup product for people who want a plugin, and a remote Nought backup plane that moves the heavy work off the site. ↗ Local A WordPress-only desktop app, macOS-first, built with Tauri 2, React, TypeScript and Rust. Designed so local development is not married to a single host. ↗