Add From Server for WordPress

The good stuff

It’s simple, and it works exactly as promised. No fancy UI, no setup wizard - just upload your files manually through FTP or SSH, then let the plugin do the rest. I had a folder full of high-res images from a photoshoot that were too big for the standard uploader. I zipped them, uploaded via SFTP, ran the scan, and they all appeared in the media library without any fuss. It’s not flashy, but it gets the job done when the built-in uploader fails. And since it runs server-side, it doesn’t depend on your internet speed - which is huge if you’re on a slow connection or in a remote area.

The not-so-good

But here’s the catch: it’s not magic. This isn’t a replacement for the native WordPress uploader - you still need to use the regular interface for small files. And it won’t import entire folders with subdirectories automatically; you have to go one by one. Also, the developer is unknown, and the plugin hasn’t been updated in years. There’s zero support, no changelog, nothing. If something breaks down the line, you’re on your own. And it’s definitely not for migrating sites or doing batch imports - it’s meant for one-off file additions after manual upload. So if you’re looking for a slick tool to move a whole media library, this isn’t it. WP-CLI would be way better for that kind of work.

Bottom line

If you’re stuck with a hosting limit that’s killing your workflow and you’ve already got files on the server, Add From Server for WordPress is a solid free fix. It’s not perfect, but it’s reliable for its narrow purpose. Download it only if you’re dealing with big files and can’t use the normal upload. Otherwise, stick with the default tools. It’s niche, but useful when you need it.