📁 Zen File Manager

Version 1.0.0 - Released June 2025

✨ Overview

Zen File Manager is a clean, modern, and intuitive web-based file management solution that enables you to effortlessly browse, manipulate, and organize your files and directories through a beautiful, responsive interface. Built with PHP and modern web technologies, it provides a seamless file management experience directly from your browser.

🚀 Features

• 📂 File Operations

  • Browse files and folders with an intuitive UI
  • Create, rename, copy, cut, and paste files/folders
  • Delete files/folders with confirmation
  • Real-time search and filtering capabilities

• 📤 Upload & Download

  • Easy drag-and-drop file uploads
  • Multiple file upload support
  • Direct file downloads
  • ZIP file extraction

• 👁️ Preview & View

  • View text files directly in the browser
  • Preview images and documents
  • Code syntax highlighting for common file types
  • Render HTML files in a preview pane

• 🔐 Security

  • Path traversal prevention
  • Configurable base directory restriction
  • File operation validations
  • Session-based buffer management

• 💻 User Interface

  • Clean, modern responsive design
  • Breadcrumb navigation for easy directory traversal
  • Intuitive status messages
  • Keyboard shortcuts support
  • Dark/Light theme support (coming soon)

📋 Requirements

• PHP 7.4 or higher
• Web server with PHP support (Apache, Nginx, etc.)
• Modern browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge)

🔧 Installation

1. Clone the repository:

   git clone https://github.com/sculptorofcode/zen-file-manager.git

2. Move to your web server directory: For XAMPP users:

   # On Windows
   xcopy /E /I zen-file-manager C:\xampp\htdocs\file-manager\
   
   # On Linux/macOS
   cp -R zen-file-manager /opt/lampp/htdocs/file-manager/

   For other web servers:

   mv zen-file-manager /path/to/your/webserver/

3. Configure the base directory: Edit includes/config.php to set your desired base directory.

   define('BASE_DIR', '/absolute/path/to/directory');

4. Set proper permissions (Linux/macOS only):

   chmod -R 755 /path/to/file-manager

5. Access through your web browser:

   http://localhost/file-manager/
   

   You'll be directed to the login page for authentication.

🖥️ Usage

Basic Navigation

• Click on folders to navigate into them
• Use the breadcrumb navigation to move back up
• Use the "Parent Directory" button to go one level up

File Operations

1. Create new file/folder:

   • Click "New File" or "New Folder"
   • Enter name in the modal
   • Click "Create"

2. Rename files/folders:

   • Click the rename icon (✏️) next to the file/folder
   • Enter new name
   • Click "Rename"

3. Copy, Cut & Paste:

   • Click "File Operations" button
   • Select files/folders
   • Click "Copy" or "Cut"
   • Navigate to target directory
   • Click "Paste Here"

4. Upload files:

   • Click "Choose File" or drag files to the upload area
   • Click "Upload"

Advanced Features

• Extract ZIP files: Click the extract icon next to any ZIP file
• View Code Files: Click the code icon to view file contents
• Filter/Search: Type in the search box to filter files in the current directory

🎨 Customization

Styling

Edit the assets/css/improved-styles.css file to customize the look and feel.

Configuration

Modify settings in includes/config.php to adjust behavior:

• Change the BASE_DIR setting to control access restrictions
• Add additional configuration parameters as needed

📚 Code Structure

├── assets/                      # CSS, JS, and library files
│   ├── css/                     # Stylesheets
│   │   └── improved-styles.css  # Main CSS file
│   ├── js/                      # JavaScript files
│   │   ├── jquery.min.js        # jQuery library
│   │   └── main.js              # Main application JS
│   └── libs/                    # External libraries
│       └── font-awesome/        # Icons and fonts
├── includes/                    # PHP functions and modules
│   ├── config.php               # Configuration settings
│   ├── breadcrumbs.php          # Navigation breadcrumbs
│   ├── dir_operations.php       # Directory operation functions
│   ├── file_operations.php      # File operation functions
│   ├── file_utils.php           # File utility functions
│   ├── functions.php            # General functions
│   ├── session_manager.php      # Session handling
│   ├── template_functions.php   # UI template functions
│   ├── utils.php                # Utility functions
│   └── layout/                  # Layout templates
│       ├── error.php            # Error template
│       └── footer.php           # Footer template
├── about.php                    # About page
├── help.php                     # Help documentation
├── index.php                    # Main application file
└── support.php                  # Support information

🔒 Security Considerations

• This application includes built-in authentication for basic security
• For public-facing installations, consider adding:
  • HTTPS encryption (SSL/TLS certificates)
  • Enhanced authentication mechanisms (2FA, OAuth, etc.)
  • Request rate limiting
  • IP-based access restrictions
• Regularly update your PHP version and dependencies
• Limit access to sensitive directories through proper configuration
• Back up important files before performing bulk operations
• Review all file permissions in production environments

🤝 Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Please feel free to submit a Pull Request.

1. Fork the repository
2. Create your feature branch (git checkout -b feature/amazing-feature)
3. Commit your changes (git commit -m 'Add some amazing feature')
4. Push to the branch (git push origin feature/amazing-feature)
5. Open a Pull Request

📝 License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

🆕 What's New in Version 1.0.0 (June 2025)

• Improved UI with responsive design
• Breadcrumb Navigation for easy directory traversal
• File Preview support for multiple file types
• Enhanced Error Handling with detailed feedback

🙏 Acknowledgements

• Font Awesome for the beautiful icons
• jQuery for simplifying JavaScript operations
• All contributors who have invested their time and efforts

📬 Contact & Support

• Project Link: https://github.com/sculptorofcode/zen-file-manager
• For help and support, please check the help.php and support.php pages
• Submit bug reports and feature requests through GitHub Issues

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_{Copyright © 2025 Zen File Manager. All rights reserved.}