How does FileRise compare to Nextcloud for self-hosting?

FileRise focuses more on granular file permissions and storage aggregation with optional encryption, while Nextcloud offers a broader app ecosystem including calendars and contacts. FileRise's Pro version adds AI and client portals, but Nextcloud is more established for collaborative workflows.

How to set up FileRise with Docker on Ubuntu?

Use the official Docker image with a docker run command or docker-compose.yml, setting environment variables like TIMEZONE and TOTAL_UPLOAD_SIZE. The README provides detailed examples, and you need to persist volumes for uploads, users, and metadata.

Does FileRise have a mobile app?

No, FileRise is web-based and responsive for mobile browsers, but there is no dedicated native mobile application. Users access it via browser on mobile devices, which may limit offline functionality.

Can I use FileRise to encrypt files without losing WebDAV access?

No, enabling encryption at rest disables WebDAV, sharing, and other features for safety, as mentioned in the README. This trade-off ensures security but reduces flexibility for encrypted folders.

What are the limitations of FileRise Core compared to Pro?

Core lacks user groups, client portals, AI workspace, additional storage adapters (e.g., S3, Google Drive), and audit logs, which are Pro-only features. Core is open-source under MIT, but Pro requires a purchase for advanced capabilities.

How to integrate OnlyOffice with FileRise for document editing?

Configure an OnlyOffice Document Server, enable it in the Admin panel, set the server origin and JWT secret, and update your reverse proxy with the suggested Content-Security-Policy header, as detailed in the README's optional dependencies section.

Open-Awesome

FileRise

MITJavaScriptv3.16.0Self-Hosted

A self-hosted web file manager and storage hub with granular ACLs, optional encryption, WebDAV, and AI workflows.

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968 stars46 forks0 contributors

What is FileRise?

FileRise is a self-hosted web file manager and storage hub that allows users to manage files, set granular permissions, and connect multiple storage backends from a single interface. It solves the problem of relying on proprietary cloud services by providing a secure, controllable alternative with features like optional encryption, WebDAV, and AI-powered workflows.

Target Audience

Individuals, teams, and organizations who need a secure, self-hosted file management solution with fine-grained access controls, such as IT administrators, developers, and businesses handling sensitive data.

Value Proposition

Developers choose FileRise for its comprehensive feature set, including granular ACLs, optional encryption, and multi-backend storage hub capabilities, all available under an open-source MIT license with a polished UI and strong community support.

Overview

🗂️ FileRise – lightweight, self-hosted file manager & storage hub with granular ACLs, resumable uploads, encrypted folders, WebDAV & SSO. Fully Docker / Unraid compatible.

Use Cases

Best For

Self-hosting a secure alternative to Nextcloud or ownCloud
Managing files with granular, folder-level access controls
Creating a storage hub that aggregates multiple local and cloud backends
Setting up client upload portals for external file submissions
Implementing encrypted at-rest storage for sensitive documents
Integrating WebDAV for network drive access with permission enforcement

Not Ideal For

Enterprises needing built-in real-time collaboration tools like simultaneous document editing
Users seeking a completely free solution with all advanced features (e.g., AI workspace, client portals)
Projects requiring minimal setup with zero configuration for immediate use
Environments where encryption must be enabled without disabling WebDAV or sharing capabilities

Pros & Cons

Pros

Granular Permission Management

Offers per-folder ACLs for actions like view, upload, edit, and delete, enforced consistently across UI, API, and WebDAV, as highlighted in the README's key features.

Optional Encryption at Rest

Allows encrypting entire folders on disk with modern authenticated encryption, providing transparent decryption on download, though it disables some features when enabled for safety.

Storage Hub Flexibility

Connects multiple storage backends including local roots, WebDAV, and with Pro, cloud services like S3, Google Drive, and Dropbox, turning it into a unified file manager.

Polished User Experience

Features a responsive UI with dark/light mode, dual-pane browsing, keyboard shortcuts, and scales to handle over 100,000 folders without performance issues, as tested and noted.

Cons

Pro Features Behind Paywall

Advanced functionalities such as AI workspace, client portals, and additional storage adapters are only available in the paid Pro version, limiting the open-source core's appeal for some users.

Encryption Compatibility Issues

Enabling folder-level encryption automatically disables compatible features like WebDAV, sharing, ZIP operations, and OnlyOffice integration, as stated in the README, creating trade-offs.

Setup and Maintenance Overhead

Requires Docker or a PHP 8.3+ server with specific extensions, and configuration for environments like reverse proxies and subpaths, which can be complex compared to simpler alternatives.

Open Source Alternative To

FileRise is an open-source alternative to the following products:

OneDrive

A cloud storage service from Microsoft that allows users to store files and access them from any device.

Google Drive

A cloud storage and file synchronization service that allows users to store files, share them, and access them from any device.

Nextcloud

ownCloud

ownCloud is an open-source file sync and share software platform that gives you control over your data and allows you to host your own cloud storage service.

Dropbox

Dropbox is a cloud storage service that allows users to store, sync, and share files across devices with collaboration features.

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