The current Media Library in WordPress has looked the same for many years. What options are there to order / sort / organize the media library today?
I have tested a lot of the Media Library folder plugins and selected the plugins that keep it simple and as close to the default WordPress user interface standard as can be done.
The current Media Library looks similar to this screenshot.
One can click an image and see more details in the Attachment details screen.
Media Library folder plugins that organize the content.
Acclectic Media Organizer by Acclectic Media. Has not been updated for over 11 months, but the developer will update the plugin when needed. It does not have a settings page. Inside the Media Library the plugin adds a left sidebar area to create folders. It feels light and easy to use. The Media Organizer plugin also has a repository at Github which is a place where one can suggest changes in addition to the plugin support page. It seems the developer is open for feedback.
Above All Items folder with all the media is selected and I right clicked the WordPress folder. Right clicking one can choose from Create Folder, Rename Folder or Delete Folder.
FileBird
The FileBird plugin Includes a left WordPress sidebar menu item. Having a top level WP sidebar menu item is really not needed. They can add it into the WordPress -> Settings drop down instead, and have one screen for the settings. Plugin settings are well created and easy to understand.
FileBird WordPress Media Library. Showing how I have setup various folders.
Real Media Library
Real Media Library (Free) by devowl.io. Needs a free license to get started. The beginning looks messy but useful. Adds a banner for Pro version which will show up once a month.
Inside the Media Library the plugin adds a left sidebar area to create folders.
This plugin can be useful!
(Premium plugin) JoomUnited Media Folder
Additional useful plugins
Export Media Library (A simple way to export the contents of the Media Library.)
Some plugins I decided not to include in my above list.
Media Library Organizer by WP Media Library. Has top level left WP menu sidebar item. Really not needed.Pretty complex settings. Most of the settings are in a Pro plugin.
Inside the Media Library the plugin adds a left sidebar area to create folders.
iFolders by Max Lawrence. Has a top level WP menu bar setting. Can be used for Media, Posts and/or Pages. Has Access roles and Access type. Account details. Contact us page. Upgrade link.
Inside the Media Library the plugin adds a left sidebar area to create folders.
Folders by Premio. Includes a lot of settings. Does not keep it simple. It feels too spread out. Does not use the standard WordPress core user interface for the settings.
Inside the Media Library the plugin adds a left sidebar area to create folders.
Media Library Folders by Max Foundry. Has a top level WP menu bar setting just under the Media link.
It has a lot of settings. Such as Media Library Folders, Check For New Folders, Upgrade to Pro, Regenerate Thumbnails, Image SEO, Support and Settings. Too many settings.
WP Media Folders. Adds a notification to read a disclaimer. Not clear what it does. Plugin is discontinued. Has been reintegrated into WP Media Folder plugin from JoomUnited.
Mediamatic Lite by Plugincraft. No settings page.
The plugin adds a left sidebar area associated with the Media Library to create folders. It looks like the folders area is added in between the WP left side menu bar and the right side Media Library. It feels separate and in between.
Work happening in WordPress core.
Here is an older blog entry about work being done to add taxonomies to the Media library in core.
Here is a design share entry from 15th August. It briefly talks about Openverse a open source search engine for photos. Merging Openverse and the Media Library seems to be something that can happen down the line.
