How to Add a File Browser Module | CodeConfig Skip to Main Content

How to Add a File Browser Module

The File Browser module lets you embed a browsable Google Drive view anywhere on your site with fine-grained controls for sources, filters, UI, permissions, search, and notifications.

Quick Start

  1. Go to Google Drive → Module Builder.
  2. In Modules, choose File Browser and click Next.
  3. In Source, select the folders/files to display, then Save ChangesNext.
  4. Configure Filter, Advanced, Notifications, and Permissions as needed.
  5. Click Finish to generate the module and place it where you want.
Tip: In any file grid, you can Ctrl/Cmd + Drag to select multiple items quickly.

Step 1 Modules

  • Choose Module → Start by selecting the File Browser module from the Modules tabHow to Add a File Browser Module Step-1

Step 2 Source

Select the Drive locations that the module will show.

  • Pick Folders/Files: Click items to select; chosen items appear in the right sidebar list.
  • Upload / Create Folder / Refresh: Available from the toolbar.
  • Sort & View: Toggle Grid/List, and change sort (Name, Size, Created At, Updated At) with Ascending/Descending order.How to Add a File Browser Module Step-2

Step 3 Filter

Decide which items are visible in the module.

  • Allowed Extensions: Show only specific file types.
  • Exclude Extensions: Hide certain file types.
  • Allowed Names: A comma-separated list. Supports wildcards:
    • report*, *.txt
    • file?, image_*
  • Apply To: Choose whether name filters apply to Files, Folders, or both.How to Add a File Browser Module Step-3

Step 4 Advanced

Module Settings

  • Container Size: Set width/height (e.g., 100%, 640px, 80vh), or leave blank for default.
  • Theme: Light or Dark.How to Add a File Browser Module Step-4

File Loading Type

  • Load More (button), Infinite Scroll, or Pagination.
  • Files in First Render: Initial batch size slider.

Header Controls

  • Show Header — toggle the entire header area.
  • Breadcrumbs — show path navigation.
  • Refresh Button — reload items on demand.
  • Sorting — expose sort UI to viewers.
  • Default Sort: Name / Size / Created At / Updated At + Ascending/Descending.

Step 5 Notifications(Coming soon)

Send email alerts for user activities performed in this module.

  • Email Notifications — master toggle.
  • Download Notification — email when files are downloaded.
  • Upload Notification — email when files are uploaded.
  • Delete Notification — email when files are deleted.
  • Email Recipients — choose recipients (e.g., admin) and Skip Current User Notification if you don’t want to notify the actor.

Step 6 Permissions

Choose who can view the module and which actions they may take.

Action Permissions

Enable actions and optionally restrict by audience (Everyone / Logged):

  • Allow Upload — choose who can upload (Role-based or User-based targeting supported).
  • Preview — inline lightbox preview; optional:
    • Inline Preview (open in modal)
    • Allow Pop-out (open in Google’s native viewer)
    • Show Preview Thumbnails
  • New Folder (if available in your build)
  • Rename
  • Move / Copy
  • Delete
  • Download
  • Enable Password Protection — require a password to access the module.
    • Password generator & strength rules (min length, mixed case, numbers, symbols).
  • How to Add a File Browser Module Step-6

Let viewers search files by name with precise controls.

  • Allow Search — master toggle.
  • Search Location Options
    • Cache — search the cached index for speed.
    • Server — live search against Google Drive.
  • Search Scope Options
    • Current Folder — limit to the visible folder tree.
    • Global — search across all selected sources.
  • Filter Users & Roles — Everyone or Logged (mirrors viewer visibility when needed)

6.2) Display for

Display For (Viewer Visibility)

  • Everyone (public)
  • Logged (only authenticated users)

User Access (Audience Targeting)

  • Role-Based — pick roles (e.g., Administrator, Editor, Author).
  • User-Based — pick specific users.

Show Access Denied Message

  • Enable showing a message when a visitor lacks access.
  • Default: “You do not have access to this module.” (You can customize the text.)

Use this shortcode to display the File Browser:

[integration-google-drive id="1"]

Best Practices

  • Prefer Role-Based access for maintainability; use User-Based only for sensitive modules.
  • Enable Password Protection for internal modules embedded on public pages.
  • Use the Cache location for fast searches; fall back to the Server for exhaustive results.
  • Tune Files in First Render + Infinite Scroll for large folders to improve perceived performance.

Troubleshooting

  • Can’t see files? Check Source selection and Filter rules (extensions/names).
  • Actions disabled? Verify Permissions toggles and audience (Everyone vs Logged vs Role/User).
  • Slow listing? Switch to Load More or reduce First Render count in Advanced.
  • Search misses items? Try Server location and Global scope, then Refresh.