If your site is on WordPress and the document library only needs to live there, the Document Library Pro plugin for WordPress is enough. There is no need to add the cloud version.
The cloud version makes sense when your documents need to appear somewhere the plugin cannot cover. This usually applies in one of these cases:
- The library has to display on a non-WordPress site, for example Squarespace, Wix, Webflow, a Shopify store or HubSpot.
- The same library must be used across several sites or different platforms.
- You need the library to have its own web address, without managing a separate website for it.
- You would prefer us to take care of hosting, updates and maintenance.
- You want to use features which are only available in the cloud version.
The cloud version can also run on a WordPress site, and some customers choose that setup. Simply sign up to hosted Document Library Pro, add your documents and settings as usual and then use a Custom HTML block to insert your libraries into your WordPress site. For full steps, read our article add your document library to WordPress.
How the two versions differ
Both versions include matching layouts, search tools, filters, previews and design templates. However, they are not exactly the same. In the cloud version, the main differences are:
- No separate pages for individual documents. When someone selects a document, the file opens or downloads directly instead of taking the visitor to a dedicated document page.
- Password-based access control. On the Advanced plan, you can password protect each of your libraries, including the all-documents library. WordPress users and roles are not available for restrictions.
- Styling is managed in your account. Because the cloud dashboard has no theme to copy styling from, you set the appearance in Settings > Branding and in Settings > Library Design.
The cloud version also adds features the plugin does not have, including any-platform support, custom domains, team members, and folder sync for Google Drive and Dropbox.
See the complete comparison
For every difference, plus the steps involved when you move an existing library over, open Document Library Pro: WordPress plugin or cloud version?
Already using the plugin and ready to switch? Begin with the free trial, then contact us and we will arrange the changeover.