FileBrowser Quantum v1.5.6-stable

FileBrowser Quantum is a free, open source, self-hosted web file manager for accessing and managing files through a browser. It is a major fork of the original FileBrowser project, adding a more modern interface, better search, multiple storage sources, granular access controls, authentication options, sharing features, and an API.

It is a good option for users who want a lightweight alternative to larger platforms such as Nextcloud when the main requirement is managing files rather than running a complete collaboration suite.

Features of FileBrowser Quantum

FileBrowser Quantum provides a broad set of features for self-hosted file management:

• Web-based file browsing and management

• Multiple file sources

• Include and exclude rules

• Multiple user and group support

• Directory and source-level access control

• OIDC, LDAP, JWT, password, 2FA, and proxy authentication

• Real-time indexed search

• File and folder size filtering

• File previews and thumbnails

• Office, video, album artwork, and 3D model thumbnails

• Text file viewing and editing

• WebDAV support

• File uploads and downloads

• Configurable file sharing

• Share expiration

• Anonymous or restricted sharing

• Custom themes and branding

• Long-lived API tokens

• Swagger API documentation

• Docker images

• Standalone binaries

• Responsive interface

One of its most useful improvements over the original FileBrowser is its search system. FileBrowser Quantum uses SQLite indexing to provide real-time search results and supports filters based on file types and sizes.

FileBrowser Quantum is a strong choice for anyone who wants browser-based access to files without the overhead of a much larger platform.

The interface is one of its biggest improvements. The project has redesigned the navigation and browsing experience, with a responsive layout, faster directory views, thumbnails, folder sizes, and a search interface that is much more practical for large collections.

The search system is particularly useful. Instead of simply scanning directories whenever a search is performed, Quantum maintains an index that allows results to appear while typing. It can also monitor filesystem changes and update the interface accordingly.

Authentication is another major advantage. FileBrowser Quantum supports OIDC, LDAP, JWT, password authentication, 2FA, and proxy authentication. This makes it considerably more suitable for organizations than a basic personal file browser.

Sharing is also well implemented. Administrators can control expiration, access, anonymous availability, and permissions for viewing, editing, and uploading files. Access can also be scoped to users or groups and specific source paths.

The main limitation is that FileBrowser Quantum is not intended to replace a complete collaboration platform. It does not provide the same ecosystem of calendars, office collaboration, mobile applications, comments, and other productivity features found in platforms such as Nextcloud.

There are also some features still marked as being under development, including metrics, quotas, event-based notifications, and several file conversion capabilities.

For straightforward self-hosted file access, however, FileBrowser Quantum offers a good balance between features, resource usage, and simplicity.

Performance and Compatibility

Performance is one of the project's main focuses. The developers have redesigned directory browsing and indexing to provide faster search and more responsive file management. The project comparison lists a minimum memory requirement of 512 MB for Quantum.

Docker images are available for amd64 and ARM64, while the slim image also supports ARM32. The main image includes FFmpeg and additional document preview functionality.

The project supports Linux, Windows, and macOS and can be deployed through Docker or as a standalone binary.

One limitation to consider is very large directories. The project documentation has previously noted that directories containing more than 100,000 items can become slow because directory pagination is not implemented.

System Requirements

FileBrowser Quantum is designed to run with relatively modest resources.

The project lists:

• Minimum memory requirement of 512 MB

• Linux, Windows, and macOS support

• Docker support

• Standalone binary availability

• amd64 and ARM64 Docker images

• ARM32 support with the slim Docker image

The actual resources required will depend on the number of files, indexing workload, previews, concurrent users, and enabled services.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Free and open source

• Self-hosted

• Modern responsive interface

• Fast indexed search

• Multiple file sources

• WebDAV support

• Granular permissions

• Multiple authentication options

• OIDC and LDAP support

• 2FA support

• Configurable sharing

• Rich file previews

• Docker support

• Standalone binaries

• Developer API

• Relatively low resource requirements

Cons

• Not a complete collaboration platform

• Some features are still under development

• Very large directories can become slow

• No dedicated mobile application

• No S3 support

• No FTP support

• Some advanced functionality differs substantially from the original FileBrowser project

How to Install

The simplest way to run FileBrowser Quantum is with Docker. Official images are available through Docker Hub and GitHub Container Registry. The main image includes FFmpeg and additional document preview functionality, while the slim image provides a smaller installation focused on core functionality.

After starting the container, mount the directories you want to manage and configure the application's storage and authentication settings.

FileBrowser Quantum can also be installed using its standalone binaries if Docker is not appropriate for your environment. The project provides documentation covering the available installation methods.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is FileBrowser Quantum?

FileBrowser Quantum is an open source, self-hosted web file manager developed as a major fork of the original FileBrowser project.

Is FileBrowser Quantum free?

Yes. The project states that it will remain free and open source.

Can FileBrowser Quantum run with Docker?

Yes. Official Docker images are available, including a full image and a smaller slim image.

Does FileBrowser Quantum support LDAP?

Yes. LDAP is supported along with OIDC, JWT, password authentication, 2FA, and proxy authentication.

Does FileBrowser Quantum support WebDAV?

Yes. WebDAV support is included.

Can users share files?

Yes. FileBrowser Quantum provides configurable sharing with expiration dates, access restrictions, anonymous sharing, and separate viewing, editing, and uploading permissions.

Does FileBrowser Quantum have an API?

Yes. It supports long-lived API tokens and provides a Swagger interface for API-enabled users.

Is FileBrowser Quantum the same as the original FileBrowser?

No. Quantum is a substantial fork with significant changes to the interface, configuration, indexing, authentication, sharing, access control, and other areas. The project itself notes that it differs significantly from the original FileBrowser.