FileStack is a service that simplifies the process of enabling file uploads in a website or application. Whether you’re getting resumes, adding support for profile images, or taking submissions for an art contest, FileStack can help.
But FileStack is more than just a front-end component, it is also a complete back-end service for file storage. You can access the files using the HTTP API or one of the available SDKs. Read below to learn how Filestack can simplify your file upload needs.
The combination of the two makes Filestack a particularly powerful service. The File Picker Widget is a great tool, and the powerful backend support for file uploads further eases the developer experience when managing complex file upload pipelines.
Filestack is most relevant if you are managing a site without a server backend. Full support for file uploads is a huge advantage, especially for static sites.
a front-end file picker
You can get the tiniest amount of functionality working in minutes. Get started by signing up for Filestack for free. Without paying anything, you get the following every month.
Once you have logged in to your account, go to your Filestack Dashboard. This shows your API key in the upper-right corner, along with a button that copies it to your clipboard. Your API Key is important as you will be using it to identify your account when integrating the service.
Note that you can reference the main JavaScript file from Filestack’s domain, so you don’t even need to upload it to your server. Open this page in your browser and use it with the file picker. The picker includes support for drag and drop file uploads.
a back-end web service
Once you’ve tested the native file picker, check out the Content Browser in the FileStack backend. You will see the file(s) you uploaded with controls to download or delete it.
Each file also has a direct link via a content delivery network (CDN). FileStack builds on the support of a CDN, allowing you to display content to your site visitors with greater efficiency.
Analytics are available to help you track bandwidth and uploads over time. This is useful if you are using the service regularly and need to monitor usage.
There’s also a full file upload API, so you can build in even more advanced functionality. See the comprehensive Filestack documentation for more details.
Come for the picker, stay for the file upload API
Filestack is a useful mix of front-end uploader and back-end file storage. You can use it with a static site to provide upload functionality that would otherwise be impossible.