Deploy and Host FileBrowser on Railway

FileBrowser is a web-based file management interface that provides access to files and directories through a browser. It allows users to upload, delete, preview, rename, and edit files within a specified storage location.

About Hosting FileBrowser

Hosting FileBrowser involves running a web server that provides file system access through an HTTP interface. The server requires persistent storage volume management and handles file operations like uploads, downloads, and modifications. You'll need to maintain storage space, monitor disk usage growth, and manage user access permissions. The server maintains active connections for file transfers and handles concurrent file operations from multiple users. Regular maintenance includes monitoring storage capacity, managing file permissions, and ensuring backup procedures for important data stored in the managed directories.

Common Use Cases

Web-based File Management: Access and manage server files through a browser when SSH or FTP access isn't available or practical
File Sharing: Upload and share files with team members or external users without needing separate file hosting services
Remote Administration: Handle file operations on deployed applications and manage configuration files from any location

Dependencies for FileBrowser Hosting

Storage Volume: Persistent disk storage for file management and data retention
File System Permissions: Appropriate read/write access to managed directories and files
User Authentication: Login credentials and session management for secure file access

Deployment Dependencies

Implementation Details

Core Features:

File Operations: Upload, delete, rename, and create files and folders through web interface
File Management: Preview, edit, and share files with built-in viewers and editors
Web Interface: Browser-based access eliminating need for FTP clients or SSH connections
User Management: Authentication and permission controls for secure file access

Template Configuration:

Automatic Volume Usage:

Automatically uses attached Railway volume as the storage location
Default storage location is set to storage subdirectory in volume root
Option to use volume root directly by setting USE_VOLUME_ROOT=1

Environment Variables:

# Basic authentication setup
WEB_USERNAME=admin
WEB_PASSWORD=your-secure-password

# Optional: Use volume root instead of subdirectory
USE_VOLUME_ROOT=1

File Operations Available:

Upload: Drag-and-drop or browse to upload single or multiple files
Download: Download individual files or entire folders as archives
Preview: Built-in viewers for images, text files, and documents
Edit: Text editor for code files, configuration files, and documents
Share: Generate shareable links for files with optional expiration
Search: Find files and folders within the managed directory structure

Storage Management:

Monitor disk usage and available space
Set up automated cleanup procedures for temporary files
Configure file size limits and storage quotas
Implement backup strategies for critical data

Important Caveat: Setting a password in FileBrowser's web settings will not persist across deployments. The password from the WEB_PASSWORD environment variable is used on every deployment to keep login credentials synchronized with Railway service variables.

Access Control:

Username and password authentication
Configurable user permissions and restrictions
Session management and timeout controls
Optional sharing capabilities with external users

Why Deploy FileBrowser on Railway?

Railway is a singular platform to deploy your infrastructure stack. Railway will host your infrastructure so you don't have to deal with configuration, while allowing you to vertically and horizontally scale it.

By deploying FileBrowser on Railway, you are one step closer to supporting a complete full-stack application with minimal burden. Host your servers, databases, AI agents, and more on Railway.