What is Aurora Files?

Aurora Files is a PHP-based file storage and sharing platform you install on your own server. It gives you a web interface for managing files, supports WebDAV for third-party clients, and provides native mobile apps for iOS and Android plus a Windows desktop sync utility. Notable capabilities include end-to-end AES-256 encryption where keys stay in the browser, S3-compatible storage backends such as AWS and DigitalOcean Spaces, OnlyOffice integration for collaborative document editing, mounting Google Drive and Dropbox as folders, LDAP address book synchronization, and OAuth login via Google and Facebook. The community edition uses the AGPL-3.0 license, while a paid subscription removes AGPL obligations and adds professional support.

Should you self-host Aurora Files?

Aurora Files scores 47/100 on selfhost.directory (how scoring works) and ranks #10 of 15 in File Storage. It has 213 GitHub stars.

There was no stable release in the past 12 months, so check the repository's recent activity before you rely on it.

Setup is advanced: plan for several services and some ongoing maintenance. It is AGPL-3.0-licensed and written mostly in Shell.

Its closest alternative on selfhost.directory is juicefs (73/100, 14 585 stars). It scores higher overall, so compare the two before you pick. See Aurora Files vs juicefs side by side.

Features

Admin Panel
Dropbox mountingRequires HTTPS
End-to-end encryption
File storage and sharing
Google Drive mountingRequires HTTPS
LDAP address bookRequires LDAP PHP extension and separate module
OAuth AuthenticationRequires HTTPS
OnlyOffice document editingRequires separate OnlyOffice Docs installation
Single Sign-On (SSO)
WebDAV Access
Windows desktop sync
ZIP archive browsing

FAQ

How to authenticate via Google, Facebook, or Dropbox?

Create OAuth applications in each provider's developer console, then configure the client ID and secret in Aurora Files admin panel under the respective auth sections.

How to integrate LDAP address book?

Install the LDAP global address book module, disable the standard TeamContacts module, and configure LDAP connection details in TeamContactsLdap.config.json.

How to use S3 storage instead of local filesystem?

Disable the local PersonalFiles module and enable the S3Filestorage module, then configure access keys, region, and bucket in the S3Filestorage config or admin interface.

How to enable dark theme?

Dark theme is available from version 9.6 and can be selected from the themes list in account settings. If upgrading from an older version, add "DefaultDark" to the ThemeList in CoreWebclient.config.json.