File Entity (fieldable files)

File entity provides interfaces for managing files. It also extends the core file entity, allowing files to be fieldable, grouped into types, viewed (using display modes) and formatted using field formatters. File entity integrates with a number of modules, exposing files to Views, Entity API, Token and more.

File Entity is required by the 7.x-2.x branch of the Media module.

The File entity project is not compatible with Media 7.x-1.x. You must use the File entity module bundled with Media 7.x-1.x.

Requirements

• Field and File modules (Drupal core)
• Chaos tool suite (ctools)

Known Issues

• If you are having problems with the alternate and title text fields when using image fields without the Media module widget, there is a core patch in #2066275-1: file_field_load() overwites any field item properties with file entity properties that will resolve it that hasn't been included in an official release yet. You should apply that patch to your core install.

File Management Initiative

Important information for D8 users:

D8 (do not use the D8 file_entity module unless you already had it installed prior to 8.4.x or unless you really want to and have good reason to be doing so), there are available modules (see links below) to help you migrate data to the D8 core media module. D8 Core 8.4.x and higher a module called media (not to be confused with the contrib media project of the same name). If you are using D8 file_entity you should use the core media module instead of file_entity. If you were previously using file_entity in D8 D8 file_entity have a look at this link. and the documentation more D8 documentation. Appologies for the confusion for some D8 people that installed file_entity instead of using the core media module, this is because the core media module was introduced in 8.4.x and not 8.0.x. We will continue to support existing installs of the D8 version of file_entity but urge new installs to be avoided.

D7: The file_entity project influenced several core changes for Drupal 7 and is living in harmony with core existing as a contrib module. file_entity for D7 will continue on as a contrib module. File_entity for D7 is mature and stable and continues to be actively maintained and improved.

Related Modules

File entity exposes Drupal files, enabling them to be managed. To further extend Drupal's file handling abilities, including:

• Media module
  • Handing files from external sources and services such as YouTube, Vimeo and Flickr.
  • Inserting files into content using WYSIWYG editors.
  • Reusing existing files in file and image fields.
  • Mass importing of files.
• File entity revisions module

Resources

For more information on File entity, see the following resources:

• Documentation
• Media group on g.d.o.
• Media module F.A.Q.