Add files to Slack
To help you work with your team in Slack, you can add files to your workspace. Files are searchable and shareable across Slack, making it easier for everyone to find the information they need and work together.
Note: Uploading and sharing files may be restricted for Slack Connect conversations, and certain file types can't be added at all. If you can't add files to these conversations, find an owner or admin and ask for help.
Add files
You can add files up to 1GB in size.
Desktop
Mobile
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Drag and drop up to ten files into the Slack message field, or click the
plus icon next to the message field and choose files to add. - If you like, you can include a message, drag and drop the file previews to reorder them, and if you’re adding an image, you can also include a description.
- Send the message.
- Open a channel or direct message (DM).
- Tap the plus icon next to the message field.
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To add a photo, tap a recent image or View library. To add a file, tap
Recent files or Upload file. - Add a message about your file(s) if you like.
- Tap the paper plane icon to send.
Slack will include a preview of a file as part of your message. If you share an image, the preview will only display inline if it's smaller than 25,000 pixels on the longest side, and less than 45 million pixels total. Microsoft Office files that are larger than 50 MB will not display a preview.
Note: Files that you add to Slack will be scanned for viruses and other malware, and won’t be uploaded if any are detected. If we incorrectly block a file upload, contact us and we can help.
Browse files
All files in Slack
From your desktop, you can browse files added to any public channels, plus the private channels and direct messages (DMs) you're part of.
- From your desktop, hover over More. Then, click Files.
- Browse the list of your recently viewed files, or select an option in the left-hand sidebar.
Note: The file browser isn’t available on the Slack mobile apps, but you can use search to find them.
Files in a channel or DM
Open the Files tab in any channel or DM to sort and filter the files within that conversation.
- From your desktop, open a channel or DM.
- Click the Files tab in the conversation header.
- Search for a file, or click See all.
Share files
You can easily share a file that's been added to Slack in another channel or DM, or share it outside of Slack by creating an external link.
Share files in Slack
Desktop
Mobile
- Hover over the file you'd like to share.
- Click on the Share icon.
- Choose where to share the file and add a message, if you like.
- Click on Share.
Tip: You can also copy a link to a file or message. Click on the
Share icon, then click Copy link.
- Tap the file you’d like to share.
- Press the Share icon.
- Choose where to share the file and add a message, if you like.
- Send the message.
Share files outside Slack
If your workspace is on a paid subscription, you can create links to share files outside Slack.
Create an external link
Revoke an external link
In a public channel, any member can create an external link for a file. In a private channel, only the person who uploaded the file can create an external link for it.
- From your desktop, hover over the file that you want to create a link for.
- Click the three dots icon in the top right.
- Select Create external link.
- Copy the link to your clipboard, then click Done.
Note: If you don’t see the option to create an external link, find an owner or admin to ask for help.
Only the person who uploaded the file can revoke its external link.
- From your desktop, hover over the file that you want to revoke a link for.
- Click the three dots icon in the top right.
- Select View external link.
- Click Revoke then click Revoke it.
Download files
If you’d like to save files added to Slack to your desktop, you can download them. On your mobile device, you can only download image files.
Desktop
Mobile
- From your desktop, find the file you’d like to download.
- Click on the download icon.
Tip: If you'd like, you may be able to adjust your default download location.
- Tap the image that you want to save.
- Tap the three dots icon.
- Tap Save Image (iOS) or Download (Android).
Delete files
Any member or guest can delete a file they’ve uploaded to Slack. Workspace owners and admins can delete files that have been added to public channels and any private channels or DMs that they're in.
Desktop
Mobile
- Find the file you'd like to delete.
- Click the three dots icon in the top right.
- Select Delete file, then click Yes, delete this file to confirm.
- Find the file you'd like to delete.
- Tap the file, then tap the three dots icon.
- Tap Delete.
Note: Files must be deleted individually, but we offer API methods to help you manage files in your workspace or Enterprise Grid organisation.