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How-to guide

How to add a document to a Document Library

Adding a document to a Document Library is a Classic task. Switch to Salesforce Classic, open the Documents tab, and create the document inside the folder you want. This is the right place for a shared org asset like a logo or a brochure, not a file that belongs to one record.

By Dipojjal Chakrabarti · Founder & Editor, Salesforce DictionaryLast updated Jun 16, 2026

Adding a document to a Document Library is a Classic task. Switch to Salesforce Classic, open the Documents tab, and create the document inside the folder you want. This is the right place for a shared org asset like a logo or a brochure, not a file that belongs to one record.

  1. Switch to Salesforce Classic

    The Documents tab does not exist in Lightning Experience. Use the profile menu to switch to Classic, then find the Documents tab (you may need the App Launcher or the tab bar arrow).

  2. Start a new document

    On the Documents tab click New Document. Choose the folder that should hold the item. You can only file into folders you have write access to, so confirm folder permissions first.

  3. Fill in the details

    Enter a clear name and, optionally, a description and keywords so search can find it. Decide whether to upload a file from your computer or store a link to a network path or URL.

  4. Set the sharing flags

    Use "Indicate Document is Internal" for content that should stay inside the company. Use "Externally Available Image" only for logos or graphics you are comfortable exposing publicly, since that lets email templates load them without a login.

  5. Save and reference it

    Save the document. You can now point an HTML email template, Visualforce page, or custom logo setting at it. To update later, open the document and choose Replace Document.

Mandatory fields
Namerequired

The document label. Leave it blank to keep the original filename, but a descriptive name makes search and folder browsing easier.

Folderrequired

Required. The folder controls who can see and edit the document, so pick one whose access matches the audience for this file.

File or Linkrequired

Either upload an actual file (up to 5 MB, or 20 KB for a custom app logo) or store a link to a network path or URL instead of the file itself.

Gotchas
  • The Documents tab is Classic only. Lightning users cannot browse document folders, so anything you expect them to find should live in Salesforce Files.
  • "Externally Available Image" makes a file reachable by URL with no login. That is what email templates need, but it also means the image is public, so never flag confidential content.
  • Do not delete documents that email templates or Visualforce pages reference by ID or URL. There is no automatic relink, and the asset will show as broken.
  • Standard documents are capped at 5 MB. For larger or modern assets, upload to Salesforce Files (up to 2 GB) instead.

See the full Document Library entry

Document Library includes the definition, worked example, deep dive, related terms, and a quiz.