Files (ContentDocument records) are the modern Salesforce file storage — replacing the legacy Attachments and Documents objects. Files can be attached to multiple records, shared with users / groups / public links, and follow proper Sharing rules.
- Open any record (or the Files tab)
Files are most often created from a record's Files related list. Standalone files come from the Files tab.
- Click Upload Files (or drag-and-drop into the related list)
Drag-and-drop is fastest; the file uploads in-place.
- Pick the file from your computer
Salesforce caps individual files at 2 GB (with chunked upload) and total org file storage per edition.
- Wait for upload
Progress bar shows. Larger files take longer; very large files use chunked upload behind the scenes.
- (Optional) set a description and tags
Description aids search; tags group related files.
- (Optional) share with users / groups / records
Files default to Privately Shared with the uploader. To share more broadly, click Share → add users / groups / public link.
Required — that's the whole point. Salesforce uploads the binary content.
Required. Defaults to the original filename — editable after.
- Files (ContentDocument) are different from Attachments (Attachment object). Old Attachment-based code references the wrong object — modern integrations should use ContentDocument exclusively.
- Files default to Privately Shared with the uploader. Even if attached to a public record, the uploader is the only one who sees the file unless explicitly shared. Common confusion.
- Salesforce file storage limits per-edition. Hitting the cap blocks new uploads org-wide. Monitor Setup → Storage Usage.