Slack Share Files
Sharing files in Slack brings documents, images, and data directly into the conversation where they are being discussed. Instead of attaching files to emails and losing them in inboxes, Slack keeps every file connected to its context — right next to the messages that reference it.
What Types of Files You Can Share
SUPPORTED FILE TYPES IMAGES PNG, JPEG, GIF, WEBP, SVG DOCUMENTS PDF, DOCX, XLSX, PPTX, TXT CODE FILES .py, .js, .html, .css, .json, .xml VIDEOS MP4, MOV, AVI (previewed inline) AUDIO MP3, WAV, M4A ARCHIVES ZIP, RAR, TAR.GZ ANY OTHER TYPE ← uploaded as a download link
Images, PDFs, and videos display a preview inline in the conversation so teammates can see content without downloading. Other file types appear as download links.
How to Share a File in a Channel or DM
Method 1: Drag and Drop
Open a channel or DM. Drag a file from your computer's file explorer directly into the Slack window. A blue overlay appears asking you to drop the file. Release it, add an optional message, and click Share.
Method 2: Paperclip Icon
- Click the paperclip (📎) icon in the message input box.
- Your computer's file browser opens.
- Select one or more files.
- Add an optional caption in the message field.
- Press Enter or click Share.
Method 3: Paste from Clipboard
Copy an image on your computer (screenshot, copied image from a web page) and paste it directly into the Slack message box with Ctrl+V / Cmd+V. Slack prompts you to share it as a file or inline image.
File Upload Flow
SELECT FILE
↓
SLACK SHOWS PREVIEW (if image/PDF)
↓
ADD CAPTION OR MESSAGE (optional)
↓
CHOOSE WHERE TO SHARE:
Current channel ↓ or ↓ Different channel / DM
↓
CLICK SHARE
↓
FILE APPEARS IN CONVERSATION ✓
FILE SAVED TO CHANNEL FILES TAB ✓
File Size Limits
FREE PLAN PAID PLANS
────────────────── ────────────────────────────────
1 GB per file 1 GB per file
5 GB total storage 10 GB per user (Pro)
20 GB per user (Business+)
1 TB+ (Enterprise Grid)
If you exceed storage limits, older files may not be accessible until storage is increased. Admins can manage and delete old files from the workspace settings.
Sharing Links from Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive
Instead of uploading large files, paste a shareable link from Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive directly into the message box. Slack unfurls the link — meaning it shows a preview card with the file name, type, and thumbnail. Teammates click the link to open the file in the original service without downloading it.
LINK UNFURL EXAMPLE Alice pastes: https://docs.google.com/document/d/... Slack displays: ┌────────────────────────────────────────┐ │ 📄 Q3 Marketing Plan │ │ Google Docs · Last edited 2 hours ago │ │ [Open in Google Docs] │ └────────────────────────────────────────┘
Finding Files You Shared
Every file shared in a channel appears in that channel's Files tab. Open the details panel (click the ⓘ icon) and select Files. You see every file uploaded to that channel, newest first. Click any file to preview or download it.
Use the workspace search bar (Ctrl+G / Cmd+G) and filter by "File" to find a file across the entire workspace without remembering which channel it was shared in.
Key Takeaways
- Drag and drop, the paperclip icon, or clipboard paste all share files into Slack.
- Images, PDFs, and videos preview inline; other file types appear as download links.
- Free workspaces allow files up to 1 GB each with 5 GB total storage.
- Paste cloud storage links (Google Drive, Dropbox) to avoid uploading large files directly.
- Find any channel's files through the Files tab in the details panel (ⓘ icon).