File preview experience

As of the 25.09 release, we've introduced a significant enhancement to the native File preview experience across the platform. This update is aimed at improving readability, usability, and consistency in how files are previewed whether accessed via content attachments, search results, feeds, or within sites.

File previews now open in a dedicated modal window, providing a cleaner and distraction-free viewing experience of PDFs, Word documents, Excel sheets, PowerPoints, and video files.

In addition, you can now zoom in and out on the preview screen or jump to any page of the document by entering a page number. Of course, as always, you can Like, Favorite, or Download the document from here as well (with applicable permissions).

File metadata has been relocated to an expandable side toggle on the right-hand side of your screen. The file's analytics now appear as a stacked modal, maintaining context within the preview session.

Note that NO file access permissions change with this update. This is purely an enhancement to the interface and user experience.

Modal-based preview

• Files now open in a modal (pop-up) window instead of taking over the full page.

• This provides more usable space and keeps the viewing experience distraction-free.

• Supported file types:

  • PDF

  • Word documents

  • Excel sheets

  • PowerPoint files

  • Video files

Usability improvements

• Zoom controls: Zoom in or out for better readability.

• Page navigation: Enter a page number to jump directly to a specific page.

• Actions available: Like, Favorite, and Download remain accessible.

File information panel

• File details now appear in a sidebar that you can open or close as needed.

• The panel includes:

  • File owner

  • File name

  • File type and size

  • Description (editable)

Version history and actions

• Version history now has a refreshed layout for easier navigation.

• You can upload new versions directly from the preview screen (based on permissions).

• Additional options are available in the three-dot menu:

  • Copy file link

  • Open in new tab

  • Delete (if you have permission)

Use these enhancements to preview and interact with files without needing to download them unless required.

Here’s the rewritten version in a Help document style with a self-service tone:

File preview for image files

File preview support is now available for image file types. This allows you to open and view images directly in the preview window without downloading them.

Where it works

Image file preview is supported across the application in places such as:

• Attachments

• Feeds

• Search results

• Sites

Copy link to File in preview

We’ve added a new “Copy link to File” option inside the file preview modal. This makes it simple to copy and reuse file links without the risk of broken paths or missing location data.

Steps to copy a file link from the preview modal

When you open a file in preview mode, you’ll now see a “Copy link to File” option. Selecting it copies the file’s link directly to your clipboard. You can then paste that link into documents, messages, or any other place where you need to reference the file.

Recommended best practice for copying file links

To ensure your file links always work correctly, use the “Copy link to File” button in the preview modal instead of copying the page URL from your browser. This method guarantees that the copied link points to the right file every time.

Understanding limitations

In the past, many users copied file URLs directly from the browser’s address bar. Because file previews now open in a modal window, this method can result in incomplete or broken file paths. To avoid this problem, always rely on the dedicated “Copy link to File” feature within the modal.

You can now preview image files directly in the application for quicker access and a smoother viewing experience.

New file preview for image and document files from external integration

We have enhanced file preview UI for document and image files from all integrated external providers

Supported files in the preview

In cases when the preview is not generated , a secondary button will show the view in external app button

Enhanced file preview for multiple attachments

Feed posts, comments, and other content areas now use a unified file preview experience for multiple attachments. This replaces the legacy gallery view and provides a consistent way to view and navigate files in one place.

This enhancement applies across feed posts, replies, comments, and multi-file layouts such as carousels.

Unified preview

All attached files open in a single preview interface. You can move between files without closing the viewer, making it easier to review related content in sequence.

Navigation

The preview includes built-in navigation that adapts to the device:

• On desktop, a horizontal strip lets you move between files while keeping the full set visible.

• On mobile, swipe gestures allow quick navigation across files.

Thumbnails are available within the preview, so you can jump directly to any file without losing context.

Actions within preview

You can interact with files directly from the preview. This includes viewing file details and downloading the current file, without leaving the viewer.

File representation

Thumbnails are consistent across file types. Images and videos display visual previews, while audio files use a standard icon. This helps users quickly identify and select the right file.

How to use

1. Open a feed post, comment, or carousel with multiple attachments.

2. Select any file to launch the preview.

3. Navigate between files using thumbnails, the desktop strip, or swipe gestures on mobile.

4. Use available actions such as viewing details or downloading the file.

Where this applies

This experience is available in feed posts, comments, and other areas where multiple files are displayed together. Over time, more parts of the platform will adopt this preview for consistency.