Channel files overview
Store and organize shared files directly in your text channels.
What are channel files?
Channel files are files stored directly in a text channel's file storage, separate from message attachments. Unlike files attached to messages, channel files are organized into folders and remain accessible without scrolling through message history.
Channel files are useful for:
- Sharing documents, images, and resources with channel members
- Organizing files into folders by topic or project
- Maintaining a library of reference materials
How channel files work
Storage
Every text channel has its own file storage area. On desktop, members access it by selecting the Files icon (folder) in the channel header.
Files can be organized into folders and subfolders, similar to a file system. Any member with the appropriate permissions can upload files, create folders, and manage the channel's file library.
Channel files browsing is currently available on desktop only. Mobile users can find files shared in channels by using community search.
Viewing and downloading files
Channel files cannot be viewed or edited directly inside Root. To view or edit a file, download it first and open it with an external application.
To download a file, select the Download icon (down arrow) next to the file. The file is saved to your Downloads folder. After the download completes, select the Open icon (folder) to open the Downloads folder where the file was saved.
Image files display thumbnails in the file browser for quick identification.
Limits
| Limit | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum file size | 25 MB |
| Maximum files per upload | 10 |
| File name length | 1–64 characters |
| Folder name length | 1–64 characters |
Permissions
Three permissions control what members can do with channel files:
| Permission | Capabilities |
|---|---|
| View Files | View files and folders uploaded by any member |
| Upload Files | Upload files, create folders, and delete your own files and folders |
| Manage Files | All of the above, plus rename and delete any member's files and folders |
These permissions can be granted through roles or through channel-specific access rules.
Channel files vs. message attachments
| Feature | Channel files | Message attachments |
|---|---|---|
| Organization | Folders and subfolders | Inline with messages |
| Discovery | Browse in Files panel (desktop only) | Scroll through messages or search |
| Persistence | Permanent until deleted | Tied to message |
| Best for | Reference materials, shared resources | Context-specific sharing |
When to use channel files
Use channel files when you want to:
- Build a resource library: Store documents, templates, or reference materials that members need to access repeatedly
- Organize by topic: Group related files into folders instead of scattering them across messages
- Keep files accessible: Make important files easy to find without searching message history
Use message attachments when you want to:
- Share in context: Attach a file directly to a conversation where it's being discussed
- Share temporarily: Send a file that doesn't need to be stored long-term