Files

The main task of Nextcloud is file management. Below is an overview of the main window, which we will divide in two sections:

  • The left sidebar let's you filter files based on certain criteria (recents, favorites, shared, by tags, shared with circles or from external storages).

  • The main window is your file-browser and workspace. in addition to information about your files, from here you can perform a number of operations, such as commenting, tagging or sharing them.

File management

We already mentioned the first three functions in the introduction, but it is worth reviewing them.

1. Home button

It leads you back to the root folder (the home folder) when you navigate through your files or folders.

2. New button

It enables you to upload a file and create new folders, text files or pads. Click on it and choose an action from the list.

3. Workspace

It allows you to bring context to your folders by adding notes, todo lists and links to files on top.

Rich workspace can be enabled/disabled by clicking the settings icon at the bottom of the left sidebar.

4. Recent files

Here you can see the last modified files or folders.

5. File manager

From this section you can do a number of operations on files or folders.

5.1 Upload files

In addition to the option in the New menu (+), you can upload your files directly by dragging them from your computer to here.

5.2 Basic files and folders actions

By clicking on the "three dots" icon next to the filename or directory you can access to some extra options. Those options are self explanatory. You can "Add to favorites", see the "Details", "Rename", "Move or copy", "Download" or "Delete" the file or directory.

5.3 Sharing files

Sharing files and directories is an essential part of any cloud storage service. You can choose to share files with other Disroot users, an entire group or even with other users using OwnCloud/Nextcloud on different platforms. You can also share with anyone out there through the public link option.

To share a file or directory just click the share icon right next to the name of the item you want to share. A right-bar popup will show up with all the sharing options for you to choose from.

You might share with other users, groups, or users on different cloud servers using the federation address. To do so, you will have to type their entire usernames because we don't provide autocompletion for privacy reasons.

When sharing with other users or groups, you can choose if they have rights to edit and/or re-share the shared file. You can also set an expiration date for it and send a note to the recipients.

You can also share a file or directory with anyone by using the Share link option. It allows you to copy/paste a link and share it. Any person who knows the address (url) will be able to access the file. They don't need to have an account. This option enables you to set editing permissions as well as hide the download, protect the link with a password, set an expiration date, send a note to the recipient, send the link via email, unshare the file and add another link to it.

5.4 Additional file operations

As you may have noticed when setting up sharing, there are more options in the sidebar.

  • Tags

    Tagging files can be very useful to find them more easily. To assign a tag, go to the three-point menu to the left of the file name and select Tags. Type in a tag or browse through the ones already created and press Enter. You can assign as many tags as you like or need.

    Once you have assigned the tags, you can go to the Tags filter option and search for files by the tags associated with them.

    Keep in mind that they will all be system tags, so they will be shared with the rest of the users on the server.

  • Activity

    It gives you an overview of all events with the file. The time it was created, when it was shared, removed, edited, commented on, etc.

  • Chat

    You can start a call or chat with the users you've shared a file or directory.

  • Checksum

    It allows you to create a hash checksum of a file. Select an algorithm and it will try to generate a hash.

  • Comments

    This is a very useful feature when you're working on a file with other users. Everyone you've shared the file with can read and add comments. By clicking on the three dots icons right next to your username, you can edit your comment.

  • Versions

    It lets you view all the changes done to a file. You can download previous revisions of a file as well as restore it to previous revision (deleting all changes done after).