Every channel in Tandem App has a Docs tab: a place for the files that belong to that team, project or client. Files can be sorted into folders, previewed, downloaded and discussed with comments, all next to the conversation about them. This guide explains how to use it, and how it differs from attaching a file to a message.

Uploading files

  1. Open the channel and click the Docs tab.
  2. Under Upload files, choose one or more files. You can upload up to 20 at a time.
  3. Optionally pick a folder under Into folder.
  4. Click Upload.

Any type of file is accepted: PDFs, design files, images, spreadsheets and so on. Files are stored exactly as uploaded. The size limit for each file is shown next to the upload button. A short line in the channel's chat tells everyone that files were uploaded.

Organising with folders

  • To create a folder, type a name under Folders and click Add.
  • Click a folder to see just its files, All files to see everything, or Not in a folder for files that haven't been filed yet.
  • Use Folder settings to rename a folder or delete it. Deleting a folder keeps its files; they just stop being in a folder.

Simple folder names work best, for example Briefs, Drafts and Approved.

Viewing, downloading and renaming

Click a file to open its page. Images are previewed on the page; other kinds of file show their name, type and size, with a Download button to open them on your computer. You can also download straight from the list.

Use Rename or move on the file's page to change the name shown in the list or move the file to another folder. Renaming doesn't change the file itself or the name it downloads as.

Commenting on a file

Each file has its own comments. Use Add a comment on the file's page for feedback such as "Logo too small on page 2" or "Approved". This keeps feedback attached to the right version instead of scattered through chat. The person who uploaded the file is notified of comments.

Who can do what

  • Everyone in the channel can view and download its files.
  • Owners, admins, members and guests with Full access can upload, rename, move and organise files.
  • Guests with Chat only access can comment but not upload. Guests with Read only access can view and download.

Deleting a file also deletes its comments, and can't be undone.

Docs or a chat attachment?

You can also attach files to a message with Attach files under the message box, up to 5 per message. That's best for something quick, like a screenshot. Put files in Docs when people will need to find them again: contracts, briefs, final designs, brand assets.

Both kinds count towards your workspace's storage, which depends on your plan. Owners and admins can see how much is used on the Admin dashboard. Search finds files of both kinds by name. See searching everything.

Sharing files with a client? Add them as a guest so they see only their own channel's Docs: see working with clients as guests.