Box for Slack FAQ

Version 1 (v1) of the Box and Slack integration simply connects one Box account to one Slack workspace. Using this integration, you can compose a Slack message, then click the paperclip icon to display the Box Content Picker. From here you can share a Box file as an automatically generated shared link. You don't need to leave the Slack message interface. 

Slack indexes Box content you share in this manner, so you can search it from within Slack's native search functionality. 

What is version 2 of the Box for Slack integration?

Version 2 (v2) of the Box for Slack integration adds more granular admin settings and a number of end-user features designed to make collaboration in Slack efficient and secure, including:

• Content “cards” –these display file metadata and a thumbnail image when a file is shared.
• Instant permissions -these prompt you to update the file's shared link settings.  Box displays these prompts if not everyone in the conversation has access to the shared file.  Box may not recognize existing users' access to the shared file based on collaborated group membership.
• Default instant permissions - define the default adjustment of shared link settings for a shared file.  If you enable and configure this option, when someone in a Slack conversation or channel doesn't have access to the shared file, Box automatically applies the default permissions you defined.
• Slash commands –these display lists of your favorite files and most recent files, and also enable you to search for files and folders in your Box account.
• Box as the content layer for Slack-you can also use Box as the Custom Files Store in Slack, where Box acts as the single content layer supporting all your conversations. Learn more in this article. 

• Box notifications - receive Box notifications in Slack when someone

  • sends you a new collaboration invitation for a file, folder, or Box Note,

  • @mentions you in a file or Box Note comment,

  • adds a new annotation in a Box Note you own,

  • adds a new comment in a file you own or in which you've commented.

Do I need both versions?

No, but we strongly recommend installing both to get the most out of the integration. That’s because the integrations’ functionality is complementary. Only version 1 enables you to share files from Box by clicking Slack's paperclip icon to display the Box Content Picker. Only version 2 includes the content cards, instant permission, and slash commands.

Can I use just one version?

Yes. Although you won’t get the complete integration functionality, you can install and use just one version.

What is Share with Slack?

Version 1 of the integration includes “Share with Slack,” which enables you to send a Box shared link via Slack without leaving the Box interface. This integration is initiated from within Slack and not from within Box.

What happens when Slack indexes a file?

When Slack indexes a file, Slack saves the contents of the file on Slack's servers. This means that a separate copy of file data is created that exists exclusively in Slack's servers. Slack constantly updates indexes of files in real-time to ensure that they maintain the latest version of files. Files on Slack’s servers adhere to Slack’s security measures and not those of Box.

Can I opt out of receiving Box notifications in Slack?

Yes, you can opt out by either muting the Box app in Slack, or by disabling Box notifications in Slack by opening your Box account window then navigating to Account Settings > Notifications > App Notifications > Slack.

Box as the content layer for Slack – Custom File Store

Is there a way to manually select a Box folder for Slack channel uploads?

Yes, Box enables admins to use the Box public API to customize the Box folder mapped for Slack channel uploads.  To map an existing Box folder as an upload destination for a specific Slack channel, see these articles. The option of mapping a custom Box folder is available only for regular Slack channels, not direct messages nor Slack Connect channels.

When I post a link to a file which is already in Box, does it also get uploaded or copied to the channel’s folder?

No, only new files uploaded to the channel are stored in the associated Box folder.

For a multi-workspace channel, where will the associated Box folder be created?

A channel belonging to multiple Workspaces has one folder. It belongs to the folder of the Workspace, through which the first CFS upload took place.

What happens when a Slack channel is deleted?

Its associated folder in Box is not removed, but its name is adjusted to mark the fact and date the channel was deleted. In case a new channel with the same name is created, a new folder in Box will be created for it on the first upload event.

How are Slack file and message retention policies applied to content in Box folders?

Slack channel’s file and message retention policies are not automatically applied to content in its associated Box folder. We recommend Box admin to set up data retention rules for Slack Channel Files folders independently.

What happens when the number of channel members reaches 1000 or more?

For large channels (1000 members or more), the most common purpose of file sharing is to broadcast information rather than to invite to collaborate and edit its contents. Therefore, the folder for a channel of 1000 or more members will have a Shared Link in People in your company can view mode generated. Those channel members, who had been invited as folder editing collaborators before it reached 1000 members, will remain in this role.
Note that the new channel members may be unable to use the uploaded file links that had been posted in Slack before the channel folder’s Shared Link was generated. However, the files can be found and accessed by browsing the channel’s associated folder, available through the Channel files automatic bookmark.

What happens when the number of channel members drops below 1000?

In case there were uploads when the channel had 1000 or more members, it will remain supported in the same way with a Shared Link in People in your company can view mode.

How are the 1000+ members channel uploads handled in case creating Shared Links is restricted in my company?

Channel uploaded files are placed in each uploading user’s private Slack Conversation Files folder in case:

• Shared Links for folders are disabled,
• or People in your company are not allowed to access Shared Links,
• or shared links auto-expiration is enforced.

What folder will be used for Slack Connect channel uploads?

Slack Connect channel uploaded files are placed in each uploading user’s private folder within Slack Conversation Files parent folder. In case the channel drops its Connect setup, a regular associated channel folder for uploads is created and used.

What happens when a Slack channel is renamed?

The associated Box folder is renamed accordingly.

What happens when a Slack channel is archived?

This event does not affect its associated Box folder. Once the channel is unarchived, new uploads continue to be added to the folder.

What happens when the Box folder of a Slack channel is renamed?

This does not affect its associated Slack channel name. Box for Slack will adjust the folder name to the current Slack channel name while handling selected events in the Slack channel. 

Similarly, manually adding a collaborator to the Box folder will not automatically add a Slack channel member. Box for Slack will adjust the list of folder collaborators to the list of current Slack channel members while handling selected events in the Slack channel.

Manually uploading a file to the Box folder will not automatically post this file in the Slack channel. Deleting a file in Box uploaded with Slack will not remove the Slack message posted on upload.

When I create a channel based on a direct message conversation, will the files uploaded in the chat appear in the associated folder in Box?

Yes, and the conversation upload folder will be moved from the Slack Conversation Files root folder to the Slack Channel Files root folder. 

What happens when a user who has not authorized Box for Slack app uploads a file in Slack?

File uploads will not work in Custom Files Store enabled Slack installations for users who have not authorized Box for Slack app. Moreover, those users may not be able to access the files uploaded to Box folders by other channel members, as they will not be set as folder collaborators. Deleting a file in Slack will be effective in Slack, but not in Box in case Box for Slack is not authorized when performing the action.

With Custom File Store, can I upload files to Slack via API?

Currently, Slack disables API uploads if Custom File Store is enabled for Slack installations. If you need an integrated solution, we recommend uploading files via API to Box and then posting a link to it in Slack channel.

Can I access files uploaded to a channel without becoming its member?

Not for channels with fewer than 1000 members. After joining the channel, you will become an editing collaborator on its associated folder. Alternatively, an existing collaborator may invite you to a particular file or folder manually in Box.