---
title: "Understanding the Files Panel"
slug: "understanding-the-files-panel"
updated: 2026-01-12T15:20:51Z
published: 2026-04-30T10:00:01Z
canonical: "documentation.encodify.com/understanding-the-files-panel"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://documentation.encodify.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Understanding the Files Panel

## Understanding the Files Panel

---

The **Files** tab appears alongside the item, enabling users to upload, view, and manage files linked to specific modules. It becomes visible when the module includes either **File** or **Multiple File** fields, and the user has the necessary access permissions.

To access the Files tab, the user must have at least one file field that is either visible or editable, and possess both **Download** and **Edit** access rights. Additionally, at least one associated [**Media Holder**](/v1/docs/media-file-holders) must have the **Download** function enabled, and the user must also have **Download** access to that Media Holder.

For improved usability, the sidebar containing the Files panel can be resized. By hovering over its edge and dragging, users can adjust its width—up to 40% of the screen. This preference is stored in the browser’s local storage, so the selected layout remains consistent even after refreshing the page.

![Overview of media file management with options for downloading and organizing files.](https://cdn.document360.io/3a63e0a8-1221-4570-aaa1-d43f9b95a612/Images/Documentation/Files.png)

The table below provides an overview of some of the features of the Comments tab.

| **Action** | **Access Requirements** | **Visual Guide** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1. Collapse the side panel |  | ![](https://cdn.document360.io/3a63e0a8-1221-4570-aaa1-d43f9b95a612/Images/Documentation/Screenshot 2025-03-24 at 13.45.46.png) |
| 1. This expandable and collapsible panel provides access to the following tabs that can be switched via sidebar with corresponding icons: 1. [**Previews**](/v1/docs/preview-files) – Displays a preview based on the pre-configured media converter, depending on its settings and the uploaded file type. 2. [**Files**](/v1/docs/item-files-panel) – A dedicated panel offering a consolidated overview of all configured file fields and converted renditions. 3. [**Comments**](/v1/docs/item-comments-panel)****– Presents a complete view of all comments and replies associated with the specific item, making it easy to follow discussions in context. 4. **Form -**panel that shows item form with configured fields, their content, separators.(former “Metadata” tab) |  | ![](https://cdn.document360.io/3a63e0a8-1221-4570-aaa1-d43f9b95a612/Images/Documentation/sidebar(1).png) |
| 1. Each file field is displayed as a separate section within the **Files** tab, containing the **Original Media Holder** along with any associated **Custom Media Holders** (also known as **Renditions**). |  | ![](https://cdn.document360.io/3a63e0a8-1221-4570-aaa1-d43f9b95a612/Images/Documentation/file_1.png) |
| 1. Each uploaded file is displayed within an expandable group for easy viewing and management. |  | ![](https://cdn.document360.io/3a63e0a8-1221-4570-aaa1-d43f9b95a612/Images/Documentation/Screenshot 2025-04-25 at 13.00.28.png) |
| 1. Clicking on the preview icon opens a larger **Lightbox** view, allowing you to examine the file in greater detail. |  | ![](https://cdn.document360.io/3a63e0a8-1221-4570-aaa1-d43f9b95a612/Images/Documentation/image-1745579904516.png) |
| 1. When [**Version Control**](/v1/docs/configuring-version-control)is enabled, each uploaded file will clearly display its associated version number. |  | ![](https://cdn.document360.io/3a63e0a8-1221-4570-aaa1-d43f9b95a612/Images/Documentation/image-1745579924586.png) |
| 1. Allows quick and easy access to **download** a specific file. |  | ![](https://cdn.document360.io/3a63e0a8-1221-4570-aaa1-d43f9b95a612/Images/Documentation/image-1745579946058.png) |
| 1. Allows to **Delete**file with associated renditions | Requires **Edit** access to the file field. | ![](https://cdn.document360.io/3a63e0a8-1221-4570-aaa1-d43f9b95a612/Images/Documentation/delete_file.png) |
| 1. The **actions** **menu** against the **Original Media Holder** offers a variety of additional features, such as uploading a new version, cropping images, viewing version history, sharing files. The available options may vary depending on the file type. | Access to the following actions requires specific permissions: - **Upload New Version**: Requires **Download** access to the **Original Media Holder** and **Edit** access to the file field. - **Copy Public Link**: Requires **Allow Public File Share** and **Download** access to the **Original Media Holder**. - **Crop Image / Trim Video**: Requires **Download** access to the **Original Media Holder**. - **Version History**: Requires appropriate permissions for the file or module (see [version control](/v1/docs/version-control-1)) - **Share File**: Requires **Share** access and either **Share Item**, **Share File**, or **Invite Guest User** enabled. | ![](https://cdn.document360.io/3a63e0a8-1221-4570-aaa1-d43f9b95a612/Images/Documentation/file_menu.png) |
| 1. The **drag-and-drop section** lets you upload files directly by **dragging them into the area** or by **browsing** to select files. For **multiple file fields**, you can also **upload a new version** by dragging the file directly into the **file group**. | Access to upload requires both **Download** access to the **Original Media Holder** and **Edit** access to the file field. | ![](https://cdn.document360.io/3a63e0a8-1221-4570-aaa1-d43f9b95a612/Images/Documentation/Screenshot 2025-04-25 at 12.21.54.png) |
| 1. Expanding the file group provides access to the associated **Custom Media Holders** (also known as **Renditions**). |  | ![](https://cdn.document360.io/3a63e0a8-1221-4570-aaa1-d43f9b95a612/Images/Documentation/file.png) |
| 1. Allows quick and easy access to **download** a specific file rendition. | Access to download requires both **Download** access and the **Hide button in UI** option must be unchecked within the **Custom Media Holder**, . | ![](https://cdn.document360.io/3a63e0a8-1221-4570-aaa1-d43f9b95a612/Images/Documentation/file_download.png) |
| 1. The **actions** **menu** associated with a Custom Media Holder allows users to access various [**media editing tools**](/v1/docs/media-editing). | Access to the following actions requires specific permissions: - **Crop Image / Trim Video**: Requires **Download** access to the **Custom Media Holder**. | ![](https://cdn.document360.io/3a63e0a8-1221-4570-aaa1-d43f9b95a612/Images/Documentation/Crop_Image.png) |
| 1. The checkboxes let you select the **Original Media Holder** or **Custom Media Holders** (renditions) to perform the following bulk operations: - **Download** - [**Share**](/v1/docs/sharing-files) (available only for the Original Media Holder) - **Delete** (available only for the Original Media Holder) | Access to the following bulk operations requires specific permissions: - **Bulk Delete**: Requires **Edit** access to the file field. - **Bulk Download**: Requires **Download** access and the **Hide button in UI** option must be unchecked. within the **Original Media Holder**. | ![](https://cdn.document360.io/3a63e0a8-1221-4570-aaa1-d43f9b95a612/Images/Documentation/Bulk_Files.png) |

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