How can I preview files without downloading them?

Summary: This page explains how to preview files in Salesforce without downloading them. It covers single-click preview on the record page (when a preview component is available) and double-click preview through the File Record Page for additional details and actions.

Cartularius lets you preview files directly in Salesforce, so you can review documents quickly without downloading them to your device. Depending on your organization’s setup, there are two ways to preview a file:

1. Preview the file directly on the Salesforce record page (using a preview component)
2. Preview the file from the File Record Page (with additional details and actions)

Option 1: Preview a file directly on the Salesforce record page

If your administrator has added a File Preview component to the Lightning Record Page, you can preview files while staying fully in context.

Steps

1. Open the Salesforce record that contains the document.
2. In the Files and Folders component, locate the file you want to preview.
3. Click once on the file name.
4. The file opens in the File Preview component on the record page.

When to use this option?

Use this option to quickly check a document (for example, to confirm content, verify a detail, or review a file before sharing).

Note: This option is only available if a preview component has been added to the Lightning page by your Salesforce administrator.

Option 2: Preview a file from the File Record Page

You can also preview a file by opening its File Record Page. This is useful when you need more than just a quick preview, for example, when you also want to view details, manage sharing, or review versions.

Steps

1. In the Files and Folders component, locate the file.
2. Double-click the file name.
3. The File Record Page opens, where you can preview the file and access file information and actions.

When to use this option?

Use this option when you want to:

• View file details (such as owner, description, and folder)
• Manage sharing or permissions
• Work with file versions or file history

To learn more, see the File Record Pages section of this guide.

Important to know

Preview availability may depend on file type and your organization’s configuration.

If the preview is unavailable, you may still be able to download the file (depending on your permissions).

Why is this useful?

Previewing files in Salesforce helps you:

• Verify the right document before downloading or sharing
• Save time when working with large numbers of documents
• Stay in context on the record you are working on

Result

After opening a preview using either method, you can quickly return to the folder and continue your work, without creating local copies or downloading files unnecessarily.