Connecting Slack and Dropbox Accounts

If you regularly store information online, you’ve probably heard about Dropbox. This established, cloud-based program allows you to safely store everything from files to software, making it easier to transfer, sync, and send documents between users and devices.

Many companies also use the team-communication program, Slack, to keep in touch during the workday. It’s a great way to get quick answers to your questions for projects, helping you meet deadlines faster as a group. Now, you may have wondered if there is a way to send Dropbox documents within Slack or save shared work in Slack directly to your Dropbox. Is there a way to connect those accounts?

Yes! There is an app called the “Dropbox App for Slack” that will allow you to seamlessly share and save information between the two programs. You’ll be able to preview Dropbox docs within a Slack channel, and you can message each other quickly about the documents you’re working on. You can also add comments to it through Slack that will still be saved in the Dropbox file. It will make communication and collaboration faster and easier.

How to Connect Your Dropbox to Slack

In order to link your Dropbox account and your Slack, you will first have to install the app for Dropbox within your Slack account.

1. First, go to the Slack App Directory.
2. Locate the Dropbox App Page and select the options to “Add to Slack.”
3. Select the “Connect to Slack” option.
4. You’ll see a pop-up window come up on your screen. Press the “Got it” option to agree.
5. Next, it’s going to ask you to give Slack permission to access your Dropbox account – select “Allow.”
6. You’ll need to sign in to your Dropbox account to continue.

If you already had Dropbox installed on your computer, it’s not too late. You can still link the two programs, you’ll just need to open Dropbox and select the “Open in Slack” option.

At this point, you should be connected. But you’re going to want to make sure it’s working for you. The last thing you want is to wait until you’re sending over a project right before the deadline, only to find that it’s not sending for you.

How to Share Your Dropbox Files in Slack

Now that you’ve linked your two accounts together, you can start seeing the many benefits from cross-sharing between the platforms with your teammates. If you’re currently using Slack, you’ll be able to upload files right through the app into Dropbox. Or, if you’re editing files in Dropbox, you’ll be able to easily send them to someone’s channel in Slack.

We’ll walk you through how to share files from each platform’s perspective. Follow these simple steps to share files from your slack workspace to your Dropbox. First, you’ll need to look for the small icon of a paperclip in the text bar where you type in Slack. It will ask you what source you want to attach the file from. Here, you will select Dropbox from the list. Find the document you need an select “Choose.”

With Slack, you also have the option of including additional text with the document you’re sending. This can help you give an explanation or notes to clarify. Once you’re ready to send it, you’ll need to click, “Upload.”

In order to seamlessly share files from Dropbox to the Slack workspace, you’ll need to go into Dropbox and find “Files” on the left-hand side. From the list, select the document you want to send. The “Share” link will have a drop-down list. Here, you should select the option to “Share in Slack.” You’ll be able to pick who you want to send it to and where you want it to end up. When you’re ready, simply click “Send.”

Sending Messages from Dropbox

Now, what if you’re in the middle of editing a document in Dropbox, and you want to quickly shoot a message to a co-worker you’ve been working on it with. There is a way to do this without having to switch apps and have a million tabs open.

When you’re reviewing the file you want to message from, find the profile icon at the top of the page for the person you’re wanting to message. There are more options in the overflow, which is the circle icon, for additional contacts you can send messages too. Once you pick your contact, you should see a box that says, “Message on Slack.” You’ll be able to add a note and send the file to them. If you don’t want to send the file, just the note, you’ll need to select the “x” to get rid of it. When your message is ready, you can press “Send.