File Management

Upload, organize, and manage files and folders

File management is the core functionality of the Drive module, allowing you to upload, organize, and manage all types of files and documents within a structured folder hierarchy. This guide explains how to effectively work with files in Datar.

File Structure

Files in Datar follow a structured resource model with properties that help track metadata, permissions, versions, and relationships to other resources.

file-example.json

Core File Properties

  • Name & Description: Identifying information
  • Path & Location: Hierarchical position in the drive
  • Metadata: File type, size, and custom attributes
  • Versioning: History of changes and updates
  • Permissions: Access controls defining who can view or edit
  • Preview: Thumbnail and preview information

Folder Structure

Folders in Datar provide a hierarchical organization structure for your files, with inherited permissions and metadata capabilities.

folder-example.json

Core Folder Properties

  • Name & Description: Identifying information
  • Path & Hierarchy: Position within the folder tree
  • Child Count: Number of files and subfolders contained
  • Permissions: Access controls with inheritance to children
  • Metadata: Custom attributes and organization information

File Operations

Datar provides a comprehensive set of operations for working with files.

Uploading Files

Datar offers multiple ways to upload files to your drive:

  • Drag and Drop: Drag files from your computer directly into the browser window
  • File Picker: Use the Upload button to select files from your device
  • Bulk Upload: Upload multiple files or entire folders at once
  • Copy/Paste: Paste clipboard content (images, text) to create new files
  • Import from URL: Create files by providing a URL source

Upload Features:

  • Progress tracking for large files
  • Automatic retry for failed uploads
  • Duplicate file detection and resolution
  • Automatic file type detection
  • Virus scanning and security validation
Files can be up to 5GB in size. For larger files, consider using chunked uploads through the desktop sync client.

File Synchronization

Datar Drive can synchronize files between the cloud and your local devices for offline access and seamless workflow integration.

Desktop Sync Client

The Datar Desktop Sync Client offers:

  • Two-way synchronization
  • Selective sync for specific folders
  • Offline access to files
  • Background upload/download
  • Bandwidth throttling
  • Conflict resolution

Mobile Applications

Datar mobile apps (iOS/Android) provide:

  • File browsing and preview
  • Upload from mobile device
  • Camera integration
  • Offline favorites
  • Share files externally
  • Push notifications
[File Sync Architecture Diagram]
File synchronization preserves version history. Changes made offline are uploaded as new versions when connection is reestablished.

Drive Integration

Datar Drive integrates with other modules and external systems for seamless workflow and collaboration.

Integration Points

Integration Point
Description
Key Features
Projects Module
Link files to projects, tasks, and project resources
File attachments, automatic versioning, project-specific drives
Assets Module
Connect files to physical and digital assets
Documentation storage, user manuals, maintenance records
HR Module
Manage employee documents and templates
Employee file cabinets, document generation, electronic signatures
External Office Apps
Edit documents in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
Direct editing, real-time collaboration, auto-save to Datar
Email Systems
Share and receive files via email
Direct file linking, attachment management, email capture

File Management Best Practices

  1. Establish a Consistent Folder Structure

    Create a logical folder hierarchy that mirrors your organization's structure or workflows. A well-designed folder structure improves discoverability and helps enforce access controls.

  2. Use Descriptive File Names

    Adopt a consistent naming convention that includes relevant information like date, project, document type, or status. This improves searchability and helps identify files at a glance.

  3. Leverage Metadata and Tags

    Add custom metadata and tags to files for advanced organization and search. This allows for cross-cutting categorization beyond what folders alone can provide.

  4. Control Access Deliberately

    Review and configure permissions at higher-level folders to minimize permission management overhead. Leverage group-based permissions rather than individual user access where possible.

  5. Enable Version Control

    Use version control for important documents rather than creating multiple files with similar names. This keeps the history organized and ensures everyone has the most current version.

  6. Regularly Clean Up Unneeded Files

    Schedule routine cleanup to archive or remove outdated content. This improves system performance, reduces clutter, and helps maintain compliance with retention policies.

Related Drive Components

  1. Access Control

    Learn how to manage permissions and share files securely with users and groups.

  2. File Versioning

    Understand how to track changes, compare versions, and restore previous file versions.

  3. Metadata Management

    Discover how to use custom properties and tags for better file organization and search.

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