Slack offers robust file sharing and storage capabilities through native features and third-party integrations, making it a versatile platform for teams needing seamless document collaboration. The best options depend on your workflow requirements, security needs, and existing cloud storage ecosystem. Native Slack file sharing supports uploads up to 1GB per file with drag-and-drop functionality, while integrations with Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, and Box provide advanced features like real-time collaboration, version control, and granular permission management. For businesses prioritizing security, Box and Microsoft OneDrive offer enterprise-grade controls, while Google Drive excels in collaborative editing. Slack’s free plan limits file access to 90 days, but paid plans provide unlimited storage and advanced search capabilities.

Key findings from the research:

• Slack natively supports file uploads up to 1GB with preview and search functionality ^[3]
• Top integrations include Google Drive (real-time collaboration), OneDrive/SharePoint (Microsoft 365 synergy), Dropbox (third-party app support), and Box (enterprise security) ^[1][5]
• Free Slack plans restrict file access to 90 days; Pro/Business+ plans offer unlimited access and advanced features ^[10]
• Security features vary by integration, with Box and OneDrive highlighted for compliance and permission controls ^[6]

Best Slack File Sharing and Storage Solutions

Native Slack File Sharing Capabilities

Slack’s built-in file sharing allows users to upload documents directly from their devices or cloud services without leaving the platform. Files up to 1GB can be shared via drag-and-drop in conversations, channels, or direct messages, with previews available for over 120 file types including PDFs, images, and spreadsheets. Security measures ensure files shared in private channels remain accessible only to authorized members, while public channels enable broader visibility. However, file retention policies differ by subscription tier: free plans limit access to 90 days, whereas Pro and Business+ plans provide unlimited storage and searchable archives.

Key features of native Slack file sharing:

• File size limit: 1GB per upload, supporting most document types ^[3]
• Access controls: Files inherit channel privacy settings (public/private) ^[3]
• Retention policies:
• Free plan: 90-day access limit ^[10]
• Pro/Business+: Unlimited access and 10GB/20GB per member storage ^[10]
• Search functionality: Files are indexed for keyword searches within Slack ^[3]
• Collaboration tools: Threaded discussions can be attached to files for context ^[2]

For teams requiring simple, ad-hoc file sharing without external dependencies, Slack’s native tools suffice. However, organizations needing version history, advanced permissions, or long-term archival should consider third-party integrations.

Top Third-Party Integrations for Advanced Features

Slack’s marketplace offers integrations with leading cloud storage providers, each catering to specific workflow needs. These apps extend functionality beyond native capabilities, enabling real-time co-editing, automated permission syncing, and cross-platform accessibility.

Google Drive for Slack

Google Drive’s integration allows users to create, share, and edit documents directly within Slack conversations. Files shared via Google Drive automatically sync permissions, ensuring only authorized team members can access sensitive content. The app supports:

• Real-time collaboration: Multiple users can edit Google Docs/Sheets/Slides simultaneously ^[1][5]
• Automatic permission syncing: Slack channel members gain corresponding Google Drive access ^[5]
• Searchability: Google Drive files appear in Slack’s search results ^[1]
• Version history: Track changes and restore previous document versions ^[8]

This integration is ideal for teams already using Google Workspace, as it eliminates context-switching between apps. According to Computerworld, the setup requires admin approval but streamlines workflows for remote teams ^[5].

Microsoft OneDrive and SharePoint

For organizations using Microsoft 365, the OneDrive/SharePoint app synchronizes files between Slack and Microsoft’s ecosystem. Key advantages include:

• Seamless Office 365 integration: Edit Word, Excel, or PowerPoint files without leaving Slack ^[1]
• Granular permissions: Inherit SharePoint’s enterprise-grade access controls ^[5]
• Co-authoring: Multiple users can edit files in real-time ^[6]
• Automated updates: Changes in SharePoint reflect instantly in Slack ^[1]

PCMag ranks OneDrive as the top cloud storage service for 2025, citing its deep Microsoft 365 integration and user-friendly interface ^[6]. Teams using Teams/SharePoint will find this the most cohesive option, though Reddit users note Slack’s integration isn’t as seamless as Microsoft’s native tools ^[7].

Dropbox and Box for Enterprise Needs

Dropbox and Box cater to teams requiring high-security standards or third-party app compatibility. Dropbox’s Slack app enables:

• Document previews and searches: View files without downloading ^[2]
• Dropbox Paper collaboration: Create and edit documents within Slack ^[5]
• Permission management: Control access directly from Slack channels ^[2]

Box, meanwhile, is favored for regulated industries due to:

• Enterprise-grade security: Compliance with HIPAA, GDPR, and FedRAMP ^[6]
• Custom metadata and retention policies: Advanced governance tools ^[5]
• Admin-controlled integrations: IT teams can enforce security protocols ^[10]

Both services support files up to 2TB (Dropbox) or unlimited (Box Enterprise), far exceeding Slack’s 1GB native limit ^[6]. Computerworld highlights Box’s dual-app setup (one for sharing, one for permissions) as particularly useful for legal or financial teams ^[5].

Choosing the Right Solution

Selecting the optimal file sharing setup depends on three factors: existing ecosystem, security requirements, and collaboration needs. Teams using Google Workspace should prioritize Google Drive for its real-time editing, while Microsoft 365 users will benefit most from OneDrive/SharePoint. For compliance-heavy industries, Box offers the strongest governance tools, and Dropbox excels in third-party app compatibility. Slack’s native tools work best for lightweight, short-term sharing, but paid plans are essential for long-term storage.