Box for Slack FAQ
Table of Contents
What is v1 of the Box for Slack integration?
The v1 Box and Slack integration simply connects one Box account to one Slack workspace. Using this integration, you can compose a Slack message, then click the paper clip icon to display the Box Content Picker. From here you can share a Box file as an automatically generated shared link. You don't have to leave the Slack message interface.
Slack indexes any Box content you share in this manner, so you can search it from within Slack's native search functionality.
What is v2 of the Box for Slack integration?
v2 of the Box for Slack integration adds more granular admin settings and a number of end-user features designed to make collaboration in Slack efficient and secure, including:
Content “cards” –these display file metadata and a thumbnail image when a file is shared.
Instant permissions -these prompt you to update shared link settings of the file. They display if not everyone in the conversation has access to the shared file.
Slash commands –these display lists of your favorite files and most recent files, and also enable you to search for files and folders in your Box account.
Do I need both versions?
No, but we strongly recommend installing both to get the most out of the integration. That’s because the integrations’ functionality is complementary. Only version 1 enables you to share files from Box by clicking Slack's paper clip icon to display the Box Content Picker. Only version 2 includes the content cards, instant permission, and slash commands.
Can I use just one version?
Yes. Although you won’t get the complete integration functionality, you can install and use just one version.
What is Share with Slack?
Version 1 of the integration includes “Share with Slack,” which enables you to send a Box shared link via Slack without leaving the Box interface. This integration is initiated from within Slack –not from within Box.
What happens when Slack indexes a file?
When a file is indexed by Slack, the contents of the file are sent and saved to Slack's servers. This means that a separate copy of file data is created that exists exclusively in Slack's servers. Slack constantly updates indexes of files in real-time to ensure that they maintain the latest version of files. Files on Slack’s servers adhere to Slack’s security measures --not those of Box.