File column
A column that attaches one file to a row, with a size limit, a download link and a remove button.
What it is
A file column stores one file on a row. On the form you choose a file, the file name and size appear, and you can download or remove it. The upload runs when you save the row.
Dataverse keeps the content outside the relational data, so it does not fill the database storage in the same way as text columns do.
When to use it
Use it when each row has exactly one document that belongs to a column, such as a data sheet or a contract.
For several files, or files tied to a conversation, use notes with attachments in the Timeline. For pictures that should display in the form, use an Image column.
Licensing and configuration
No extra licence. Add a column with data type File in the table designer and set its maximum size (MaxSizeInKB in the API). Microsoft Learn says the API supports files up to 10 GB, but the Power Apps client controls only support files up to 128 MB. Blocked file extensions follow the organisation's blocked attachment list in the environment settings. Add the column to the form in the form designer.
Pitfalls
- Staying under the client limit matters: bigger files fail when you upload or download in the app, even if the API accepts them.
- You can only upload files one at a time per column, and not together with other column values when creating the row.
- Blocked extensions give an error at upload, so check the list before you promise a file type.
- The column holds one file. Replacing it overwrites the old one.
Try it in the demo
- Open the first accelerator and find the File field in the Controls tab.
- Choose a small file and note the size limit shown next to it.
- Try a bigger file to see the error message.
- Download the file, then remove it.