--- title: "Replace a file" slug: "replace-a-file" description: "Replace files in Document360 Drive easily, ensuring updates reflect across all articles without re-linking. Backup before replacing for safety!" updated: 2026-09-28T09:00:55Z published: 2026-09-28T09:00:55Z canonical: "docs.document360.com/replace-a-file" --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.document360.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Replace a file Replacing a file in Document360 Drive overwrites its content with a new version, while keeping the same filename and CDN URL. Any article or page that references the file automatically reflects the updated content without needing any link changes. Step by step guides, interactive demos, and recorded videos that use the file show the updated image on the Knowledge base site only after they are republished. --- ## Why replace files You may need to replace a file when: - **Updating outdated visuals** — A screenshot, diagram, or image needs to reflect a UI or product change. - **Correcting an error** — The wrong file was uploaded and needs to be swapped out without re-linking it across articles. - **Refreshing reused assets** — A file used across multiple articles or pages needs a single update that propagates everywhere it appears. --- ## Before you begin - The replacement file must be the **same file type** as the original (for example, a PNG can only be replaced with a PNG). - Only one file can be replaced at a time. - Replacing a file is **irreversible**. The original content is permanently overwritten and cannot be restored unless you have an offline backup. Unlike deleted files, overwritten files are not available in the Drive Recycle Bin. - After replacement, the updated file may take up to **1 hour** to reflect across all articles and pages where it is used. - If the file is used in a Step by step guide, interactive demo, or recorded video, republish that content to show the updated image on the Knowledge base site. A warning appears in the **Replace file** dialog when this applies. --- ## Replace a file There are two ways to replace a file in Drive: 1. Replace a file from the context menu 2. Replace a file from the file details panel ### Replace a file from the file context menu 1. Click the **Drive** () icon in the left navigation bar. 2. Navigate to the folder where the file you want to replace is located. 3. Hover over the desired file and click the More () icon. 4. Click **Replace**. Your local file manager will open. 5. Select the new file to replace the existing one and click **Open**. The new file will be updated in the Drive.

### Replace a file from the file details panel 1. Click the **Drive** () icon in the left navigation bar. 2. Navigate to the folder where the file you want to replace is located. 3. Hover over the desired file and click the More () icon. 4. Click **View details**. 5. A **File details** panel will open on the right side of the panel. 6. Click the Replace () icon. 7. On the **Replace file** dialog, click **Replace file**. File actions in Drive - File replace

Your local file manager will open. 8. Select the new file to replace the existing one and click **Open**. The new file will be updated in the Drive. :::(Warning) (

CAUTION) Replacing a file permanently overwrites its content. The original cannot be recovered from the Drive Recycle Bin or anywhere else in Document360 — only an offline backup can restore it. Make sure you have a local copy before proceeding. ::: :::(Info) ( NOTE) The replaced file retains its original filename and CDN URL. Updates may take up to 1 hour to appear across all articles and pages where the file is used. ::: --- ## Best practices - **Back up before replacing** — Download the original file before replacing it, especially if it is used across multiple articles. This is your only recovery option if the replacement was made in error. - **Verify the file type before uploading** — The replacement must match the original file type. Attempting to upload a different type will not work. - **Plan for the propagation delay** — Changes take up to 1 hour to reflect everywhere. Avoid replacing a file immediately before a scheduled publish or review, as reviewers may still see the old version. - **Use replace instead of re-upload** — If a file is already linked in articles, replacing it is always preferable to uploading a new file and re-linking, since the URL stays the same. --- ### FAQ

Is there a way to see the file's history or previous versions before replacing it?

Currently, Document360 does not provide a version history of files in the Drive. It's recommended that you keep backups of important files before replacing them.

What happens to the old file after I replace it?

The old file's content is permanently overwritten and cannot be restored. Make sure to back up important files before replacing them.

Can I bulk replace files in the Drive?

You cannot bulk replace Drive files. Replacement can only be done to individual files. The bulk operations available when you select the checkboxes of multiple files are Move, Copy, Add tags, Download, and Remove.