---
title: "Replace a file"
slug: "replace-a-file"
updated: 2026-06-03T09:32:44Z
published: 2026-06-03T09:32:44Z
---

> ## 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.

---

## 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- **Updating outdated visuals** — A screenshot, diagram, or image needs to reflect a UI or product change.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

- You must have access to Document360 Drive.
- 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 **20 minutes** to reflect across all articles and pages where it is used.

---

## How to replace a file

There are two ways to replace a file in Drive.

![15_Screenshot-File_actions_in_Drive_File_replace](https://cdn.document360.io/860f9f88-412e-4570-8222-d5bf2f4b7dd1/Images/Documentation/image-1731493359282.png)

### 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.

![](https://cdn.document360.io/860f9f88-412e-4570-8222-d5bf2f4b7dd1/Images/Documentation/image-1769777402170.png)

### 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**.

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.

> [!NOTE]
> ** NOTE
> 
> The replaced file retains its original filename and CDN URL. Updates may take up to 20 minutes 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 20 minutes 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.