Project Files tab
Module: Operations | Platform: Web
Each project includes a Files tab with folder hierarchy, uploads, and visibility controls.
Navigation
Sidebar → Operations → Projects → open a project → Files
Example URL pattern: /projects/<projectId>?tab=files
Overview
The Files tab provides a project-level file management system. Organize documents, drawings, photos, and other attachments in a folder structure accessible to both office administrators and field workers (when mobile visibility is enabled). All files are stored against the project record, keeping documentation centralized and easy to locate.
| Control | Description |
|---|---|
| Folder tree | Organize job folders, note attachments, and uploads. |
| Upload | Drag-and-drop or browse; file types and limits show in the drop zone. |
| Visibility | Icons indicate whether folders are visible to field users on mobile. |
File management features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Folder Creation | Create nested folders to organize files by category, job, or phase. |
| Drag-and-Drop Upload | Drop files directly into a folder from your desktop file explorer. |
| Browse Upload | Click the upload area to open a file picker dialogue. |
| Bulk Upload | Upload multiple files at once by selecting or dragging a batch. |
| File Preview | Click a file to preview it in-browser (images, PDFs) or download it. |
| Rename | Rename files and folders after upload. |
| Move | Move files between folders using drag-and-drop or a move action. |
| Delete | Remove files or empty folders. Deletion may require appropriate permissions. |
Folder structure
A typical project file structure might include:
| Folder | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Drawings | Architectural and mechanical drawings, blueprints, and shop drawings. |
| Photos | Site photos, progress pictures, and inspection images. |
| Documents | Contracts, change orders, permits, and specifications. |
| Safety | Safety plans, WHMIS sheets, and site-specific safety documentation. |
| Submittals | Submittal packages, material data sheets, and vendor documentation. |
| Reports | Inspection reports, test results, and progress reports. |
Folder names and structure are fully customizable per project.
Supported file types
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Images | JPG, PNG, GIF, HEIC |
| Documents | PDF, DOC, DOCX, XLS, XLSX, PPT, PPTX |
| CAD / Drawings | DWG, DXF (download only — no in-browser preview) |
| Archives | ZIP, RAR |
| Other | TXT, CSV, and most common file formats |
Maximum file size limits are displayed in the upload drop zone and may vary by tenant configuration.
Visibility and permissions
| Setting | Description |
|---|---|
| Office Only | Folder and its contents are visible only to web/admin users. Field workers on mobile cannot see them. |
| Visible to Field | Folder is accessible to field workers through the Appello mobile app, allowing them to view drawings, safety docs, and photos on site. |
| Upload Permissions | Depending on role configuration, field workers may be able to upload photos and files from the mobile app. |
| Admin Controls | Only users with appropriate roles can delete files or change folder visibility settings. |
Uploading files
- Navigate to the project and open the Files tab.
- Select or create the target folder.
- Drag and drop files into the upload area, or click to browse.
- Files upload immediately and appear in the folder list.
- Optionally rename files after upload for clarity.
- Set folder visibility to control whether field workers can see the folder on mobile.
How project files connect to other features
| Feature | Relationship |
|---|---|
| Projects | Every file lives under a project. The Files tab is part of the project detail view. |
| Jobs | Job-specific folders can organize files by individual job within a project. |
| Field Notes | Photos and attachments from field notes may be linked or uploaded to the project files area. |
| Mobile App | Field workers access visible folders on their mobile devices for on-site reference. |
| Forms | Completed form submissions (safety checklists, inspections) may attach files that appear here. |
| Estimates / Invoices | Supporting documents for billing (contracts, change orders) can be stored in project files. |