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How to share files with my community?

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Salesforce Files is the default target location for storing produced PDF files for finalized invoices, dunning reminders and account statements. If not configured otherwise, the produced files are accessible on Salesforce's Files tab in the group Owned by me of the user who has created them.

Now your business may want to share the invoice files with customers – or some other produced files with members of your "community". To this end, you

  • Create a dedicated library to be shared
  • Create a File Distribution setting to redirect the relevant document output to this library
  • Enable the distribution solution, community platform, etc. accessing the shared library

    Info

    Preferably, your org includes a custom solution that automatically fetches the output files from the shared location and feeds them to the distribution solution or community platform, like Community Cloud. Be aware that this exceeds JustOn's functionality and is therefore best implemented by a specialized service provider.

Here is how to prepare JustOn:

  1. Log in to your Salesforce org as the user under whose credentials the files are produced.
  2. Create a new library.

    1. Navigate to Files > Libraries.
    2. Click New Library.
    3. Specify the relevant details, then click Save.
  3. Create a dedicated File Distribution setting.

    1. Click to enter Setup, then open Custom Settings.

      In Salesforce Lightning, navigate to Custom Code > Custom Settings.

      In Salesforce Classic, navigate to Develop > Custom Settings.

    2. Click Manage in the row of File Distribution.

    3. Click New.
    4. Specify the details as necessary.

      The Backend field of the record must be set to Folder.

      Field Example Value Description
      Name Folder Z A unique name for the custom setting record. Can be referred to using the Target field of an Export Settings record.
      Active true Specifies whether to use this distribution target or not. Only active distribution targets are considered.
      Backend Folder Specifies the distribution target. Folder enables the library/folder-based backend.
      Path Library 2/Folder Y/Folder Z Specifies the complete path as set up in Salesforce Files.
      Use Case empty | Export Specifies the intended use case for the distribution target:
      empty for storing PDF files (invoices, account statements, dunning reminders)
      Export for exported invoice/booking details CSV or SEPA XML files
    5. Click Save.

This will move the relevant files to the shared location. Your Salesforce org is now ready to share these files via your implemented distribution solution or community platform.

Related information:

How to control the file output?
Storing Files in Salesforce Libraries and Folders
Salesforce Files in the Salesforce Help
Customer Account Portal in the Salesforce Help