Version: eXtendFiles all versions
Audience: All

Problem

Box-hosted eXtendFiles links automatically download files instead of displaying them in the browser, even for browser-supported file types like PDFs and JPGs.

Cause

We specifically request Box shared URLs that provide direct file links rather than those which have embedded previews. This is necessary because:

• Direct file links ensure maximum compatibility across all eXtendFiles features
  
• These links work seamlessly with:
  
  • NetSuite embeds
    
  • File previews
    
  • Thumbnails
    
  • Approval pages
    

Solution

This behavior is by design to ensure compatibility with eXtendFiles features.

Using Box's alternative shared URLS which include Box’s embedded previews would generate webpage URLs instead of direct file links, making them incompatible with most eXtendFiles features.