Salesforce Tips

Salesforce Files vs Notes & Attachments: What's the Difference?

If you've used Salesforce for a while, you've probably noticed two places files can be stored on a record: the newer "Files" section and the older "Notes & Attachments" related list. They look similar, but they work very differently — and both have a reporting problem.

Notes & Attachments (Legacy)

This is the original way Salesforce handled documents. Files stored here are called Attachments. They're tied directly to a single record and can't easily be shared with other records. There's no version control, and the reporting options are almost non-existent. Many older Salesforce orgs still have thousands of files stored this way.

Salesforce Files (Modern)

Salesforce Files — stored as ContentDocuments — are more powerful. A single file can be linked to multiple records, there's version history, and files can be shared with users or groups. Files can also be previewed inside Salesforce without downloading.

The Reporting Problem — Both Have It

Here's the frustrating part: even with the newer Files system, native Salesforce reporting falls short. The standard report builder doesn't give you a clean way to see all your files, filter them by type or date, or bulk-download them across records. You'd need SOQL queries or developer help to get that data out.

SFDC File Manager Works with Both

SFDC File Manager handles both Salesforce Files and legacy Notes & Attachments. Whether your org is on the legacy system, fully migrated to Salesforce Files, or somewhere in between, you get:

• File reports across both file types
• Filter by file type (.pdf, .docx, .jpg, and more)
• Bulk download in a single ZIP
• CSV export of your full file inventory

Install it from AppExchange and get full visibility into every file in your org — no matter how it was stored.