How to Preview a File in Screen Flow has been a common challenge for Salesforce users. In many Screen Flows, users reach a point where they want to pause, not to click Next, but to first review a document related to the process.
Earlier, Salesforce did not offer a smooth way to do this. Users had to download the file, open it separately, and then come back to the flow. That extra step felt unnecessary, especially for quick reviews or approvals. With Spring ’26, Salesforce finally introduces a better and more seamless option.
You can now preview a file directly inside a Screen Flow using a native File Preview component. It’s simple, supported, and does exactly what you expect.
How to Preview a File in Screen Flow: What This Feature Does
The File Preview component lets you display a file right inside a flow screen. Users can stay within the flow, scroll through the document, review the details they need, and continue when ready. There’s no forced download or new tab unless the user chooses to open one. It works smoothly with PDFs and images and fits naturally into review or approval-style flows.
When to Preview a File in Screen Flow
You’ll notice the value immediately if your flow:
- asks users to approve something
- requires document verification
- involves uploaded files
- includes attachments on a record
Whenever a decision requires viewing a file, this component is useful.
How the File Preview component works in Screen Flow
The component works with a single required input: the ContentDocumentId.
Every file stored in Salesforce has this ID. Once your flow passes the ContentDocumentId to the File Preview component, Salesforce automatically handles displaying the file on the screen.
Testing How to Preview a File in Screen Flow in Your Org
If you want to see this in action, sign up and give it a try in a Spring ’26 pre-release org here.
Start with some simple data:
- Open an Account
- Upload a file (PDF or image) in the Files related list
Now create the flow:
- Go to Setup → Flows → New Flow
- Choose Screen Flow
Before adding logic, create a variable:
- Create a Text variable called recordId
- Mark it as Available for input
This lets the flow automatically receive the record Ids when it runs from a record page.
Next, add a Get Records element on ContentDocumentLink:
- Filter by LinkedEntityId = recordId
- Store only the first record automatically
Then add a Screen and drop in the File Preview component:
- Set Content Document Id to
Get File for Record → ContentDocumentId
Save the flow and run it using Debug. When prompted, provide the Account Id as input.
The file will appear directly inside the flow screen.
Preview Multiple Files in Screen Flow
The File Preview component shows one file at a time, but that doesn’t limit you.
If your flow retrieves multiple files, you can place the File Preview component inside a Repeater.
Each file appears one after another on the same screen, making it easy for users to review multiple attachments before moving forward in the flow.
Requirements & Tips for Previewing Files in Screen Flow
- The File Preview component works only with ContentDocumentId
- The user must have access to the file
- In Spring ’26, this feature is available as a preview
Also Read – Top Flow Features in Salesforce Spring ’26 Release
FAQs
1. How do I preview a file inside a Screen Flow?
Add the File Preview screen component and pass it a valid ContentDocumentId.
2. Which ID works with the File Preview component?
Only the ContentDocumentId works here. Passing any other ID will not display the file.
3. How do I get the ContentDocumentId for a file on a record?
Use a Get Records element on ContentDocumentLink and read the ContentDocumentId field.
4. Can I show multiple files on one screen?
Yes. Place the File Preview component inside a Repeater.
Conclusion
This may not be a headline-grabbing update, but it solves a genuine problem. Being able to preview files directly within a Screen Flow keeps users engaged and makes document-driven steps feel seamless rather than fragmented. If your flows involve file reviews in any form, this is a feature you should definitely take advantage of.
