When you upload files into your CloudFiles library, you basically import files from your local storage or from any of the CloudFiles supported cloud based drives. These imported files do not change when your source file is changed.
However, if you wish to get a copy of the latest version of your files inside CloudFiles, you can use the Mirror feature. Mirrored files essentially show a copy of the file present in your cloud based drive directly inside the CloudFiles content library.
Mirrored files can be set to sync: synchronously or manual sync and is available inside native app, HubSpot and Salesforce.
Setting up a Mirrored library
The steps to connect a cloud based drive to CloudFiles for mirroring the content is the same. In this tutorial we'll go through the steps to connect your google drive account for mirroring with CloudFiles.
- Sign into your CloudFiles account and click on the libraries tab.
- Click on the gear icon (⚙️) and ensure that google drive is visible.
- Connect your google drive account. Grant the required permissions. This will mirror your Google Drive library in CloudFiles.
The same steps have to be used if you wish to connect SharePoint, Dropbox, Box or One Drive with CloudFiles.
Manual Sync vs Direct Files (Synchronous)
Now, that your google drive has been connected with CloudFiles, you can choose to either sync it (direct serve) or manual sync (sync only when required). Direct serve ensures that your file shows the latest version of your file. However, note that your file loading times will get negatively impacted with direct serve. By default, sharing is set to manual sync.
Manual Sync
Steps to create a manual synced link
Create a sharing link for your file, inside the mirror google drive. Check this article for guidance.
Now, when you access the file link, you will see a sync button above the metadata details
Clicking on sync will sync the latest version of the file inside your google drive.
Direct Serve
Steps to create a direct serve link
Similar to the manual sync process, create a sharing link. Now, access the file link, you will see a sync button above the metadata details
Click on the serve directly from Google Drive checkbox. This will directly serve the latest file from your Google Drive.
Notes:
By default all your links are created with manual sync. This is to ensure that all your files get served within minimum time.