How to Upload a Chatter File Using Apex?

Question

In the Chatter tab, I can navigate to “Files” and upload a file without attaching it to any record. I want to achieve the same functionality using Apex. How can I create a Chatter File via Apex?

Answer

To upload a file in Apex, you need to work with the ContentVersion object. Unlike the Attachment object, ContentVersion is used for Salesforce Files and supports Chatter.

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The following Apex method creates a standalone file in Salesforce Files:

public static ContentVersion generateContentVersionFile(Boolean doInsert) {
    return generateNewContentVersion(null, doInsert);
}

public static ContentVersion generateNewContentVersion(Id contentDocId, Boolean doInsert) {
    ContentVersion cont = new ContentVersion();

    if (contentDocId != null) {
        cont.ContentDocumentId = contentDocId;
    }

    cont.Title = 'Title for this contentVersion';
    cont.PathOnClient = 'file_' + Datetime.now().getTime() + '.txt';
    cont.VersionData = Blob.valueOf('My Content in file_' + Datetime.now().getTime() + '.txt');
    cont.Origin = 'H';

    if (doInsert) {
        insert cont;
    }

    return cont;
}

Explanation

The generateContentVersionFile method creates a new Salesforce File (ContentVersion) by calling generateNewContentVersion, which sets the file’s title, path, and binary data. If a ContentDocumentId is provided, it associates the new version with an existing file; otherwise, it creates a standalone file. The doInsert flag determines whether the record is inserted into the database.

If you also want to create a Chatter post with the uploaded file, you can relate the file to a FeedItem using the RelatedRecordId field:

public static FeedItem generatePostWithRelatedDocument(Id parent, Id contentVersionId) {
    FeedItem elm = new FeedItem(
        Body = 'Post with related document body', 
        ParentId = parent, 
        RelatedRecordId = contentVersionId, 
        Type = 'ContentPost'
    );
    insert elm;
    return elm;
}

Explanation

The method generatePostWithRelatedDocument creates a FeedItem (Chatter post) with a related file by linking a ContentVersion record to a specified parent record. It sets the post body, assigns the ParentId for context (e.g., a user or record), and attaches the file using RelatedRecordId. Finally, it inserts the FeedItem into Salesforce and returns the created record.

This approach ensures the file is uploaded and available in Salesforce Files without being attached to a specific record unless needed.

Summing Up

To upload a Chatter File via Apex, use the ContentVersion object, which allows you to create standalone Salesforce Files without attaching them to a record. The provided Apex methods generate and insert a ContentVersion file, setting necessary attributes like Title, PathOnClient, and VersionData. Additionally, if you want to associate the file with a Chatter post, you can create a FeedItem using the RelatedRecordId field. This approach ensures flexibility in file management while leveraging Salesforce Files instead of the deprecated Attachment object.

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