Editing files (WebDAV / Nextcloud)
Last updated: July 2026
In chat rooms and channels with a Files tab (WebDAV, e.g. Nextcloud), you can view and upload files and — depending on server setup — edit in the browser, manage versions, and use checkout for safe parallel editing.
Prerequisites
- WebDAV storage or Nextcloud as file backend (Settings → Provider Accounts → Storage)
- For browser editing: Nextcloud with Collabora Online, Eurooffice, or Microsoft Office Online (configured by your administrator)
- Edit permission on the file in storage
Edit in browser
- Open the Files tab in the room/channel
- Select a file → Edit (or context menu)
- Sparks opens the browser editor (Collabora, Eurooffice, or Office Online — by file type and server)
- Save in the editor; the file is updated on the server
Read-only view: Some file types open in Office Online view-only.
Checkout / desktop editing
Under Settings → Files & Links, choose how Office files are edited:
| Mode | Behavior |
|---|---|
| Automatic | Often desktop app on PC (check out / check in); browser editor in the browser |
| Desktop app | Check out, edit locally in Word/Excel/PowerPoint, check in again |
| Browser editor | Always use the embedded online editor |
With checkout, the server locks the file for other editors until you check in or discard checkout.
Version history
For supported backends (e.g. Nextcloud):
- View version history — previous file states
- Restore an older version (when offered by the server)
Edit conflict
If the file changed on the server while you were editing locally or in the browser, an edit conflict dialog appears:
- Keep my changes — upload your version
- Use server version — discard local changes
AI assistant and livedata MCP
When Sparks Cloud provides room file storage, the in-app assistant and external clients via Account → AI access / MCP (scope files) can list, read, and keyword-search room files and list versions. That does not replace the Files tab for editing/upload; details: AI access / MCP.