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url: >-
  /flow/guide/administering-flow/configuring-flow/data-connections/file-connections.md
---

# File Connections

File Connections provide a pointer to a local file repository (folder). Any files that are processed are done so in this local repository. Transports are used to send or receive files from this local repository. You configure the File Connection with the appropriate details for locating or creating a file.

By being a separate module from the File Definition it allows you to create a single File Definition and use it against multiple similar files in different locations simply by assigning a different File Connection.

When assigning a File Connection to a File Definition it is considered a design time assignment, when coming to use the File Definition in an Action you have the chance to reassign the File Connection. This allows you to use the same File Definition in multiple Actions each with their own File Connection. This is run time assignment.

::: details Create a File Connection

1. Open the [Flow Designer](/flow/guide/getting-started/starting-flow)

2. Navigate to `Configuration > Components > Data Connections > File Connections`

3. Right click `File Connections` and select `New`

   ![](/flow/images/file-connection-general-.jpg)

4. Fill in the details and click `Save`. See [File Connection](/flow/guide/administering-flow/configuring-flow/data-connections/file-connections/file-connection/)
   :::

:::: details Edit a File Connection
::: tip
A single left click on the File Connection will also open the edit window
:::

1. Open the [Flow Designer](/flow/guide/getting-started/starting-flow)
2. Navigate to `Configuration > Components > Data Connections > File Connections`
3. Right click the desired `File Connection` and select `Edit`
4. Change the details as required and click `Save`. See [File Connection](/flow/guide/administering-flow/configuring-flow/data-connections/file-connections/file-connection/)
   ::::

::: details Delete a File Connection

1. Open the [Flow Designer](/flow/guide/getting-started/starting-flow)

2. Navigate to `Configuration > Components > Data Connections > File Connections`

3. Right click the desired `File Connection` and select `Delete`

   ![](/flow/images/delete-file-connection.jpg)

4. Click `Yes` to confirm your choice
   :::

::: details Copy a File Connection

1. Open the [Flow Designer](/flow/guide/getting-started/starting-flow)
2. Navigate to `Configuration > Components > Data Connections > File Connections`
3. Right click the desired `File Connection` and select `Copy`
4. The copy of the File Connection will display in the edit window. Change the details as required and click `Save`. See [File Connection](/flow/guide/administering-flow/configuring-flow/data-connections/file-connections/file-connection/)
   :::

::: details Export a File Connection

1. Open the [Flow Designer](/flow/guide/getting-started/starting-flow)

2. Navigate to `Configuration > Components > Data Connections > File Connections`

3. Right click the desired `File Connection` and select `Export`

   ![](/flow/images/export-file-connection.jpg)

4. The template file will be assigned a default file name consisting of the name and type of the module. Change the name if desired and click `Save`. See [Exporting and Importing](/flow/guide/administering-flow/configuring-flow/exporting-and-importing/)
   :::

::: details Import a File Connection

1. Open the [Flow Designer](/flow/guide/getting-started/starting-flow)

2. Navigate to `Configuration > Components > Data Connections > File Connections`

3. Right click `File Connections` and select `Import`

   ![](/flow/images/import-template-file.jpg)

4. Select the Template file you wish to import and click `Open`

   ![](/flow/images/template-import-settings.jpg)

5. Choose the import method and click `OK`. See [Exporting and Importing](/flow/guide/administering-flow/configuring-flow/exporting-and-importing/) A confirmation screen will show what has been imported.

   ![](/flow/images/import-confirmation-file-connection.jpg)
   :::

::: details Change Security on File Connection

1. Open the [Flow Designer](/flow/guide/getting-started/starting-flow)
2. Navigate to `Configuration > Components > Data Connections > File Connections`
3. Right click the desired `File Connection` and select `Security`
4. Change the details as required and click `Save`. See [Managing Security](/flow/guide/using-flow/managing-users-and-security/managing-security)
   :::

::: details Refresh list of File Connections

1. Open the [Flow Designer](/flow/guide/getting-started/starting-flow)
2. Navigate to `Configuration > Components > Data Connections > File Connections`
3. Right click `File Connections` and select `Refresh`
   :::