Overview
M-Files links were introduced in M-Files December '22 Update. These links are available in M-Files Desktop via the Copy Link option and a single link works for M-Files Desktop, M-Files Web and M-Files Mobile without needing a separate URL for each.
M-Files links also always use the https:// protocol and can be used in platforms and applications which restrict the use of custom protocols such as m-files:// that was used by the classic M-Files URLs. For instance, M-Files links can be copy-pasted to Microsoft Teams without issues.
FAQ
What are the benefits to M-Files links over the old style?
M-Files links now uses a https schema that works universally, and all apps should know and work with this schema. A single link should now work on desktop with or without an installed client or on mobile.
What is the minimum M-Files version required to enable M-Files links?
Both M-Files Server and M-Files Desktop need to be on version 22.12.12140.4 or later for the option to appear in the client interface. Later releases have added further link options, such as support for search links which were added in version 25.6.14925.3.
Do I need to configure anything?
The feature relies on the M-Files Web client that must be set up. If it is already in use, you do not need to do anything: once M-Files Server and M-Files Desktop versions meet the minimum version requirements, the option will appear automatically. Make sure that the Web URL is set in the Document Vault Advanced Properties dialog.
Is the link format documented somewhere?
Yes, in Configuring M-Files Links.
Will the classic hyperlinks still work after this update?
Yes. Though the possibility of creating these links (Get Hyperlink option) was removed in the M-Files January '24 Update, existing links will continue to work with the classic M-Files Desktop. Full compatibility with the new M-Files Desktop was delivered in the M-Files June '25 Update.
Why does "Open in Desktop" not work, it just waits?
Make sure your browser popup blocker does not block the links/popups. There is usually an indication in the address bar. If this happens, allow popups from the vault URL to ensure this does not happen anymore (the exact wording and method will vary between browsers).
Make sure you have a vault connection in your desktop client for that vault and that you can log into it.
How do I create M-Files links?
The classic M-Files Desktop: Right-click on an object or a view and select the option 'Copy Link' in the context menu. Instructions in the user guide: Sharing to M-Files Users
M-Files Web and the new M-Files Desktop: Hover over an object or a view in the listing area and select the link icon. In M-Files October '25 Update and later this option is also available in the task bar as "Copy internal link".
Why are notification emails still using the old links?
In older vaults, the email templates have the old link placeholders (NameAndLinksHtml() and NameAndLinks()).
In new vaults created on version 22.12 or later, the new link placeholders are already in place.
If you are running M-Files version 24.5 or earlier:
If you cannot update M-Files to the latest version and want to use the new links in older vaults, edit your email templates to use one of the new placeholders: NameWithHtmlLink() or NameAndSeparateLink().
Instructions for modifying notification templates and the available placeholders in the user guide: Personalizing Notification Messages
If you are running M-Files version 24.6 or later:
When M-Files links have been properly enabled in the vault, notification emails automatically use the new link format.
