[Suggestion] Allow arbitrary file types (txt, zip, apk, pdf ...) to be sent as attachments, not only audio/video/media

[Wikinaut]

Currently, only media files (image, video, audio) can be selected as attachment, but I want also be able to send text and zip files via the Android Filemanager.

What was the original reason to limit attachments to media types?

[UPDATED 20151020]

Bounty for implementation

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[Wikinaut]

@moxie0 Hi, just to refresh this issue, which I regard as essential.

Perhaps I overlooked something, but with the current 2.0.5. release version and current master branch it appears only be possible to attach

• Image
• Video
• Audio

Why are arbitrary file types (text files, PDF.....) missing in the list of possible attachments?

I want to send a simple text file, but cannot.

Why is TextSecure not listed as intent in file "share with" contexts?

[McLoo]

TS is listed in "share with". But only for supported file types.

Let's wait until the media branch gets merged. Maybe the supported file types get extended after that.
I second the request for extending this for PDF, ZIP, APK, and calendar entries.
I'm also waiting for sharing contact cards rather than just one contact number.

btw: why such big letters?

[generalmanager]

I'd love that too! It's a pain to send all kinds of (small) files and it would be a perfect addition to TS.

Now that the new sharing UI works and makes sending pictures straight from the camera a bliss, I don't see why we can't send all kinds of files.

[Poquaruse]

As there has not been any update for more than half a year, I'd like to join this request.

Please allow sending for arbitrary file types! This would make Textsecure an even more valuable tool!

[Wikinaut]

I would like to know whether this is still on the to-do list (allow arbitrary file types as attachments).

[scroom]

Would be really great being able to send PDF encrypted to my TextSecure-contacts.
The headmaster of our school wanted to recommend TextSecure to the teachers and students as open replacement for existing nonsecure communication. He has stopped this for instance because he wanted to send a PDF which didn't work.

[fantasia45]

Can we still hope that it will be possible to send arbitrary files with TextSecure from our tablets and phones?

[Wikinaut]

I anyone working on a solution ? (info only: the new version of Threema can send files up to 20 MB, see http://www.heise.de/newsticker/meldung/Krypto-Messenger-Neue-Threema-Version-bietet-Dateiversand-2750001.html )

[scroom]

Opened a bounty on bountysource for this:

https://www.bountysource.com/issues/1464832-suggestion-allow-arbitrary-file-types-txt-zip-apk-pdf-to-be-sent-as-attachments-not-only-audio-video-media

[Wikinaut]

Great! I sent some mBTC.

[Wikinaut]

Placed that also in the first post:

[ghost]

I'd like to extend this to all file types.
But I can imagine this would take up a massive amount of storage on your servers at some point.

Therefore, an option would be to limit it to a certain size. But I might have a cooler idea. What If you could link a cloud storage account (like whatsapp does with google drive for backups) that is automatically used for sharing large files securely.
I'd imagine signal encrypting the file, upload it to your chosen cloud storage and then get a public link and send that to the recipient. Which can then download and decrypt it again.
Fortunately most providers have a nice api so it shouldn't be extremely hard to make.

[Evi1M4chine]

There is absolutely no reason for size limitations btw.
Any file can by transferred segment by segment, allowing segments to be below any limit, and retransmission of segments in case of failure.

The transfers should of course exclusively happen in a direct, serverless way. Nobody expects 2GB file transfers to happen unless both people are online. Segmentation takes care of the usual connection/transfer errors, resuming, etc. When it’s done, the user simply gets a message, and the phone resumes saving power.

[shobhitg]

I like the connected storage idea as an option. That also adds another feature to incoming/outgoing have media backed up automatically (based on retention settings within the app).