TL;DR: File approvals in Wrike let you send a specific file out for review and collect sign-off right inside the task. Attach the file, check the box next to it, click Add to approval, add your approvers, set a due date, and click Start.
Hey Community! 👋
In our earlier posts, we covered how approvals work on tasks. But approvals in Wrike aren't limited to tasks: you can also send a specific file out for review. This is perfect for creative proofs, documents, or any asset that needs sign-off before it goes out. Let's walk through it.
How to submit a file for approval
Before you start: Your file needs to be attached to the task, folder, or project first. See "How to attach files to a task in Wrike".
- Open the task, folder, or project where your file is attached.
- Check the box to the left of the file you want reviewed.
- Click Select for approval.
- Click + Add approvers and select your reviewers (anyone with access to the item, including Collaborators and Contributors, can be added).
- Set a due date for the approval.
- Keep Approve files only checked if you want reviewers to approve just the file, not the whole task.
- Click Start.
💡 Tip: You can also right-click the file and select Approvals → Select for approval to start the same process.
That's it. Approvers get notified in their Inbox and by email, and they review the file directly in Wrike's proofing tool.
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How to leave feedback as an approver
Reviewing a file someone sent you? Here's how to give your decision and add comments:
- Open the task, folder, or project with the pending approval (or click the notification in your Inbox).
- Click on Review file to open it in the proofing tool.
- To leave feedback, click anywhere on the file and type your comment. This pins your note to that exact spot.
- When you're ready, click Approve or Request changes at the top.
File approval vs task approval
These two are easy to mix up, so here's the quick difference:
Type | What gets approved |
|---|
File approval | Reviewers give a decision on the file only. Feedback is left as proofing comments right on the file. |
Task approval | Reviewers approve the whole task. A comment box appears with the decision. |
💡Tip: If you only want the file reviewed, make sure Approve files only is checked. If it's unchecked, reviewers will need to approve both the file and the task.
Real-world example
Your designer finishes a social media graphic. Instead of emailing it around:
- Open the task with the graphic attached.
- Check the box next to the file and click Add to approval.
- Add your Creative Director as an approver and set a 2-day due date.
- Keep Approve files only checked, then click Start.
The Creative Director opens the file in proofing, leaves comments directly on the design, and clicks Approve or Request changes. No email chains, no lost files.
Good to know
Nuance | What to keep in mind |
|---|
Plan availability | Approvals are available on Business, Pinnacle, and Apex plans |
Where it works | You can add file approvals on tasks, folders, and projects, but not on Spaces. |
Feedback lives on the file | For file-only approvals, reviewers leave feedback as proofing comments rather than in a decision comment box. |
New versions restart the approval | If you upload a new version of the file during review, the approval restarts on the latest version. |
Learn more
Want the full walkthrough with visuals? The Wrike Help Center is a great next step:
Related posts in this series
Keep your approval workflow smooth with these:
📌 New to approvals? Start with "How to Use Approvals in Wrike."
📌 Been added as an approver yourself? See "How to track pending approvals in Wrike" to keep decisions moving.
Over to you
What kinds of files does your team send for approval most often? Share your workflow below and help other new users get started! 👇
