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Admins can increase or decrease the number of previous file versions that Box keeps track of and makes available. You can set a finite limit anywhere from 1 to 100,000. Unlimited remains available on plans that include it. Version-limit options continue to depend on your plan. To adjust the file version limit:
  1. Open your Admin Console.
  2. In the left navigation, select Enterprise Settings. The Custom Setup page displays.
  3. Scroll down to the File Version Limit section.
  4. In the Number of File Versions box, enter the number of previous versions you want Box to keep. You can enter any whole number from 1 to 100,000, up to the maximum your plan allows.
    • The maximum number of file versions Box allows depends on the Box account type. By default, Box retains the maximum number of file versions allowed.
      • Personal Free - Unavailable
      • Personal Pro - 10 Versions
      • Starter - 25 Versions
      • Business/Business Plus - 50 Versions
      • Enterprise - 100 Versions
    • If your organization uses Box Governance, you also see an option to preserve an unlimited number of prior file versions. This option is active by default. If later you want to revert to saving a finite number of file versions, clear the Unlimited check box. The Number of File Versions box displays, and you can enter any whole number from 1 to 100,000.
  5. Select Save to save your changes.
Although Box no longer offers the Elite account level, existing Box Elite customers can still access an unlimited number of file versions.
When Box displays the number of file versions, it does not include the most current version of the file. There is always 1 more version of a file than Box lists. For example, even if you limited the number of file versions to 1, you would still have 2 versions of the file:
  1. The current version
  2. The most recent prior version

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Understanding how file version limits can affect Box Sign

While setting file version limits can balance compliance, storage management, and operational needs, it is important to understand how it may impact Box Sign signature requests. Box Sign relies on the specific Box file version associated with each file in an active signature request. During an active signature request, Box Sign automatically uploads newer versions of the files any time progress is made on the signature request. For example, any time signatures, initials, or other fields are applied to a signature request and the request moves to the next recipient, a new, updated version of the files is automatically created. If your enterprise has highly restrictive file version limits, these new file versions in Box Sign can quickly exceed the limit. When this happens, Box’s version control system automatically deletes the oldest versions to stay within the limit. If the original file version is deleted before the signing request is fully completed, Box Sign loses a reference point, which can negatively affect the signature request, resulting in errors when signers attempt to access the file.

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Best practices

  • Avoid extremely low file version limits. A version limit of 2, for example, is too low for enterprises actively using Box Sign with multiple signers and signature request fields.
  • Set a higher limit or keep it unlimited. To reduce errors and business process interruptions associated with Box Sign signature requests, we recommend that admins set a higher file version limit (for example, 10 or more) or keep it unlimited. This should provide a safe buffer for multiple file versions created during a signature request.
Last modified on August 18, 2026