Mass Update Share Type of Content Documents using Data Loader

Why ShareType Matters

The ShareType field on ContentDocumentLink controls what a user can do with a shared file:

* V (Viewer): The user can view the file but cannot edit it, regardless of their permissions on the related record.
* I (Inferred): The user's permission is determined by their access level on the related record. If they can edit the record, they can edit the file.

To allow users to edit ContentNotes, the ShareType must be updated from V to I.

Steps to Mass Update ShareType via Data Loader

Step 1: Export ContentDocumentLink records using Data Loader.
In Data Loader, export records from the ContentDocumentLink object. Apply a filter using the LINKEDENTITYID field (the related record ID, such as an Account ID) or the ContentDocumentID field to scope your export to the relevant records. Include the Id and ShareType fields in your export. For example, filter on a specific Account ID to export all content links for that account.
Step 2: Modify the exported CSV file.
Open the exported CSV file. Locate the ShareType column. Change the value from "V" to "I" for all rows you want to update.
Step 3: Update ContentDocumentLink records using Data Loader.
In Data Loader, use the Update operation on the ContentDocumentLink object. Map the Id and ShareType fields from your modified CSV. Proceed with the update.
Step 4: Verify the update.
After the update completes, verify that the affected users can now edit the ContentNote records via the related record.