• DATA
  • HISTORY
  • STRUCTURE
  • HUMAN

How to audit file metadata and versions with your AI

Connect Box to your AI client once. From then on, you can query your file system using natural language.

Ask AI about this page

Short answer

Can I check Box file versions and metadata with my AI?

Yes. Your AI can pull specific file details, folder contents, and version information through this MCP. You'll get a clear breakdown of file properties and history.

The outcomes

Where your data lands

The AI handles the heavy lifting of finding and reading the data.

DATA

Extracted file details

The AI pulls specific metadata and properties for any file you point it toward. You get the exact specs without manual searching.

HISTORY

Version tracking

Your agent looks up version history to see how a file has changed. This helps you spot when specific updates occurred.

STRUCTURE

Folder mapping

The AI scans through folders to list items and subfolders. You can quickly see what lives where in your Box hierarchy.

HUMAN

Manual review

The AI presents the raw data and summaries. You decide which files need attention or which versions to keep.

The workflow

What your AI does when the request arrives.

The AI translates your questions into specific API calls to Box.

  1. Locate the target

    The AI identifies the specific folder or file path you are asking about.

    list_folder_itemsget_folder_info

  2. Fetch file details

    Once the file is found, the AI pulls its specific metadata and properties.

    get_file_info

  3. Check version history

    The AI retrieves the list of previous versions for a specific file.

    get_file_info

  4. Summarize findings

    The AI organizes the retrieved metadata and version logs into a readable format.

    get_file_infoget_folder_info

Try it

Copy these to start.

Use these prompts to begin your audit.

Starting points

Swap out the folder names and file names for your actual Box paths.

Box Connector

You're all set. Choose your MCP client and follow the setup instructions.

Connector linkhttps://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_sZxaYYdILkmNS9CsBbYAfqKO1qZRuv23U1H4ARTe/mcp

Claude Desktop

Follow the steps below to connect in seconds.

  1. 1In Claude Desktop, open Settings → Connectors.
  2. 2Click “Add custom connector” and paste the connector link above as the remote MCP server URL.
  3. 3Click Add and start a new chat — Box capabilities are ready to use.
Configuration · claude_desktop_config.jsonCopy
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "box-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_sZxaYYdILkmNS9CsBbYAfqKO1qZRuv23U1H4ARTe/mcp"
    }
  }
}
Copy into chat04

  • List all the files in my 'Marketing Assets' folder.

  • What is the metadata for the file named 'Q4_Report.pdf'?

  • Show me the version history for the 'Project_Alpha' document.

  • Check the contents of the 'Legal' folder and tell me which files were updated recently.

  • Claude
  • ChatGPT
  • Cursor
  • VS Code
  • Windsurf
  • Claude Code
  • JetBrains
  • Cline

Start here

Connect Box once, then ask.

One connection links your Box account to your AI client. Your credentials stay encrypted and secure on our side.

Connect Box to your AI

FAQ

How this task behaves

  • 01

    Can the AI delete files in my Box account?

    No. This MCP only has tools to read and list information. It cannot delete, move, or modify your files.

  • 02

    Can I use this to upload new files?

    No. The current tools are limited to retrieving file info, folder info, and listing items.

  • 03

    Does the AI see all my files?

    The AI only sees the files and folders it accesses through the specific tools you trigger with your prompts.

  • 04

    Can the AI change file metadata?

    No. The AI can read and report on metadata, but it cannot edit or write new metadata to Box.

  • 05

    How does the AI know which folder to look in?

    You tell the AI which folder to look in through your prompt, and it uses the folder tools to find the right path.

  • More questions about Box? The Connector page answers them. See everything the Box Connector can do

Connect Box to Claude, Cursor, ChatGPT & more