The TonicDM C1 Compose Sidebar is an add-on to your Microsoft Outlook environment. Your IT team must install it via their Microsoft Admin Portal. For more information for IT teams, please visit here.
This short tutorial shows you how to get started, what you can do with the sidebar, and when to use the web app instead.
Getting Set Up
The sidebar works in both the standard (New) and legacy (Classic) Outlook experience, and on Mac, PC and the Web versions of Outlook.
It appears in the Outlook Compose window.
Pin it so it automatically opens every time you create a new email.
Filing Emails to Projects
With the sidebar pinned and active:
Select a project in the sidebar.
A project chip appears in the BCC field — don’t delete it!
Compose your email as normal.
Hit Send — your message is filed to the selected project automatically.
✅ Bonus: Use the project name & number copy icon to easily add the project ID to your subject line.
Sending Large Files
You can also send large files directly from Outlook using the sidebar:
Ensure the correct project is chosen.
Upload files or folders.
Wait for the files to complete uploading.
A download chip is added to your message ready for your recipients.
The button has 30-day link expiry, and the terms and conditions are included automatically.
The "terms and conditions" are configured by your TonicDM Admin in the Organization Settings.
Activity Tracking
When sending File Transfers from the TonicDM Compose sidebar the same download link is sent to all recipients, therefore individual download tracking is not available unless you turn on Track downloads and recipients must log in.
If you need to track individual downloads and you don't want to require recipients to log into TonicDM, use the TonicDM web application instead.
Automatic Logging
When you use the TonicDM Compose sidebar to send emails or files:
TonicDM automatically files the email, and stores the File Transfer with its transmittal in the project’s Files module.
The future email conversation (replies and responses) is also auto-filed to the project.
Need Help?
If you need assistance:
🎥 Watch the video above for a brief training session
🔧 Contact your IT team for setup
💬 Chat with our Support team via the app
📧 Or email us at support@tonicdm.com
Let us know how the new sidebar is working for you! We’re here to help you get the most out of TonicDM.