Examples of the present disclosure describe systems and methods for establishing a persistent connection between file attachments uploaded to cloud storage and associated electronic communications. An electronic communication including an attached file may be stored and presented in a communication application user interface that includes interactive functions, such as edit and save functions. Upon selection of an interactive function, a copy of the file may be uploaded to a cloud storage location and, in some examples, opened in a productivity application. A link to the file at the cloud storage location may be stored as a property of the file that is stored with the electronic communication. Resultantly, a connection may be maintained between the file at the cloud storage location and the electronic communication. Based on this connection, the copy of the file at the cloud storage location may be opened upon a subsequent selection of an interactive function.