Simple Chat

Upload documents in chat

Attach a local file directly to the current conversation for grounded chat.

What this does

Chat file upload adds a local file to the current conversation without first visiting a workspace document page. The upload starts automatically after you choose a file.

Video planned

Upload documents in chat walkthrough

Recording planned. Show upload documents in chat end to end and explain why this task helps a user.

To publish this video:

  1. Upload the recording to YouTube or Microsoft Stream.
  2. Save a poster frame as docs/images/video-posters/guide-upload-documents-in-chat.png.
  3. Add the watch URL to this slot in docs/_data/media.yml.

Why you would use this

Use chat upload when you need to ask about a file in the moment: a PDF someone sent you, a spreadsheet you are checking, or a document that is not worth adding to a shared workspace yet. Use a workspace or File Sync source instead for material a team should reuse.

Before you start

  • Admins must enable enable_chat_file_uploads; they may also require require_member_of_chat_file_upload_user; see Workspaces settings.
  • The file type must be in the accept list shown by the File button tooltip.
  • The file must fit within max_file_size_mb on General settings.

Steps

  1. Open Chat and choose a conversation.
  2. Select File in the chat toolbar.
  3. Choose a supported local file; the button changes to the file name while upload starts.

Screenshot needed

Upload documents in chat step 3

Capture the upload documents in chat task at this step in SimpleChat with realistic sample data and redact secrets.

Save as docs/images/guides/upload-documents-in-chat-step-3.png

Drop the file at that path and it replaces this card automatically. No other change needed.

  1. Wait for upload progress to finish before asking detailed questions.
  2. Type your question in Type your message… and select Send Message.

Screenshot needed

Upload documents in chat step 5

Capture the upload documents in chat task at this step in SimpleChat with realistic sample data and redact secrets.

Save as docs/images/guides/upload-documents-in-chat-step-5.png

Drop the file at that path and it replaces this card automatically. No other change needed.

  1. Use the cancel icon on the File button if you selected the wrong file.

Verify it worked

The response can reference the uploaded file when relevant. If enabled, Open used documents can show documents used by the conversation.

Troubleshooting

Symptom Likely cause Fix
The File button is missing Chat uploads are disabled or role-gated Ask an admin to enable chat uploads and assign the role if required.
Image mode disables file controls Image generation intentionally turns off source controls Turn off Image before uploading.