> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.qolaba.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.qolaba.ai/chatbot/adding-context-and-resources/uploading-files.md).

# Uploading Files

Upload files directly into a chat to give the LLM immediate context for that session. Qolaba processes your uploaded content using **RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation)**, allowing the model to retrieve and reference relevant sections from your documents throughout the conversation.

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### Supported File Types

<table><thead><tr><th width="240.953125">File Type</th><th>Common Use</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>PDF</strong></td><td>Reports, research, documentation</td></tr><tr><td><strong>CSV</strong></td><td>Structured data, exports</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Excel (.xlsx)</strong></td><td>Spreadsheets, datasets</td></tr><tr><td><strong>DOCX</strong></td><td>Briefs, SOPs, brand guidelines</td></tr><tr><td><strong>TXT</strong></td><td>Notes, plain-text instructions</td></tr><tr><td><strong>Images</strong></td><td>Visual references, screenshots</td></tr></tbody></table>

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### Uploading a File to Chat

**Step 1 —** Open a chat in your workspace.

**Step 2 —** Click the **attachment icon** or the **Plus (+) icon** in the prompt input area.

**Step 3 —** Select your file from your system or drag and drop it into the chat.

**Step 4 —** Wait for the upload to complete. The file name appears in the input area confirming it is attached.

**Step 5 —** Enter your prompt and send. The LLM will reference the uploaded file when generating its response.

{% hint style="info" %}
Once uploaded, the file remains active as context for the **entire chat session** — you do not need to keep it selected or re-attach it with each prompt.
{% endhint %}

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### Viewing and Managing Uploaded Files

All files uploaded across your workspace — from chat sessions, Knowledge Bases, and other activities — are stored centrally in the **Files section** of the left navigation panel. This acts as a single repository for all your uploaded resources, making it easy to track, preview, and reuse files without uploading them again.

**To access:**

1. Go to the **left navigation panel**
2. Click the **File icon**

Inside, you can view the complete history of uploaded files including PDFs, DOCX, TXT, images, CSV, and other supported types.

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#### **Previewing a File**

Click the **file name** to open a preview. Use this to verify content before reusing a file in a new chat or Knowledge Base.

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#### **Deleting a File**

Click the **Delete option** next to the file to remove it from your upload history.

{% hint style="info" %}
If the file is currently used inside a Knowledge Base, deleting it from upload history will affect that Knowledge Base. Review dependencies before deleting.
{% endhint %}