# Attaching Files

> Source: https://parallelworks.com/docs/ai/ai-chat/attaching-files

# Attaching Files

AI Chat supports file attachments, allowing you to include documents, images, and other files as context for your conversations. Attached files are sent alongside your messages so the AI model can reference their content when generating responses.

## Supported File Types

You can attach the following file types:

| Category | Formats |
|----------|---------|
| Documents | PDF, TXT, CSV, DOC, DOCX, XLS, XLSX, PPT, PPTX |
| Images | PNG, JPG, JPEG, GIF, WebP, and other common image formats |

## Size Limits

File size limits depend on the file type:

- **Documents** (PDF, TXT, CSV, XLSX, DOCX, PPTX) -- up to **100 MB** per file
- **All other files** (images, etc.) -- up to **25 MB** per file
- **Maximum files per message** -- up to **10 files**

If a file exceeds the size limit for its type, the upload is rejected with an error message indicating the maximum allowed size.

## How to Attach Files

There are two ways to attach files to a message:

### Drag and Drop

Drag one or more files from your file manager directly into the chat area. A drop zone overlay appears to confirm the drop target. Release the files to begin uploading.

### File Picker

Click the attachment button in the chat input area to open a file picker. Select one or more files and confirm. The selected files are uploaded immediately.

## Upload Process

When you add files, each file shows an upload progress indicator. Once uploaded, the file appears as a chip showing the filename and file size. You can remove an attachment before sending your message by clicking the remove button on the file chip.

Files can be uploaded before a conversation exists. These standalone attachments are associated with the conversation when you send your first message.

## Viewing Attachments in Messages

Attachments appear below the message content:

- **Images** are displayed as inline thumbnails that you can view directly in the chat.
- **Documents and other files** appear as downloadable file chips showing the filename and size. Click on a file chip to download the attachment.

## Managing Attachments

- You can view all attachments associated with a conversation.
- Attachments can be downloaded at any time by clicking on them in the message history.
- When a conversation is deleted, all of its attachments are also deleted.
- Only the attachment owner can delete individual attachments.

## Limitations

- File content processing depends on the capabilities of the selected AI model. Not all models support all file types.
- Very large files may increase response times as the model processes the additional context.
- Image support requires a model that accepts multimodal input (text and images).

## Related Documentation

- [Getting Started](/docs/ai/ai-chat/getting-started) -- Send your first message
- [AI Chat Overview](/docs/ai/ai-chat) -- Feature overview
- [Troubleshooting](/docs/ai/ai-chat/troubleshooting) -- Resolve file upload issues