> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.file.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# fileAI best practices

> Guidelines to get the best output from fileAI

## File types

We support the following file types:

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Excel & CSV (XLS, XLSX, CSV)" icon="file-excel">
    Ideal for structured tabular data. For best results, use **single-sheet files** with a **header row** and consistent columns.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="PDF" icon="page">
    **PDF (PDF):**\
    Works best with **digitally generated PDFs** (not scanned) and clear layout. Tables and text should be selectable.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Word & Text (DOCX, TXT)" icon="file-word">
    Structured, paragraph-based content is supported. Headings and sections help improve understanding.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Images (JPG, JPEG, PNG, TIF, TIFF, HEIC, HEIF)" icon="image">
    Supported for scanned documents or forms. Ensure **clear resolution and readable text** for optimal processing.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## **How to upload a file**

1. Go to the Drive.
2. Drag and drop your file or click the black button at the right panel to Upload.

Wait for the processing bar to complete. File status will update (e.g. *Transform*, *Processed, Review*).

<iframe src="https://demo.arcade.software/71lcZ70vynlu2ILinroH?embed&embed_mobile=tab&embed_desktop=inline&show_copy_link=true" height="400px" width="800px" border="0" />

## How to export a file

1. Select the file you’d like to export.
2. Go to the **AI Schema** tab to review the data extracted from your file.
3. Click the **Download** button dropdown at the upper right.
4. Choose from the available export options: XLSX, XLS, CSV, JSON, PDF, XERO\_CSV
   * **Download as XERO\_CSV** is only for bank statements and generates a Xero-compatible CSV file. If you try to use **XERO\_CSV** for a non–bank statement file, an error message will appear.
   * All other export options work with every file type, so you can select whichever suits your needs.
5. After you choose which format to download your extracted data in, a progress bar will appear.
6. When the download finishes, you’ll see a notification, and the file will be saved in your **Downloads** folder.

<iframe src="https://demo.arcade.software/a3HcZjsfdJGuUDNecqil?embed&embed_mobile=tab&embed_desktop=inline&show_copy_link=true" height="400px" width="800px" border="0" />
