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Use Sources and Files

Attach one-off files in Chat, or place reusable knowledge in a collection so an agent can retrieve it consistently.

See Data for collection behavior and Choose a Data Source for the supported source types.

The Dictionary explains data collections and RAG, the retrieval approach used to ground answers in sources.

Before You Start​

  • Use a Chat attachment for one file in one conversation.
  • Use a Data collection when the source should serve more conversations or agents.
  • Confirm that you are allowed to upload or connect the content.

Follow The Steps​

  1. Choose Attachment Or Collection

    For reusable knowledge, open Data and choose an existing collection with the right purpose and audience. Create a focused collection only when no suitable one exists.

    Data collections list with search and a Create collection button
    Collections hold reusable sources; a Chat attachment stays with one conversation.
    Platform guide: Data

  2. Create A Focused Collection

    Give the collection one purpose. Record its owner and scope in the description, then choose the intended visibility.

    Create collection dialog with name, description, and visibility controls
    Name the knowledge set and keep visibility as narrow as the work allows.
    Platform guide: Collections

  3. Add The Source

    Choose Manual Upload for a controlled snapshot or a prepared connected source for changing content. Provider-specific settings belong in the Platform documentation.

    Add data source dialog with Manual Upload and Google Drive choices
    Select the source that already owns the latest approved content.
    Platform guide: Choose a Data Source

  4. Add Files Or A Source Location

    Add the file or exact connected location and name the source clearly. Review the Processing profile: the default Quality enables advanced PDF extraction for supported file sources. Leave Auto-process discovered files off for manual review, then create the source. Never include passwords, private keys, or credential exports.

    Manual Upload configuration with a name, description, and upload area
    Choose a processing profile and leave automatic processing off when the update needs review.
    Platform guide: Manual Upload

  5. Review, Approve, And Verify

    Open Overview → Updates, review the waiting update and skipped files, then approve it when the scope is correct. After processing, open Files and check the expected documents, their status, and representative content. Then ask a known-answer question through the assigned agent. The Discovery mode reference explains the update states, estimates, and approval behavior.

    Data source Files tab with document rows and processing information
    A source is ready only after representative files are processed and readable.
    Platform guide: Processing and Sync

Try It​

Answer only from the Customer Onboarding collection. Cite the source document
for every recommendation. If the answer is missing, write “not found”.

Check The Result​

Test one fact you know is present and one you know is absent. The present fact should have the correct source; the absent fact should not be invented.

If It Does Not Work​

First check whether the update is Waiting for confirmation, still processing, or missing an agent assignment. Check the source status and agent access. For provider credentials and technical fields, use Connections and the source-specific Platform guide. Next, learn Use Connected Tools Safely.

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