> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://help.paxton.ai/help/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://help.paxton.ai/help/other-topics/uploading-files.md).

# Uploading Files

## Uploading Files to Paxton

There are three ways to upload files into Paxton. Use whichever fits your workflow: add documents directly to a matter, or attach them on the fly while chatting with the AI Assistant.

***

### Method 1: Upload from Matter Files

Use this when you want to add documents to a matter so they're stored and available across every chat in that matter.

1. In the left sidebar, click **Matter Files**.
2. At the top right of the file list, click **Upload** (or **New Folder** to organize first).
3. Select the files from your computer, or drag and drop them onto the file list.

Your files appear in the list with their name, last-modified date, and size.

> Supported formats: `.pdf`, `.docx`, `.doc`, `.xlsx`, `.xls`, `.pptx`, `.txt`, `.csv`, `.json`, `.html`, `.xml`, `.md`, `.markdown`

<figure><img src="/files/zV0jNWh0cuxC23iu1hlF" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

### Method 2: Drag & Drop in the AI Assistant

Use this when you want to attach a document to the chat you're working in right now.

1. In the left sidebar, click **AI Assistant** and open or start a **New Chat**.
2. Drag a file from your computer onto the **Drag & Drop or Choose Files** area in the middle of the screen — or click **Choose Files** to browse.
3. The file attaches to your current chat, ready to query, summarize, or reference.

<figure><img src="/files/RFBNdPda2nszdPLY53HQ" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

### Method 3: Paperclip Icon in the AI Assistant

Use this when you're already typing a prompt and want to attach a file without leaving the message box.

1. In the AI Assistant chat, click the **paperclip icon** next to the prompt box.
2. In the **Add Files** menu, choose one of:
   * **Upload Files** — add a document from your computer.
   * **Add from Matter Files** — attach a document already stored in the matter.
3. The selected file attaches to your prompt.

> The **Apply Template** tab in this same menu lets you start from a saved template instead of a file.

<figure><img src="/files/p3rGXxlqlzx87EH9Rksu" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

### Which method should I use?

| If you want to...                                      | Use                |
| ------------------------------------------------------ | ------------------ |
| Store documents in a matter for ongoing use            | **Matter Files**   |
| Quickly attach a file to the chat you're in            | **Drag & Drop**    |
| Attach a file (new or existing) while writing a prompt | **Paperclip icon** |

Your documents and data are secure and are not used to train Paxton.


---

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