---
title: Input files and knowledge files for AI agents
slug: input-files-and-knowledge-files-for-ai-agents
description: Learn when to use input files vs. knowledge files in AI agents to reduce token usage, and explore specifics about each type.
image: https://archbee-image-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/oAyFj2GHlBeBVWF5OAir2/itweWKQblQc_o1XFBbdrZ_triggers.png
docTags: 
createdAt: 2026-06-10T12:56:56.084Z
---

When you want your AI agent to work with files, you can upload your files as input files or knowledge files. **Input files** are one-time files that the agent processes in a scenario run. **Knowledge files **are reference files stored in a database that the agent repeatedly consults to find information.

Because file processing can use a significant number of AI tokens, choosing the right file type helps keep token usage low.

## When to use input files or knowledge files

To get the best results and reduce costs, upload smaller files that the agent references once as input files, and larger files that the agent references often as knowledge.

### Input files 

Upload your file as an input file when:

- The agent references it once.
- It's a small file that would use few tokens to process repeatedly.
- You want to ensure the agent always references it or specific parts of it for security or auditability reasons.
- You uploaded the file as a knowledge file, but the agent couldn't find the information to answer your request.
- It's an image, and you need the agent to see the image itself, not just its description. 

**Examples: **Attachments (such as email and Telegram message attachments), CSV files, and images (such as brand guideline references and marketing visual assets).

### Knowledge files

Upload your file as knowledge when:

- The agent frequently references it (with or without regular updates).
- It's a large text file that would use many tokens to process repeatedly, or could exceed the agent's token limits.

**Examples:** Company policies, troubleshooting guides, FAQs, brand guidelines, style guides, and technical documentation.

## Next steps

For more information and step-by-step instructions, see:

- [Input files for AI agents](docId\:EtjXD5CKUre4KBFRmAdfP): Check input file requirements and upload files.
- [Knowledge files for AI agents](docId\:f4W8zW-q6vkeA18D0Rmmi): Check knowledge file requirements, and upload and manage files.
- [Knowledge app modules](docId\:homjru-NVC38W5dBxwYjH): Look up **Knowledge **app module settings.