--- title: Input files for AI agents slug: input-files-for-ai-agents description: Learn how to use input files with Make AI agents, including file uploading, file requirements, and unsupported file type conversions. docTags: createdAt: 2026-06-10T13:18:39.766Z --- Input files are one-time files that the agent processes each time a scenario runs. This guide covers input file requirements and how to upload input files. :::hint{type="info"} It is recommended to upload large text files and files the agent references often as [knowledge files](https://help.make.com/knowledge-files-for-ai-agents) instead. ::: ## Input and output file requirements and limits Input and output files for agents have the following requirements and limits: - **Input file supported formats: **JPG, PNG, GIF, PDF - **Output file supported formats:** PDF, DOCX, TXT, CSV - **Input data type: **Binary data only. The agent can't read files from URLs or base64 strings. - **AI provider:** Make's AI Provider, OpenAI, Anthropic Claude, or Gemini, and a model that supports files. Refer to your provider's documentation to check file support specifics for your chosen model. ## Upload input files Upload files of supported types to your agent in **Input files** in the **Make AI Agent (New)** > **Run an agent** module. ### Input file is from a download file module To upload supported files from a dedicated download file module, such as **Telegram Bot **>** Download a File **or **Google Drive **>** Download a File**: ::::WorkflowBlock :::WorkflowBlockItem In the Scenario Builder, before the **Make AI Agent (New) **> **Run an agent** module, add modules that watch an app and download files from it. ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/oAyFj2GHlBeBVWF5OAir2/ey9IB5b0M3pXmLwsBkPTX_telegram-scenario-ai-agentic.png" size="80" width="1020" height="346" darkWidth="1020" darkHeight="346" position="center" caption="This example scenario watches Telegram, downloads attachments, and passes them to the agent via the Input files field." showCaption="true"} ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Click the **Make AI Agent (New)** > **Run an agent **module to open its settings. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem In **Input files**, select the download file module. ::Image[]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/oAyFj2GHlBeBVWF5OAir2/4Bmlp3uzmOJzW0EAX8rS1-20260611-125819.png" size="70" width="803" height="408" darkWidth="803" darkHeight="408" position="center" caption="In this example, the file from the Telegram Bot > Download a File module is selected." showCaption="true"} ::: :::: You've now uploaded an input file to your agent. ### Input file is a value from an output bundle If an earlier module outputs a value as part of a bundle that you want to use as an input file, map the value directly: ::::WorkflowBlock :::WorkflowBlockItem In the Scenario Builder, before the **Make AI Agent (New) **> **Run an agent** module, add modules that return the output value you want to map. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Click the **Make AI Agent (New)** > **Run an agent **module to open its settings. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem In **Input files**, toggle **Map **and map the output from the previous module to use as an input file. ::: :::: You've now mapped a value in **Inputs files** so the agent can use it. ## Convert unsupported formats The agent accepts input files as binary data only. If your file is in another format, convert it before mapping it in the **Make AI Agent (New)** > **Run an agent** module. ### Convert files from URLs To pass a DOCX or other unsupported file from a URL to your agent, convert it to text using an AI app such as** Make AI Content Extractor**. ::Image[****]{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/oAyFj2GHlBeBVWF5OAir2/S5eusc8iPvnrHp0mk4te7-20260615-130919.png" size="80" width="1268" height="319" darkWidth="1268" darkHeight="319" position="center" caption="This example scenario extracts text from a direct download DOCX URL and passes it to the agent via the Input field. " showCaption="true"} To convert a DOCX URL to text with **Make AI Content Extractor**: ::::WorkflowBlock{src="https://api.archbee.com/api/optimize/oAyFj2GHlBeBVWF5OAir2/S5eusc8iPvnrHp0mk4te7-20260615-130919.png" size="100" width="1268" height="319" position="center" caption="This scenario extracts text from a DOCX file URL before passing it to the agent"} :::WorkflowBlockItem In the Scenario Builder, add a download file module, such as an **HTTP** > **Download a File** module. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Add the **Make AI Content Extractor** > **Extract text from a document** module and open its settings. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem In **Document source**, select File. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem In **File**, select or map the file from the **HTTP** module. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Add a **Text aggregator** module and open its settings. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem In **Text**, map the `Text` value from the output of the **Extract text from a document** module. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem Add the **Make AI Agent (New)** > **Run an agent** module. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem In **Input**, map the `text` value from the **Text aggregator **module. ::: :::: You've now converted a DOCX file to text so the agent can use it as input. ### Convert files from base64 strings To pass a file from a base64 string into an AI agent, convert it to binary using the `toBinary()` function. To convert a base64 string to binary: ::::WorkflowBlock :::WorkflowBlockItem If the string starts with a prefix such as `data:image/png;base64`, remove the prefix. ::: :::WorkflowBlockItem In the **Make AI Agent (New)** > **Run an agent **module, in the **Input files** field, convert the string with the following function: ```javascript toBinary(yourBase64String; "base64") ``` ::: :::: You've now converted a base64 string to binary, so the agent can use it.