Attaching Files to Messages
Users can attach up to 5 files per message in a conversation. To attach a file, simply click the attach file button in the elvex web interface when composing a message. Please note that file attachments are currently only supported via the web interface, and slack and API support are not available at this time.
As seen below, you'll find the attach file button to the left of the text entry box in the elvex web interface when composing a message.
Supported File Types and Size Limits
Elvex supports the following file formats for attachments: csv, doc, docx, htm, html, jsonl, md, pdf, ppt, pptx, rtf, txt, xls, xlsx. For the best support of csv, xls, and xlsx documents we recommend using an app with Data Analysis tools enabled.
Files should be under 10MB in size to be successfully attached. You can attach up to 5 files per message in a conversation as long as each is under this size limit.
How Apps Access and Process Attached Files
Once a file is attached to a message, the app can read the contents of the file. This allows the app to process the information contained within the attachment and provide relevant responses or actions based on the file's content.
Once a file is uploaded to a message, you should see a message that says "Read file." or "Analyzed connected file" if data analysis features are on. This is how you will know that the file has been uploaded and processed successfully.
Best Practices and Usage Guidelines
When utilizing file attachments in your elvex conversations, consider the following best practices:
Customize your app Rules and Context to explain to your app how you want it to use files that are attached. For example, you may provide definitions or descriptions for fields or values that are expected in the uploaded files.
If your app should behave differently depending on the type of file, you can explain that in the rules.
Conclusion
The file attachment feature in elvex conversations allows users to share files with apps, enabling the apps to access and process the information contained within the attachments. By leveraging this feature, you can bring more context to your collaborations with apps and complete a wider array of tasks.
FAQ
Q: How are file uploads and Datasources different?
A: File uploads and Datasources are different in their usage and function. File uploads are generally meant for short term or single time use in a single conversation vs Datasources which are generally meant as more of a permanent resource that can be used by multiple apps and use cases.
Q: If I upload a document as an attachment to a chat, does that remain accessible after the chat is closed?
A: Attachments are accessible only within the context of the initial chat for two weeks post uploading that attachment. After that, the user must re-attach the document in the chat if they want the app to reference it again. Alternatively, the user can choose to create a datasource to make the file or attachment permanently accessible.