> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://inistate.gitbook.io/home/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://inistate.gitbook.io/home/mcp-integration/file-uploads.md).

# File Uploads & Downloads

The AI can upload files to Inistate entries and retrieve download links for existing files. Both operations work in all three modes.

## Uploading a File

The AI uses a three-step presigned upload flow that supports files up to **500 MB**.

{% stepper %}
{% step %}

## Request an upload URL

The AI calls `request_upload_url` with the file name, MIME type, and size. Inistate returns a pre-signed S3 URL valid for approximately 1 hour.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Upload the file to S3

The AI sends the file bytes directly to the S3 URL. The Content-Type header must match exactly.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}

## Confirm the upload

The AI calls `confirm_upload` with the `s3Key` returned in step 1. Inistate verifies the file is in S3 and returns the file path used in entry field values.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

After confirmation, the AI attaches the file to the entry by including the path in a `submit_activity` call.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Example prompts" %}

> "Attach this PDF to invoice INV-1042."

> "Upload the signed contract to PO-0234."

> "Add a photo to this equipment inspection entry."
> {% endtab %}

{% tab title="What the AI does" %}

1. Calls `request_upload_url` with the file details
2. Performs the S3 PUT
3. Calls `confirm_upload` to finalize
4. Calls `submit_activity` (edit activity) with the file path set on the relevant File or Image field
   {% endtab %}
   {% endtabs %}

{% hint style="info" %}
Supported file types include documents, images, spreadsheets, and most common formats. Executable files (`.exe`, `.bat`, `.cmd`, `.dll`, `.msi`) are blocked.
{% endhint %}

## Downloading a File

To retrieve an existing file from an entry, the AI requests a pre-signed download URL that expires after **1 hour**.

{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Example prompts" %}

> "Download the attachment from invoice INV-1042."

> "Get the signed contract from PO-0234."

> "Show me the photo attached to inspection entry INS-0012."
> {% endtab %}

{% tab title="What the AI does" %}

1. Calls `get_entry` to find the file path stored in the File or Image field
2. Calls `download_file` with the module name, file GUID, and filename
3. Returns a pre-signed URL you can open in your browser
   {% endtab %}
   {% endtabs %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
Download links expire after 1 hour. If you need to share a file, do so promptly after requesting the link.
{% endhint %}