> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.openbio.tech/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# File Management

> Upload, organize, and use files in OpenBio

Manage your research data efficiently with OpenBio's comprehensive file system. Upload sequences, structures, datasets, and documents—then reference them directly in conversations with AI for analysis and insights.

<Info>
  **File Storage Location**
  Each project has its own dedicated file storage. Access files through the file browser in the sidebar.
</Info>

## Uploading Files

### Method 1: Upload Button

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open File Browser">
    Click **"Files"** in the sidebar to expand the file browser
  </Step>

  <Step title="Navigate to Folder">
    Browse to the folder where you want to upload files
  </Step>

  <Step title="Click Upload">
    Click the upload button (cloud with up arrow icon)
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Files">
    Choose one or multiple files from your computer

    * Hold `Ctrl/Cmd` to select multiple files
    * All selected files upload simultaneously
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Large files may take a few moments to process.
</Tip>

### Method 2: Drag and Drop

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open File Browser">
    Click **"Files"** in the sidebar to expand the file browser
  </Step>

  <Step title="Navigate to Folder">
    Browse to the folder where you want to upload files
  </Step>

  <Step title="Drag and Drop">
    Drag files directly from your computer to the file browser area
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Organizing Your Files

### Creating Folder Structure

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create New Folder">
    In the file browser, click the **"+"** button in the top right corner of the sidebar
  </Step>

  <Step title="Name Folder">
    Type a descriptive name (e.g., "sequences", "structures", "papers")
  </Step>

  <Step title="Press Enter">
    The folder is created in the current location
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Creating and Organizing Files

### New Files

Create files directly in OpenBio:

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create New File">
    In the file browser, click **New File** in the sidebar
  </Step>

  <Step title="Name Folder">
    Type a descriptive name (e.g., "sequences", "structures", "papers")
  </Step>

  <Step title="Press Enter">
    The file is created in the current location
  </Step>
</Steps>

Supported file types include notes (.md), data files (.csv, .xlsx), sequences (.fasta), structures (.pdb), and more.

### Recommended Organization

Create a logical structure for your research:

```
📁 Project Root
├── 📁 sequences
│   ├── 📁 raw
│   ├── 📁 processed
│   └── 📁 reference
├── 📁 structures
│   ├── 📁 experimental
│   ├── 📁 predicted
│   └── 📁 complexes
├── 📁 data
│   ├── 📁 measurements
│   └── 📁 analysis
├── 📁 papers
│   └── 📁 literature
├── 📁 results
└── 📁 scripts
```

### File Operations

**Moving Files**:

1. Click on the three dots next to the file
2. Select "Copy" or "Cut"
3. Navigate to the new folder
4. Click on the three dots next to the folder
5. Select "Paste"

**Renaming Files**:

1. Click on the three dots next to the file
2. Select "Rename"
3. Type the new name
4. Press Enter to save

<Warning>
  Renaming files breaks existing references in chats. Consider copying files instead if you need to preserve references.
</Warning>

**Deleting Files**:

1. Click on the three dots next to the file
2. Select "Delete"
3. Confirm the deletion

<Tip>
  OpenBio can create and manipulate files in your current project. You can use this ability to ask OpenBio to organize your files, create new files, or modify existing files.
</Tip>

## Using Files in Chat

### Referencing Files with @

Type `@` in any chat message to reference your files:

1. Type `@` in the chat input
2. File suggestions appear automatically
3. Type to filter or use arrow keys to navigate
4. Press Enter to select a file
5. File appears as a blue chip in your message

**Example usage**:

```
Analyze the sequences in @protein_sequences.fasta for conserved motifs
```

### Attaching files using @ button next to the model selector

1. Click the @ button next to the model selector
2. Select the file from the dropdown
3. File appears as a blue chip in your message

### Multiple File References

Reference several files in a single message:

```
Compare the binding sites in @protein1.pdb, @protein2.pdb, and @protein3.pdb
```

OpenBio analyzes all referenced files together, providing comparative insights.

### Ask questions about a PDF file

1. Upload the PDF file to the current project
2. Reference the PDF file in the chat by typing `@` followed by the filename
3. OpenBio will answer your question based on the content of the PDF file

## Downloading and Exporting

### Single File Downloads

1. Click on the three dots next to the file
2. Select "Download"
3. File saves to your default downloads folder

### Multiple File Downloads

Support coming soon.

## File Management Best Practices

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Use Clear Naming">
    Name files descriptively: `human_insulin_crystal_structure.pdb` instead of `file1.pdb`. Include organism, experiment type, and date when relevant.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Date Your Files">
    Include dates in filenames: `experiment_2024-01-15_results.csv` helps track versions and chronology.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Organize by Type">
    Create separate folders for different file types: sequences, structures, data, papers. This makes finding files much easier.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Clean Up Regularly">
    Monthly review: delete unnecessary files, archive completed work, and organize loose files into proper folders.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Backup Important Files">
    Download critical files as local backups. Don't rely solely on cloud storage for irreplaceable data.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Upload fails">
    **Solutions**:

    * Check file size (max 100MB per file)
    * Verify file isn't corrupted
    * Check internet connection stability
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="File won't download">
    **Solutions**:

    * Check browser download settings
    * Disable popup blockers temporarily
    * Clear browser cache and retry
    * Contact support if file appears corrupted
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Chat" href="/user-guide/features/chat">
    Learn to reference files in conversations
  </Card>

  <Card title="Predictions" href="/user-guide/features/predictions">
    Use files for predictions
  </Card>

  <Card title="Workflows" href="/user-guide/features/workflows">
    Create file-based workflows
  </Card>

  <Card title="Notebooks" href="/user-guide/features/notebooks">
    Take notes from conversations and workflows
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Tip>
  **Pro Tip**: Create your folder structure at the start of each project. A well-organized file system makes research much more efficient and collaborative. You can also ask OpenBio to set it up for you.
</Tip>
