File Upload
Uploading file(s) to an AI chatbot
Uploading file(s) to an AI chatbot
Written by Martin Ågren - July 19, 2026
Inside an AI chatbot, you can usually upload files (for example, containing text) that AI can analyze or draw knowledge from.
Examples of file types that can be uploaded to ChatGPT:
PDF, DOCX, TXT, JPG, PNG, and more.
In other words: A file that contains text or an image.
Inside ChatGPT: The plus sign next to the prompt box >> "Add photos and files" >> Navigate through your hard drive and select the file you want to upload.
When file upload is used correctly, it can prevent AI hallucinations if AI lacks the knowledge/insight/training needed to answer a particular question.
File upload can be useful in several ways. AI can, for example:
▪ Quote from text
▪ Extract text from an image
▪ Explain or summarize text
▪ Context can be retrieved from text (so AI has sufficient information)
▪ Proofread text
▪ Translate text
Regarding GDPR legislation: Be careful when uploading (or writing) other people's personal data. For it to be lawful:
▪ A DPA agreement must be in place (cannot be signed through a free subscription or a Plus subscription) because data is sent to a server in the USA.
▪ The individuals' consent, or another legal basis (for example, through a privacy policy on a website).
▪ Decide which file you want to upload to ChatGPT. The file must not contain other people's personal data.
▪ Keep in mind that the file's contents are sent to an OpenAI server in the USA.
▪ Try to upload a file to ChatGPT.
▪ Ask a question about the file's contents that ChatGPT can answer only IF it successfully reads the file's contents.
▪ Verify that you received the correct answer from ChatGPT about the file's contents. Now you know that file upload is working.