Grok AI File Uploading: Supported File Types, Maximum Size Limits, Upload Rules, And Document Reading Features

Grok AI provides robust file uploading and document analysis via its Files API and Collections API, supporting agentic document search and retrieval workflows for chat and code execution scenarios. Understanding file support, upload caps, and usage rules is essential for leveraging Grok AI’s document capabilities effectively.

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Supported File Types Include Text, Code, CSV, JSON, PDF, And Other Structured Formats.

Grok AI’s Files API supports a broad range of text-based formats, including TXT, Markdown, CSV, JSON, code files, and PDF. Other structured, text-centric formats are generally accepted, with the recommendation that files be well organized for optimal search and retrieval performance.

Document uploads are designed for agentic workflows, allowing Grok to reference, search, and reason over files in response to chat prompts and code execution tasks. Image files and highly binary formats are not documented as supported for document analysis.

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Grok AI Supported File Types

Format	Support Notes
TXT, Markdown	Fully supported
CSV, JSON	Fully supported
PDF	Supported for text-based and structured content
Code files	Supported (e.g., .py, .js, .java)
Other text formats	Generally accepted
Images, binaries	Not documented as supported

Text and structured data files provide the most consistent results.

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Maximum Size Limits Apply Per File And Per Collection.

The Files API allows uploads up to 48 MB per file, suitable for large documents or data files. For large-scale storage and search, the Collections API supports files up to 100 MB each, with a maximum of 100,000 files or 100 GB of total storage per organization.

These limits require users to split very large PDFs or datasets before uploading, or use Collections for high-volume, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) knowledge bases. Uploading files beyond published caps will result in errors or rejected requests.

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Grok AI File Size And Storage Limits

Upload Path	Max File Size	Total Files	Total Storage
Files API	48 MB	Not specified	Scoped to team/org
Collections API	100 MB	100,000	100 GB per org

Choosing the right API ensures efficient file and document handling.

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Upload Rules Require Agentic Models, Single-Variant Requests, And Developer Lifecycle Management.

To use file uploads in Grok AI chats, users must attach files to agentic-capable models such as grok-4 or grok-4-fast. File-attached chats are agentic requests, meaning they trigger Grok’s document_search tool rather than simply stuffing file content into the prompt. Batch generation (n > 1) is not supported for agentic file requests, so users must submit single-variant prompts when working with files.

Uploaded files are scoped to the developer’s team or organization. Developers are responsible for managing file retention, deleting files when no longer needed to maintain storage hygiene and privacy.

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Grok AI File Upload And Usage Rules

Rule	Details
Model requirements	Agentic models only (e.g., grok-4, grok-4-fast)
Request batching	Single variant per request (no batch mode)
File retention	Developer managed; delete files as needed
Storage scope	Team or organization level
Large-scale retrieval	Use Collections for knowledge base workflows

Proper usage enables efficient and secure document workflows.

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Document Reading Features Enable Search, Retrieval, And Data Analysis With Code Execution.

When a file is attached to a chat, Grok AI activates server-side document search, letting the model retrieve relevant information as it answers questions. This retrieval-augmented workflow supports Q&A, summarization, extraction, and contextual reasoning over long documents, without exceeding the prompt size limits.

For data analysis tasks, Grok AI combines file uploads with sandboxed code execution. The model can write and run Python code to analyze uploaded data, generate summaries, or process structured content, expanding the range of analytical workflows supported.

Privacy is addressed by scoping uploaded files to the organization and requiring explicit user consent before including Collections data in model training.

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Grok AI Document Reading And Analysis Features

Feature	Supported Actions
Document search	Retrieval-based Q&A and summarization
Code execution	Python sandbox for data analysis
Structured extraction	Table, list, and entity parsing
Collections search	Knowledge base retrieval at scale
Privacy controls	User consent for training on stored files

Retrieval and code workflows unlock flexible document analysis.

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Grok AI File Uploading Supports Rich Document Workflows With Clear Limits And Retrieval-Based Q&A.

Grok AI’s file upload infrastructure provides developers with a powerful set of tools for structured file analysis, knowledge base construction, and data-driven workflows. By adhering to documented limits, upload rules, and agentic usage patterns, teams can maximize document value while maintaining security and privacy.

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