Summarise this report in 6 bullet points with page numbers, then list every figure and date it mentions.
In short
Attach, ask, check, and keep important files in a Space
Click + Attach in the search bar to add files. Perplexity’s FAQ lists 25 MB per file, up to 4 files at once, 3 uploads a day on Free and unlimited (at least 100) on Pro, with files kept for 30 days. Spaces hold more: 50 files per Space on Pro and 500 on Max, up to 50 MB each. Limits change, and some 2026 sources report different numbers, so the app’s message is the final word.
Formats
Supported file formats
Perplexity officially lists “textual files, including plain text, code, or PDFs, as well as images”. Other formats below are widely reported and work in practice, but support can vary by plan and device.
PDFDOCXTXTRTFMD
DocumentsReports, papers, contracts, notes.Official: text and PDFCSVXLSXJSON
Spreadsheets and dataTables, exports and datasets for analysis.Widely reportedPPTX
PresentationsSlide decks to summarise or rework.Widely reportedJPGPNGWEBP
ImagesPhotos, screenshots, charts and scans.Official: imagesPYJSHTMLCSS…
CodeSource files to explain, review or debug.Official: codeMP3MP4
Audio and videoTranscribed for search on some plans and surfaces.Reported, variesGoogle DriveOneDriveDropbox
Cloud filesThrough connectors, mainly in Spaces and Enterprise.Varies by planLimits
File upload limits by plan
Official from Perplexity’s FAQ or help center · Reported from 2026 third-party guides.
| Limit | Free | Pro | Max / Enterprise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max file size (thread)Official | 25 MB | 25 MB | 25 MB · Enterprise threads reported 50 MB |
| Max file size (reported 2026)Reported | ~40 MB | ~40 MB | 50 MB (Enterprise) |
| Files at onceOfficial | Up to 4 | Up to 4 | Up to 30 reported (Enterprise) |
| Uploads per dayOfficial | Up to 3 | Unlimited (at least 100) | Unlimited · Enterprise weekly caps reported |
| Files per SpaceOfficial | Limited | 50 | 500 (Max, Enterprise Pro) · 5,000 (Enterprise Max) |
| Max file size (Spaces)Official | — | 50 MB | 50 MB |
| Kept in threadsOfficial | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days · Spaces: until deleted |
Sources: Perplexity FAQ: How do I upload files?, Perplexity Help Center: Spaces, Data Studios and 2026 limits guide. Some 2026 guides report 7-day retention for thread uploads; save important files to a Space. See also limits and credits.
File checker: will my file upload?
Pick a file or enter its details. We check the format and size against the limits above and suggest fixes. Your file is not uploaded anywhere; only its name, size and type are read in your browser.
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Step by step
How to upload files to Perplexity
Works on the web, Mac and Windows apps, iPhone and Android. On phones, pick files from Files, Photos or cloud storage.
- Start a new threadOpen perplexity.ai or the app and sign in, so files and answers are saved.
- Click + AttachUse the + or paperclip button in the search bar, or drag files onto it on a computer.
- Choose your filesPick from your device or, where available, connected cloud storage. Wait until each shows as uploaded.
- Ask a specific questionSay what you want from the file: a summary, a table, deadlines, or answers with page numbers.
- Check and follow upVerify key facts in the original, then keep asking in the same thread.
- Keep it in a SpaceFor files you’ll reuse, add them to a Space so every thread there can use them.
More detailed walkthrough for PDFs: Upload and analyze PDFs with Perplexity.
Prompts
Prompts by file type
Upload your file first, then paste the prompt.
Analyse this spreadsheet: total sales by month, the top 5 products and any unusual drops. Show results as a table.
Compare these two versions and list everything that was added, removed or changed, section by section.
Turn this deck into a one-page brief for an executive, then suggest 3 slides to cut.
Explain what this error message means and how to fix it, step by step.
Review this code for bugs and security issues, explain each issue simply and suggest a fix.
Give me the research question, method, sample, main findings and limitations of this paper.
List the key obligations, fees, renewal and cancellation terms in plain English. (Not legal advice.)
Tips
Tips for better answers from files
Ask for page or cell references“With page numbers” makes every claim quick to check.
Point to the part you need“Only section 4” or “the Q3 tab” gives sharper answers.
Split very long filesUpload the chapters or sheets you need rather than a 500-page file.
Use text-based PDFsExported PDFs read better than phone photos of pages.
Clean spreadsheets firstOne header row, no merged cells, one table per sheet.
Files only, or files + web?In a Space, turn Web off to answer only from your files.
Troubleshooting
Common upload problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| “File too large” | Over the size limit | Compress the PDF, remove images, or split the file |
| “Unsupported file” | Format not accepted (e.g. Pages, HEIC, ZIP) | Export to PDF, DOCX, XLSX or JPG; unzip archives |
| Upload limit reached | Daily cap on Free | Wait for the reset, combine files, or upgrade |
| Stuck uploading | Weak connection or browser issue | Refresh, try another browser or the app |
| Can’t read the file | Password-protected, corrupted or blurry scan | Remove the password, re-export, re-scan clearly |
| Follow-ups ignore the file | File expired or new thread | Re-attach it, or keep it in a Space |
Full guide: Perplexity file upload errors · Perplexity not working.
Privacy
Privacy and retention
What Perplexity says
- Private by defaultOfficial“Your files stay private. We use their content only to customize responses to your questions and tasks.”
- Thread files30 daysAfter 30 days, contents can’t be used for follow-ups (FAQ). Some 2026 sources report 7 days.
- Space filesKeptStay until you delete them.
Good habits
- Don’t upload secretsAvoidPasswords, ID documents, bank statements, medical records.
- Check sharingReviewShared threads and Spaces can expose answers from your files.
- Training opt-outSettingsConsumer users can opt out; Enterprise data is excluded by default.
More: Perplexity privacy.
FAQ
File upload questions
What files can I upload to Perplexity?
Perplexity accepts text files, code, PDFs and images. Reported formats also include Word (DOCX), Excel (XLSX), CSV, PowerPoint (PPTX), Markdown and JSON, and some plans can transcribe audio and video. Cloud files can be added through connectors, mainly in Spaces.
What is Perplexity’s file size limit?
Perplexity’s own FAQ says files are limited to 25 MB. Its Spaces help center lists up to 50 MB per file for paid users in Spaces, and some 2026 guides report about 40 MB for regular threads. If a file is too big, the upload screen will tell you.
How many files can I upload on the free plan?
Perplexity’s FAQ says free users can upload up to 3 files a day, and Pro users get unlimited daily uploads (at least 100). Limits change, so check the message in the app if you hit one.
How many files can I attach at once?
Perplexity’s FAQ says up to 4 files at once. Some 2026 sources report higher numbers for threads and Enterprise. For many files, a Space is the better option: 50 files per Space on Pro and 500 on Max.
How long does Perplexity keep uploaded files?
Perplexity’s FAQ says files are kept for 30 days, after which their contents can’t be used for follow-ups. Some 2026 sources report shorter retention for thread uploads, so add important files to a Space, where they stay until you delete them.
Are my uploaded files private?
Perplexity says files stay private and their content is used only to answer your questions and tasks. Enterprise data is excluded from AI training by default, and consumer users can opt out in settings. Avoid uploading passwords, ID documents or highly sensitive records.
Why won’t my file upload?
Common causes are a file over the size limit, an unsupported format, hitting your daily limit, a password-protected or corrupted file, or a weak connection. Our file upload errors guide walks through fixes.
Can Perplexity read scanned PDFs and images?
Yes, it can read images and scanned pages, but accuracy drops with blurry scans, handwriting and complex tables. Use clear, text-based PDFs where possible and double-check numbers.
Related
Try it
Upload a file and ask your first question
Click + Attach, add a PDF or spreadsheet, and ask for a summary with page numbers.