---
title: File Generation in Chat and Agents
description: >-
  Create governed spreadsheets, documents, presentations, and images from AI
  Chat and Agent runs in Clear Ideas.
ogTitle: File Generation in Chat and Agents
ogDescription: Learn how Clear Ideas generates governed files from AI Chat and Agent runs.
ogImage: /assets/images/og/ai-file-generation-in-chat-and-agents.webp
navigation:
  icon: fasl fa-file-plus
---

# File Generation in Chat and Agents

Clear Ideas can generate governed files directly from AI Chat and Agent runs. Use file generation when the result of AI work should be a workbook, report, presentation, or image instead of only a text answer.

## Supported File Types

Clear Ideas currently supports generated outputs for:

- spreadsheets: `.xlsx`
- documents: `.docx`
- presentations: `.pptx`
- images, when supported by the selected model

More file types may be added over time.

## Where You Can Use It

File generation is available in:

- AI Chat, when the selected model supports the relevant file helper
- Agent runs, when an Agent step uses a supported file skill

The file helper only appears when the selected model supports the required skill.

## Model Support and Quality

File helpers rely on the model's ability to follow specialized instructions, call tools, and create or transform files. Most skill-capable models can generate basic files, but quality varies by model and task complexity.

For complex workbooks, heavily formatted reports, or presentation decks with a strong narrative structure, choose a stronger reasoning or coding-capable model. Lightweight models may work well for simple files, but they are more likely to need repair attempts or produce simpler formatting.

If a model is not reliable for file generation, Clear Ideas may hide file helpers for that model.

## Create a New File

Use a file helper when you want the assistant or Agent to create a new workbook, document, presentation, or image from your instructions and approved context.

For example, you can ask for a financial workbook, a client-ready report, or a presentation deck based on approved Site content.

## Transform an Existing File

You can attach or reference source files and ask Clear Ideas to transform them into a new output. For example, you might ask the assistant to add a column to a customer workbook, turn notes into a report, or convert a summary into a slide deck.

Original source files are not overwritten. Clear Ideas creates a new governed output.

## How Source Files Are Inspected

When a source file is needed, Clear Ideas inspects the file with specialist tooling and gives the model structured information about the file, such as workbook sheets, document structure, slide metadata, tables, headings, or other useful details.

The model does not receive raw source file bytes directly.

## Execution and Repair

File generation can use sandboxed execution and repair loops. If a generated script fails, Clear Ideas can return structured error details to the model so it can repair the script within the normal tool-use limits.

## Downloads and Saving

Generated files appear as file cards below the assistant response or Agent run output. You can download the file from the card. In chat experiences where Site context is available, you can also save the generated file back into a Site or folder when you have permission.

## AI Credits

File generation uses AI Credits for model interaction and file execution. Execution charges are tracked separately from model token usage so usage reporting can distinguish language model work from remote execution.

See [AI Credits](/ai/ai-credits) and [AI Usage](/billing-and-payments/ai-usage).

## Governance and Evidence

Generated files are governed outputs. Chats and Agent runs keep references to the files they produced, and governed evidence exports include binary files, metadata, and hashes when those records are exported.

See [Governed AI Records](/ai/governed-ai-records).

## Troubleshooting

If the file helper is not visible, confirm that the selected model supports skills. Switching to a stronger model is also a good first step when a generated file is too simple or a transform fails.

For transform requests, make sure the source file is attached or selected in the current request and that the file type matches the helper you are using.

If saving a generated file back to a Site fails, confirm that the chat or Agent has Site or folder context and that you have permission to upload files there.

## Related Documentation

- [AI Chat](/ai/ai-chat)
- [Agents Overview](/agents/overview)
- [Agent Runs](/agents/runs)
- [Models](/ai/models)
- [AI Credits](/ai/ai-credits)
- [Governed AI Records](/ai/governed-ai-records)