Local file access
The desktop application can read and write files directly on your computer. This makes it possible to work with documents without uploading them.
Setting up folder access
Step 1: Choose a folder
Select a folder on your computer where you want to work with files:
- Windows:
C:\Users\YourName\Documents\AI-School-Files - macOS:
/Users/YourName/Documents/AI-School-Files - Linux:
/home/username/AI-School-Files
Step 2: Register in the desktop app
- Open the AI-School Desktop application
- Go to Settings → Local Files
- Click Add folder
- Select your folder
- The folder is now registered
Step 3: Use in conversations
In the chat interface:
- Click the 📎 Attach button
- Select Local file folder
- Choose files from your registered folder
- The AI can now analyze these files
Available file functions
| Function | What it does | Requires |
|---|---|---|
| Read files | View content of text files | Plain text format |
| Write files | Create or update files | Write permission |
| List folders | See what's in directories | Folder access |
| Search files | Find files by name or content | Indexed location |
| Move/organize | Reorganize files in folders | Write permission |
| Analyze documents | Extract info from documents | Supported format |
Supported file types
Currently supported file types for analysis:
Text formats
.txt- Plain text files.md- Markdown documents.csv- Comma-separated values.json- JSON data files.xml- XML documents
Document formats
.pdf- PDF documents.docx- Microsoft Word (requires conversion).xlsx- Excel spreadsheets (requires conversion)
Conversion
Some formats may require automatic conversion. This happens transparently in the application.
Usage examples
Example 1: Analyze a research document
User: Please analyze the key points in my research.md file
AI: [reads the file and summarizes main points]
Example 2: Create meeting notes
User: Create a summary of our discussion in notes.md
AI: [creates and saves the file in your folder]
Example 3: Process CSV data
User: Extract the highest values from data.csv
AI: [reads the file and provides analysis]
Security and privacy
Your data is safe
- ✅ Files stay on your computer
- ✅ No data is uploaded to the cloud
- ✅ Only registered folders are accessible
- ✅ You can remove access anytime
Best practices
- Use separate folders - Create dedicated folders for AI-School work
- Be selective - Only register folders you want to share
- Backup important files - Keep backups of important documents
- Remove access when done - Delete folder registration after use
Troubleshooting
Folder not appearing in the list?
- Ensure the folder path is correct
- Try using a folder without special characters
- Check that you have read/write permissions
"Permission denied" error?
- Check folder permissions on your operating system
- Try a different folder location
- Restart the application
Files not being found?
- Verify files are in the registered folder
- Check file naming (correct extensions)
- Refresh the file list in the app