Import Methods

Configure how documents enter a workflow. The Add Workflow wizard chooses the import method; it cannot be changed later, so to use a different one, create a new workflow. Detailed setup happens after creation in the workflow editor.

Configure import after creation

If you choose an import method other than Web, finish setup after the workflow is created:

1. Go to Workflows.
2. Find the workflow in the table.
3. Open the Actions menu (three dots).
4. Click Edit.
5. Open the Import tab.
6. Configure the method-specific settings.
7. Click Save Changes.

Web import only needs attachment types. Email, API, Google Drive, and FTP/SFTP require additional configuration before they can receive documents.

Available methods

Email, API, Google Drive, and FTP/SFTP require a Growth or Scale plan. Zapier and n8n work on every plan.

Web import

Best for manual uploads and small teams.

1. Create or edit a workflow and select Web as the import method.
2. On the Import tab, configure allowed file types (PDF, JPG, PNG, TIFF, HEIC, BMP, DOC, DOCX).
3. Open Files, select the workflow, and use Add file to upload.

Web import is available on all plans.

Email import

Best for forwarding documents from inboxes or scanners.

1. Select Email as the import method on a Growth or Scale plan.
2. Copy the generated import email address from the Import tab.
3. Configure allowed sender addresses to restrict who can import.
4. Send documents as attachments to the import address.

Only messages from allowed senders are accepted.

API import

Best for application-driven uploads.

1. Select API as the import method.
2. Open the workflow Import tab and click Generate API token.
3. Save the token immediately - it is shown only once.
4. Send files as multipart/form-data with a file field to the upload URL.
5. Authenticate with Authorization: Bearer <token> or the X-API-Token header.

See API Integration for endpoint details and code examples.

Google Drive import

Best for teams that drop files into a shared folder.

1. Select Google Drive as the import method.
2. Connect your Google account and choose the source folder.
3. Set a sync interval (15 minutes to 5 days).
4. Optionally restrict allowed file types.

The scheduler imports new files on the configured interval. Check Last sync on the Files toolbar for sync status.

FTP/SFTP import

Best for legacy systems or partner drop folders.

1. Select FTP Server as the import method.
2. Enter host, port, username, password, and folder path.
3. Click Test to verify the connection.
4. Set a sync interval.

Up to 50 files are imported per sync run. Optional delete-from-source can be enabled after successful import.

Coming soon methods

OneDrive, Dropbox, and Box appear in the workflow setup UI but are not yet available for production use. See Coming soon import methods.

Sync intervals

Scheduled imports (Google Drive, FTP, and future cloud methods) support these intervals:

• 15 minutes
• 30 minutes
• 1 hour
• 6 hours
• 12 hours
• 1 day
• 5 days

Tips

• Match allowed file types to what your source actually sends.
• Use Email or API when you need near-real-time intake without a shared folder.
• Use Google Drive or FTP when files arrive in batches from an external system.
• Check Last sync if scheduled imports stop appearing in Files.