> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.acelabusa.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Documents Overview

> Keep every project file in one place, search inside them, and turn the products they name into schedule rows.

**Documents** is the file library for a project. Upload specs, cut sheets, drawings, EPDs, and other project files, organize them in folders, and preview them without leaving Acelab.

Acelab also reads your PDFs and images. It splits each file into sections, writes a short summary, makes the text searchable, and finds the products the file names so you can add them to a schedule. Ace, the Acelab agent, uses the same information to answer questions about your documents.

To open it, go to your project and click **Documents** in the project menu.

## How it works

**1. Upload your files**

Drag files into the upload window or browse for them. You can upload PDFs, images, Office, CAD, BIM, and archive files. See [Uploading documents](https://docs.acelabusa.com/help-center/working-on-projects/documents/uploading-documents.md).

**2. Acelab reads them**

While a file is being read, it shows a **Processing** status. When it's done, the file has a summary and, for spec files, a table of contents by spec section.

**3. Review the products it found**

If Acelab finds products in a file, you can review them, fix names and manufacturers, and add them to a schedule. See [Extracting products from documents](https://docs.acelabusa.com/help-center/working-on-projects/documents/extracting-products-from-documents.md).

**4. Ask Ace about them**

Ask Ace what your documents say. Ace answers with citations to the file, section, and page. See [Documents and Ace](https://docs.acelabusa.com/help-center/working-on-projects/documents/documents-and-ace.md).

## Finding your way around

* **Folders:** The left panel lists **All files**, **Unfiled**, and your project's folders. Create folders, move files into them, or remove files from a folder without deleting them.
* **Smart folders:** A smart folder shows every file in one Acelab file column of your schedules. Smart folders are read-only, so you can't move files into them.
* **List or grid:** Switch between a list and a grid of thumbnails. Acelab remembers your choice.
* **Search:** The **Search documents** box matches file names and the text inside your files. Click a text result to open the file at that page.
* **Preview:** Click a file to open it. Use the arrows to step through files, open the details panel to see the summary and contents, or click **Download**.
* **Download:** Select several files, or open a folder, to download them as a ZIP.
* **SmartDocs:** Your project's SmartDocs also appear here. Clicking one opens it in the SmartDocs editor.

## Processing statuses

| Status | What it means |
| - | - |
| **Processing** | Acelab is still reading the file. The details panel shows progress, such as pages read. |
| **Partial** | Some pages could not be read. The rest is ready. |
| **Failed** | The file could not be read. |

Files with no status chip are ready, or are a file type Acelab doesn't read. If a file is **Partial** or **Failed**, click **Retry** to read it again.

## Roles and permissions

| Action | Who can do it |
| - | - |
| View, preview, search, and download files | Anyone on the project |
| Upload and delete files, manage folders | **Creator** or **Admin** |
| Retry reading a file, change a file's or section's type | **Editor**, **Creator**, or **Admin** |

> [!NOTE]
>
> If you don't see **Documents** in your project menu, it isn't turned on for your account yet. Contact your Acelab team to request access.

## Learn more

> [card] [Uploading documents](https://docs.acelabusa.com/help-center/working-on-projects/documents/uploading-documents.md)
>
> Add files to your project's Documents.

> [card] [Documents and Ace](https://docs.acelabusa.com/help-center/working-on-projects/documents/documents-and-ace.md)
>
> Ask Ace what your project documents say.

> [card] [Extracting products from documents](https://docs.acelabusa.com/help-center/working-on-projects/documents/extracting-products-from-documents.md)
>
> Turn the products in a file into schedule rows.