# Importing sources

Importing a source uploads a document and prepares it for use. Once a source
finishes processing, ResponseHub can draw answers from it.

You can import up to **10 files at a time**, and you need write access to your
account — read-only users can view and download sources but cannot import them.

## Supported formats

ResponseHub accepts PDF, DOCX, DOC, ODT, RTF, PPTX, and PPT files. PDF and Word
documents are preferred.

If you select a file in another format, the upload is rejected with a message
saying the file must be a PDF, Word, PowerPoint, OpenDocument Text, or RTF file.

## Import a source

1. Open **Sources** in the left navigation.

2. Select **New Source**.

   The upload panel opens, headed **Drag and drop your policy documents to get started**.

3. Drag your files onto the panel, or select **Choose files** to pick them.

   Your files are listed under **Selected Files** with a running count. Remove
   one with its delete icon, or start over with **Clear All**.

4. Select **Upload All Files**.

## Processing

Every source goes through processing after upload: ResponseHub reads the
document, works out its structure, and prepares its content so questions can be
matched against it. This happens on its own — you don't need to stay on the page.

Each source shows its current state in the **Attached File** card and in the
sources table:

| Status | What it means |
|---|---|
| **Processing** | The document is being read and prepared. The badge shows a spinner. |
| **Ready to use** | Processing finished. The source can now be used to answer questions. |
| **Processing failed** | ResponseHub could not process the document. See below. |

A source is only used for answers once it reaches **Ready to use**.

## Titles and descriptions

ResponseHub names a source after its filename at first, then replaces the title
and description with generated ones once it has read the document. Both are
yours to change — select the title or description in the source panel to edit it
in place.

## When processing fails

Processing occasionally fails, usually because of a problem with the source
document itself, or — rarely — a problem with the third-party service
ResponseHub uses to process documents.

If a source shows **Processing failed**, delete it and import it again. If it
fails a second time, contact support.

**Deleting is reversible:** Deleting a source is a soft delete. You can undo it from the notification that
appears straight afterwards, and support can recover it for you later. See
[updating sources](/sources/updating-sources/).

## Next steps

- [View a source](/sources/viewing-sources/) to check what was extracted
- [Update a source](/sources/updating-sources/) when a policy changes