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

# Document Ingestion Options

> Compare ingestion options for sending documents to Affinda, including the web app, API, email upload, and direct integrations with cloud storage providers.

There are 3 main ways to upload documents to the Affinda platform. Documents can be ingested through multiple channels, depending on the user's workflow:

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Manual Upload">
    Uploading documents manually via the Affinda app
  </Card>

  <Card title="Email Integration">
    Automatically fetching documents from a linked email account. \
    \
    See [Email Upload](/configuration/email-upload) for more information
  </Card>

  <Card title="Automated via API">
    Ingest documents from other systems such as CRMs or ERPs using API integrations or workflow automation tools.\
    \
    See [API Reference](/reference/getting-started) for more information.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Info>
  Affinda assigns each document a **unique identifier** during ingestion, ensuring traceability throughout the workflow.
</Info>

## Supported Formats

**Text-based formats:** PDF, DOC, DOCX, XLSX, ODT, RTF, TXT, HTML

**Image-based formats:** PNG, JPG, TIFF, JPEG

<Tip>
  **Best Practices for Document Ingestion**

  * Use **high-resolution** scans or images
  * Files should ideally be **uncompressed** to ensure optimal extraction accuracy
</Tip>