# Managing Files

- URL: https://betteranalyst.com/docs/my-data/managing-files
- Updated: 2026-11-12
- Author: Better Analyst

Search, sort, rename, preview, download, and delete files in Better Analyst. Includes data retention policies (60-day limit on free plan) and storage tips.

Keep your data organized with Better Analyst's file management features. Search, sort, rename, and delete files to maintain a clean workspace.

## Viewing Files

### Files Tab

The Files tab in My Data shows all your uploaded files with:

- File name
- File type icon
- Size
- Upload date
- Quick action buttons

### Preview Files

Click on any file to preview its contents:

- Spreadsheets show data in a table view
- PDFs display page thumbnails
- Documents show text content

## Searching Files

Use the search bar to find files quickly:

- Search by file name
- Search by file type
- Search by content (for text files)

The search updates results as you type.

## Sorting Files

Click column headers to sort your files:

| Column | Sort Options |
| - | - |
| Name | A-Z or Z-A |
| Size | Smallest to largest |
| Date | Newest to oldest |

Click again to reverse the sort order.

## Renaming Files

Give files descriptive names:

1. Hover over the file
2. Click the rename icon (or right-click)
3. Enter a new name
4. Press Enter to save

Use consistent naming conventions like `[project]-[type]-[date]` to keep files organized.

## Deleting Files

### Delete Single File

1. Hover over the file
2. Click the delete icon
3. Confirm deletion

### Delete Multiple Files

1. Select files using checkboxes
2. Click the bulk delete button
3. Confirm deletion

Deleted files cannot be recovered. Make sure you have backups of important data.

## Downloading Files

Download your files back to your computer:

1. Hover over the file
2. Click the download icon
3. File saves to your downloads folder

### Bulk Download

1. Select multiple files
2. Click the download button
3. Files download as a zip archive

## Using Files in Chats

Start analyzing a file directly from My Data:

1. Find the file you want to analyze
2. Click the chat icon
3. A new chat opens with the file attached
4. Start asking questions

You can also add files to existing chats from the left panel.

## File Information

View details about any file:

- **Original name** - The name when uploaded
- **File type** - Format and extension
- **Size** - Storage used
- **Uploaded** - Date and time
- **Last used** - When last analyzed

## Data Retention

Free Plan: 60-Day Retention

On the free plan, chats and files inactive for more than 60 days are automatically and permanently deleted. Upgrade to any paid plan for unlimited data retention.

| | Free Plan | Paid Plans |
| - | - | - |
| **Chats & Messages** | Deleted after 60 days of inactivity | Retained indefinitely |
| **Uploaded Files** | Deleted after 60 days | Retained indefinitely |

## Best Practices

### Organize by Project

Keep related files together:

- Use consistent naming
- Upload project files together
- Delete when projects complete

### Regular Cleanup

- Review files monthly
- Delete temporary uploads
- Archive completed work

### Backup Important Data

- Keep copies of critical files
- Export analysis results
- Document your workflows

## Troubleshooting

### File Won't Delete

- Refresh the page and try again
- Check if the file is in use
- Contact support if persistent

### Can't Download File

- Check your browser's download settings
- Try a different browser
- Clear browser cache

### File Appears Corrupted

- Try re-uploading the original
- Check the source file isn't damaged
- Contact support for help

## Next Steps

- [See supported file formats](https://betteranalyst.com/docs/my-data/supported-formats)
- [Share files with others](https://betteranalyst.com/docs/my-data/sharing-files)
- [Start analyzing with AI Chat](https://betteranalyst.com/docs/ai-chat/overview)