Agent File Output Reference

Last Updated: October 25, 2026

An agent returns a text response by default. When you ask for a file in the agent instructions, the agent returns one downloadable file for each run. To return a file, the agent must have the Code Interpreter tool. Use this reference to identify the file types that an agent can return, the limits that apply, and how to get the file.

This feature is in beta. Capabilities, configuration, and availability may change as development continues. Contact your Vasion representative with feedback to help shape this feature.

Request a File

To have an agent return a file, name the file type in the instructions. You can enter instructions in the Instructions field of an agent or in the Instructions field of an Agent step in a Business Process workflow. For example, enter one of the following:

  • Summarize this document as a PDF.
  • Export the results to an Excel spreadsheet.
  • Return a budget.xlsx file along with a brief summary.

Supported File Types

Choose the file category that fits how people or workflow steps use the result.

Supported File Types

Category

File Types

Use For

Documents

.pdf, .docx, .odt, .rtf, .txt, .md

Reports that people read.

Spreadsheets and data

.xlsx, .ods, .csv, .tsv, .json, .jsonl, .xml, .yaml, .yml

Results that other tools or steps process.

Presentations

.pptx, .odp

Slide decks.

Images

.png, .jpg, .jpeg, .gif, .webp, .bmp, .tif, .tiff

Charts and diagrams.

Calendar and contacts

.ics, .vcf

Calendar events and contact cards.

Unsupported File Types

An agent cannot return the following file types:

  • Executables.
  • Scripts.
  • HTML files.
  • Archives.
  • Macro-enabled Office files.

File Output Limits

File Output Limits

Item

Limit or Behavior

Files for each run

One downloadable file.

File size

Up to 25 MB.

No file requested

The agent replies with text only. In a workflow, the response is available in the agentResult variable. If you attach the agent output to an Email step, the attachment is a Markdown (.md) file.

File availability

Generated files stay available for seven days.

The 25 MB limit applies to the file that an agent returns. It does not apply to the files that you upload for an agent to reference.

Get the File

How you get the file depends on where the agent runs.

File Delivery by Run Location

Run Location

How to Get the File

Chat session

Download the file from the session. Go to Agents from the side navigation and start a chat from the available agents.

Agent step

The workflow runs without user involvement, so the file must be sent by email. Add an Email step after the Agent step, and include the agent output in the email.

Best Practices

Follow these practices when you ask an agent for a file:

  • Name the file type in the instructions. Include the file name when it matters, for example, budget.xlsx.
  • Request one file for each run, because an agent returns one file.
  • Choose a supported file type.
  • Keep the file under 25 MB.
  • Add an Email step after the Agent step so the right people receive the file.

Next Steps

Refer to the following: