Algodocs — Imports, API, Formats, Limits & Folders
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Overview
Bring documents into Algodocs via Manual Upload, Email, Google Drive, Dropbox, Zapier, or the REST API. This page unifies steps, supported formats, practical limits, folder behavior, and guidance for combined PDFs.
At a glance
- Multiple import channels with extractor selection per flow
- PDFs & common image types supported
- No strict hard cap on pages/file size (practical limits may apply)
- Folders are organizational (no special processing semantics)
Quick access
Import Methods
Pick the method that fits your workflow. Select a destination folder and an Extractor.
Steps
- Open File Manager → navigate to your target folder
- Right-click → Upload → select file(s)
- Choose the Extractor to process the documents
- Processing begins after upload
Tips
- Use subfolders per vendor/customer
- For very large files, consider API or splitting batches
Filters
- Type: Sender is / Subject contains / Body contains
- Value: multiple values via
|separator - Save in: destination folder in Algodocs
- Extractor: applied to matching attachments
Why use it
Great for invoices/POs arriving by email — no manual steps once filters are set.
Setup
- Connect Google Drive in Integrations
- Select Drive folder(s) to watch
- Pick destination folder + Extractor in Algodocs
- Save the integration
Notes
Polling occurs periodically (e.g., every few minutes).
Setup
- Connect Dropbox in Integrations
- Choose the Dropbox folder to monitor
- Select destination folder + Extractor
Good practice
Use a dedicated ingest folder and keep originals in an archive if needed.
Steps
- In Zapier → My Apps → connect Algodocs
- Create a Zap: choose a Trigger app (source of files)
- Add Algodocs action → send file/URL to folder + Extractor
Why use it
No-code pipelines from 2,000+ apps (email, storage, back-office, etc.).
Supported File Formats
PDFs (generated, scanned, mixed) and common image formats.
- Text-based PDFs (digital)
- Scanned PDFs (image-only)
- Mixed PDFs (text + image)
Images
- PNG
- JPG / JPEG
- TIFF
Document Size & Page Limits
General
- No strict app-level cap on pages or file size
- Very large single uploads may hit browser/network limits
- Prefer chunking via integrations/API for mega loads
Throughput Tips
- Compress scans (300 DPI, grayscale where possible)
- Batch by vendor/date for clean analytics
- Automate with Drive/Dropbox/Zapier/API
Folders in Algodocs
Folders help organize and route imports; they don’t change extraction behavior.
Best Practices
- One folder per document type or vendor
- Mirror finance/ops taxonomy (AP, AR, Statements)
- Attach import flows (email rules/storage) per folder
Access
- Use folder-level permissions if needed
- Set default extractor per flow
Do I Need to Split a Combined PDF?
Keep combined when…
- All pages are one case/transaction/vendor
- You want one output payload per file
- Extractor handles page variety well
Split when…
- Pages mix vendors or document types
- You need one record per invoice/packet
- Single file risks timeout → batch it
API
FAQ
My upload is huge. Should I compress?
Yes — prefer 300 DPI, grayscale if acceptable, and lossless compression. Split mega batches or use API/integrations.
Route different vendors to different extractors?
Yes — use separate folders and attach the right email/storage/Zap flow to each.
Will files remain in my Drive/Dropbox?
Some flows clean up the source folder post-import. Keep originals in an archive or route copies to an “inbox” folder.
Can I monitor ingestion?
Yes — review integration logs and document statuses; add alerts via Zapier or your ops tools.
