# Give the assistant an image, PDF or spreadsheet Official GBMaps guide for the classic map maker. VectorMaps has a different interface. Source: https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=assistant-files Updated: 2026-10-22 Attach a reference, say what you want made, then review the proposed map changes. This is useful for copying a territory idea or using a small table of locations. ## 1. Attach one file Open Map assistant and choose the paperclip (Attach file) beside the question box. Select PNG, JPG/JPEG, WebP, PDF, CSV or XLSX. You can also paste an existing image. Wait until the attachment preview is ready. This attaches your chosen file; it does not take a screenshot of your screen. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=assistant-files#assistant-files--choose) ## 2. Check the size before uploading Use one file per message, up to 8 MB. Images can be up to 16 megapixels; PDFs up to 10 pages. CSV files have a 1 MB limit. Tables can contain up to 500 rows, 20 columns, 5,000 cells and three sheets. If a file is too large, use a smaller relevant extract or the appropriate import tool. Do not split a map job into unrelated fragments without explaining how they fit together. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=assistant-files#assistant-files--limits) ## 3. Check, enlarge or remove the attachment Select the thumbnail to inspect the picture, PDF pages or table values. Check leading zeros in postcodes and ZIPs, headings and all relevant rows. Use Change to choose a different file, or the cross to remove it before sending. If processing fails, read the message and try a supported, smaller file; no map changes have been made by attaching it. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=assistant-files#assistant-files--preview) ## 4. Say what the file should become For a picture: “Use this map as a reference for similar coloured territories on my current map; keep my title and logo.” For a table: “Use Postcode for locations and Team for territory names, with one colour per team.” Tell the assistant whether to keep or replace existing colouring. A file on its own does not say what result you want. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=assistant-files#assistant-files--request) ## 5. Review and apply the proposed changes Send the question with Ask, then check the proposed changes. Attachment-based map edits need review before Make these changes, even when the question was spoken. The assistant can use supported map features; it cannot guarantee an exact reproduction, invent missing boundaries or convert a picture into a detailed street map. Answer a clarification if needed. Undo this job reverses the applied job. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=assistant-files#assistant-files--review) ## 6. Choose the right tool for a larger table For a long postcode-to-territory list use Import Excel. For individually styled dots or marker boxes use their Advanced import. For reusable numerical figures use Additional Data → My datasets. An assistant attachment does not create a saved dataset. Spreadsheet formulas use their saved results; check those results in the preview. XLS files need saving as XLSX or CSV first. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=assistant-files#assistant-files--tables) ## 7. Only include what is needed Remove confidential or unnecessary personal details before sending. Files are reference material for your request. Do not include passwords, payment details or account codes. Chat privacy explains how questions and attachments are used. To place a logo directly on the map, use Images instead of attaching it as a reference. [Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=assistant-files#assistant-files--privacy) ### What this looks like Current GBMaps controls with example maps and account details. Choose View larger to see the details. ![A file ready to send with a question — GBMaps controls](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/help/images/help-20261022-assistant-1440.png?v=1792654463) [**A file ready to send with a question**](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=assistant-files#assistant-files--choose) The paperclip, microphone and Ask sit below the conversation. This example CSV is a reference; no map changes have been applied. ![Check the table before sending — GBMaps controls](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/help/images/help-20261022-attachment-preview.png?v=1792654463) [**Check the table before sending**](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=assistant-files#assistant-files--preview) Enlarge the attachment to check columns and values. Close the preview to return to your question. ## Related guides - [Ask the map assistant](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-assistant) - [Speak a request and let the assistant work](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=assistant-voice) - [Get a spreadsheet ready for import](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=import-checklist) - [Advanced dots & shapes: every column](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=advanced-dots) - [Upload your postcode figures](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=data-import) - [Images: add a logo, photograph or illustration](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=page-images)