Table of Contents
Creating an Article from a File
Have a file you want inside your Knowledge Base and keep the formatting intact? Learn how to import your existing document into HelpDocs in just a few clicks.
Updated
by River Sloane
Sometimes you need to import content you've already created elsewhere into your Knowledge Base.
Whether it's a document you drafted in Word or content in another format, HelpDocs makes it easy to transform existing files into Knowledge Base articles in just a few clicks.
Supported File Formats
Before you upload, check that your file is in one of our supported formats:
- Microsoft Word (.docx, .doc)
- Markdown (.md)
- Plain text (.txt)
- HTML (.html, .htm)
- Rich Text (.rtf)
- OpenDocument (.odt)
All files must be under 5MB in size. Larger files will need to be reduced before uploading 🤏
How to Import a File
- Head to Content (or click here)
- Click the arrow next to the Create Article button
- Select Upload file
- Choose your file (remember the 5MB limit!)
- Wait for processing—you'll be taken to your new article automatically when it's ready
Our system works hard to preserve your original formatting but some conversions are more challenging than others. Microsoft Word documents in particular can contain complex formatting that doesn't always transfer perfectly 😵
Best Practices for Importing Files
For the smoothest import experience:
- Keep formatting simple—basic headings, lists, and emphasis work best
- Check your articles after import and clean up any formatting issues
- For complex documents, consider breaking them into multiple smaller files
If you're creating content specifically for import, Markdown files typically provide the cleanest conversion to HelpDocs formatting.
Once your file is imported, you can edit it just like any other article in your Knowledge Base—adding images, adjusting formatting, and organizing it within your collection.
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Exporting & Backing Up Your Articles
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