# Input Types

Choosing the correct input type is important for the success of your Workflow.

### Basic Input Types

Basic input types allow users to type information or select options from a dropdown:

* **Short Text:** A single-line text field
* **Long Text:** A multi-line text field
* **Single Select:** Allows the user to choose one option from a list
* **Multi Select:** Allows the user to choose multiple options from a list

### Advanced Input Types

Advanced input types allow users to pass in JSON, files, databases, or numbers as inputs:

{% hint style="danger" %}
Workflows with file inputs cannot be published as public Workflows
{% endhint %}

* **JSON:** Allows the user to pass a JSON object or list
* **File Text:** Allows the user to upload a .pdf, .txt, .docx, .md file that is converted into text
* **File Media:** Allows the user to upload a .mp3, .mp4, .wav, .jpg, .png, .webp file which is converted into a downloadable link
* **File CSV:** Allows the user to upload a .csv file which is transformed into a list of JSON objects
* **Data Sources:** Allows the user to connect to a [data source](https://docs.airops.com/context/memory-stores/add-data/import-from-sql-database/data-sources) that has been added in AirOps
* **Number:** Allows the user to pass a numerical string that is interpreted as a number instead of a string

{% hint style="warning" %}
If you input a number using Short Text or Long Text, it will be interpreted as a string - e.g. 3 will be interpreted as "3". Instead, use the **Number** input type to pass a number.
{% endhint %}

### AirOps-Specific Input Types

AirOps-specific input types provide access to additional platform features:

* **Brand Kit:** Allows you to choose a Brand Kit as an input and reference any of its attributes throughout the workflow. Brand Kits include:
  * **Foundations**: Core brand identity, tone of voice, and global writing rules
  * **Product Lines**: Different products or services with their own context and competitors
  * **Content Types**: Content formats with outlines, samples, and format-specific rules
  * **Audiences**: Target segments with descriptions and audience-specific writing rules
  * **Regions**: Markets with localization settings and region-specific writing rules
  * **Example:** A content creation workflow that adapts messaging based on the selected product line, tailors the tone for a specific audience (e.g., Enterprise vs. SMB), and outputs in the correct language for a target region
* **Knowledge Base:** Allows you to dynamically set a knowledge base upfront and reference it throughout the workflow
  * **Example:** An internal linking workflow that recommends relevant page connections based on different sitemaps, allowing content teams to optimize SEO by connecting related content across various sections of a website

### Input Specifications

Detailed specifications on the input types and resulting data types:

<table><thead><tr><th width="174">Input Name</th><th width="158">Input Type</th><th width="212">Resulting Data Type</th><th>Use Cases</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Short Text</td><td></td><td>String</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Long Text</td><td></td><td>String</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Single-Select</td><td></td><td>String</td><td>Allow the user to select one option</td></tr><tr><td>Multi-Select</td><td></td><td>String</td><td>Allow the user to select multiple options</td></tr><tr><td>JSON</td><td>JSON or List</td><td>JSON or List</td><td>Create an API that accepts a JSON payload</td></tr><tr><td>File Text</td><td>.pdf, .txt, .docx, .md</td><td>String</td><td>Generate summaries or insights from PDFs</td></tr><tr><td>File Media</td><td>.mp3, .mp4, .wav, .jpg, .png, .webp</td><td>Downloadable link to file</td><td>Transcribe and analyze interviews</td></tr><tr><td>File CSV</td><td>.csv</td><td>A list of JSON objects</td><td>Iterate over each row of a csv and analyze the results</td></tr><tr><td>Database</td><td></td><td>Database</td><td>Run a query on your database</td></tr><tr><td>Number</td><td></td><td>Number</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Brand Kit</td><td></td><td>Single Select or ID</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>Knowledge Base</td><td></td><td>Single Select or ID</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

*Please note: Files do not have a specific size limit, but large files could impact upload time and server load.*