---
title: "Choose PDF / Document or File (no conversion) for Material Uploads"
slug: "material-uploader-widget"
status: "new"
updated: 2026-07-21T20:21:59Z
published: 2026-07-21T20:21:59Z
canonical: "knowledge.technolutions.net/material-uploader-widget"
stale: true
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://knowledge.technolutions.net/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Choose PDF / Document or File (no conversion) for Material Uploads

When a material uploader asks for an upload type, choose the option that matches how the uploaded file should be stored and used later. The choice affects whether Slate converts the file to PDF and whether the material can be used in document export workflows.

> [!TIP]
> ⭐ Get Inspired
> 
> This article was adapted from [a post by Technolutions staff](https://community.technolutions.net/get-inspired/post/when-to-use-pdf-document-vs-file-no-conversion-within-material-upload-uyDx1azHtT9d4Dm) in the Slate Community Forums' Get Inspired space. Have a great idea for a Get Inspired post? [Let us know](https://community.technolutions.net/get-inspired/new?post_type=gnHx7As1gZ8r6Ld)!

## Compare the upload types

| Upload type | What happens | Use when |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **PDF / Document** | The uploaded file is converted to PDF and stored as a document material. | The file should be viewable as a PDF, used in Reader-style document workflows, or included in document export queries. |
| **File (no conversion)** | The uploaded file is preserved in its original format and is not converted to PDF. | The original file format must be preserved, such as a PowerPoint file, spreadsheet, or another file type that PDF conversion could alter. |

## Use PDF / Document for exportable materials

Select **PDF / Document** when the material should be converted and handled as a document. This is the usual choice for PDFs, Word documents, image files, and other documents where PDF conversion will not materially change the file's meaning.

Materials uploaded this way can display as PDF documents on the record and can be included in document export query workflows when the material is configured for export.

## Use File (no conversion) to preserve the original file

Select **File (no conversion)** when the original file format matters. The uploaded file remains as-is, without PDF conversion. Users can view or download the file from the record, but the material does not have the same PDF-rendered page view as converted document materials.

> [!WARNING]
> 📝 Note
> 
> Documents uploaded as **File (no conversion)** are not converted to PDF and should not be used for workflows that depend on PDF document export behavior.

## Decide before building the uploader

Before configuring the material uploader, ask these questions:

- Will PDF conversion distort or break the submitted file?
- Does your team need to export the material through a document export query?
- Does the material need a PDF page rendering on the record?
- Will staff need to download the original file format later?

If the material must be exported through a document export query, use **PDF / Document**. If preserving the original file format matters more than PDF conversion or document export behavior, use **File (no conversion)**.

## Related articles

- [Uploading Materials](https://knowledge.technolutions.net/docs/en/uploading-materials)
- [Materials Overview](https://knowledge.technolutions.net/docs/en/materials-overview)
- [Getting Started with Document Exports](https://knowledge.technolutions.net/docs/en/getting-started-with-document-exports)
- [Building a Document Export Query](https://knowledge.technolutions.net/docs/en/creating-a-document-export-query-with-configurable-joins)