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

# Types of Datasources

> Manual and Google Drive datasources

You choose a type when you create the datasource, and it can't be changed afterward — pick **Manual** for full control over content, or **Google Drive** when your source files already live in a shared folder you want to keep syncing from.

***

## Manual Datasources

A **Manual Datasource** is a self-managed knowledge base where you have full control over the content and structure.

### Characteristics

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Direct Control" icon="hand">
    You manage all content and updates
  </Card>

  <Card title="Multiple Content Types" icon="layer-group">
    Files, URLs, and manual text entries
  </Card>

  <Card title="Flexible Updates" icon="edit">
    Add, remove, or modify content anytime
  </Card>

  <Card title="Privacy" icon="lock">
    Complete control over visibility
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### Content Types

Manual datasources can contain:

* **Manual Datasource**:
  * **Files**
    * PDF documents
    * Word documents (.docx)
    * Text files (.txt)
    * Spreadsheets (.xlsx, .csv)
  * **URLs**
    * Single web pages
    * Website sitemaps
  * **Manual Content**
    * Text entered directly

### Creating a Manual Datasource

<Steps>
  <Step title="Go to Datasources">
    Navigate to the **Datasources** section in your project
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create New">
    Click **Create Datasource** and select **Manual**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set Details">
    Enter name, description, and optional tags
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add Resources">
    Upload files, add URLs, or enter text content
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Metadata">
    Set visibility and any custom metadata
  </Step>

  <Step title="Assign to Agents">
    Select which agents can access this datasource
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Management

**Updating Content:**

* Add new files or URLs anytime
* Remove outdated content
* Edit manual text entries
* Update metadata

**Monitoring:**

* Track file size and resource count
* Monitor indexing status
* View search performance metrics
* See which agents are using it

### Best Practices

* **Organize by Topic**: Group related content into separate datasources
* **Clear Naming**: Use descriptive file and datasource names
* **Regular Maintenance**: Remove obsolete content
* **Document Format**: Use well-structured documents with clear sections
* **Version Control**: Keep track of updates and changes

***

## Google Drive Datasources

A **Google Drive Datasource** connects directly to your Google Drive folders, automatically syncing files and staying up-to-date.

### Characteristics

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Auto-Sync" icon="refresh">
    Automatically updates when Drive files change
  </Card>

  <Card title="Collaborative" icon="users">
    Team members can edit docs together
  </Card>

  <Card title="Version History" icon="history">
    Maintains document version tracking
  </Card>

  <Card title="Cloud Storage" icon="cloud">
    No need to manually upload files
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

### Supported File Types

Google Drive datasources can index the following file types:

**Documents & Text** ✅

* **PDF** (.pdf) - Full text extraction
* **Text Files** (.txt) - Plain text
* **Markdown** (.md) - Formatted text
* **HTML** (.html) - Web content

**Data Files** ✅

* **CSV** (.csv) - Spreadsheet data

**Images** ✅

* **PNG** (.png) - Image files
* **JPEG** (.jpg, .jpeg) - Image files
* **WebP** (.webp) - Modern image format

**Multimedia** ✅

* **MP4** (.mp4) - Video files
* **WAV** (.wav) - Audio files

**NOT Supported** ❌

* **Google Docs** - Requires manual export to PDF
* **Google Sheets** - Export to CSV first, then upload
* **Google Slides** - Not supported
* **Word Documents** (.docx) - Not natively supported
* **Excel** (.xlsx) - Export to CSV instead
* **PowerPoint** (.pptx) - Not supported

### Setup Process

<Steps>
  <Step title="Go to Datasources">
    Navigate to the **Datasources** section
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create Google Drive Datasource">
    Click **Create Datasource** and select **Google Drive**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Authenticate">
    Click **Connect to Google Drive** and authorize access
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Folders">
    Choose which folders to index and monitor
  </Step>

  <Step title="Configure Sync">
    Set sync frequency and indexing options
  </Step>

  <Step title="Assign to Agents">
    Select agents that can access this datasource
  </Step>
</Steps>

### Synchronization

**Automatic Updates:**

1. **Google Drive folder changes**
2. **Detected by PLai**
3. **Files re-indexed**
4. **Changes available to agents**

**Sync Frequency:**

* Real-time detection for new files
* Periodic re-indexing (configurable)
* Manual refresh option available
* Change notifications and logs

### Permissions

Google Drive datasources respect your Drive permissions:

* **Shared Folders**: Include collaborators' permissions
* **Private Folders**: Only you have access
* **Shared Drives**: Team-wide access control
* **Public Folders**: Open access

### Best Practices

* **Folder Organization**: Structure folders logically before indexing
* **File Naming**: Use clear, descriptive file names
* **Shared Drive**: Use for team collaboration
* **Regular Cleanup**: Archive or delete unused documents
* **Permissions Review**: Ensure correct access levels

***

## Next Steps

* **[Resource Types](./resource-types.mdx)** - Learn about files, URLs, and content
* **[Shared Datasources](./shared-datasources.mdx)** - Share knowledge with your team
* **[Datasource Metadata](./datasource-metadata.mdx)** - Configure metadata and properties
* **[Agent Configuration](../agents/configuration.mdx)** - Connect datasources to agents