Inserting a local path for the Directory Component

[ser888gio]

Good morning,

I am using LangFlow through Datastax website and I am trying to upload multiple files, located in a folder from my local computer. However, I do not know, how to correctly to write the path so it will upload the files.

I tried this versions:
/app/Users/user_name/Downloads/medical_pdfs/
/c/mount/Users/user_name/Downloads/medical_pdfs/
c/mount/Users/user_name/Downloads/medical_pdfs/
c/mount/Users/user_name/Downloads/medical_pdfs

I use Windows 11, any help will be appreciated.

[dosubot[bot]]

Hi @ser888gio! I'm Dosu and I’m helping the langflow team.

To upload multiple files from a folder on your Windows 11 machine using LangFlow, you should use the standard Windows path format with backslashes, for example:
C:\Users\user_name\Downloads\medical_pdfs\
LangFlow's path handling supports this format and will process it correctly if the Directory component or file upload expects a local path source.

However, if you are using LangFlow through the Datastax website (hosted/cloud version), direct access to your local file system via a path string may not be supported due to browser security restrictions. In this case, you should use the File management system: go to the "My Files" window (usually at /files in the LangFlow interface), click "Upload," and select multiple files from your local folder. You can upload several files at once this way, and then use them in your flows by selecting them in the File component source.

If you want to upload files directly within a flow, the File component also allows one-time uploads from your local machine.

If you encounter errors during upload, make sure you are not adding extra quotes or special characters to the path, and always use the file picker dialog when possible for best compatibility. If you need to use a path string, stick to the Windows format as shown above.

To reply, just mention my name @dosu.

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[ser888gio]

Thank you very much for the fast reply. For future implementation we are planning to upload files to the LangFlow project on a daily basis. The files would be scrapped from a website, right know we are using ElasticSearch for scrapping and storing. Is it possible to create such a flow in the LangFlow, where it will be automated and not expecting the user to upload manually the files? I have tried your path, but is not working, maybe because it is in the broser environment.

[ser888gio]

Thank you very much for the fast reply. For future implementation we are planning to upload files to the LangFlow project on a daily basis. The files would be scrapped from a website, right know we are using ElasticSearch for scrapping and storing. Is it possible to create such a flow in the LangFlow, where it will be automated and not expecting the user to upload manually the files? I have tried your path, but is not working, maybe because it is in the broser environment.

[dosubot[bot]]

LangFlow does not currently provide built-in support or direct documentation for fully automated file uploads from external sources like ElasticSearch, especially in a browser-based (hosted) environment. The browser interface restricts direct access to your local or network file systems, which is why specifying a path does not work.

However, LangFlow does offer API endpoints for uploading flows from files and for batch creation of flows. These endpoints are designed for programmatic interaction and could be used to automate uploads if you have access to the backend API (for example, in a self-hosted or enterprise deployment). You could set up an external script or scheduled task that retrieves files from ElasticSearch, formats them as needed, and uses the LangFlow API to upload them automatically. The relevant API endpoint for uploading flows from a file is described in the backend code and allows you to send file contents directly to LangFlow for processing and flow creation (source).

If you are using LangFlow exclusively through the Datastax website (hosted/cloud), you are limited to manual uploads via the web interface due to browser security and platform restrictions. Automated backend integration would require API access, which may not be available in the hosted version.

If you have control over your LangFlow deployment (self-hosted), you can automate uploads by interacting with the API. If you are using the hosted version and need automation, you may want to reach out to the platform provider to inquire about API access or automation options.

Let me know if you need guidance on how to script the API upload process or have questions about self-hosted deployment options.

To reply, just mention my name @dosu.

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