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The File Browser

When Open Terminal is connected, a file browser appears in the sidebar of your chat. It works like the file explorer on your computer — you can browse folders, open files, upload things, and download results. Everything the AI creates shows up here automatically.

Chat interface with the file browser sidebar

Browsing​

Click folders to navigate, and click files to preview them. A breadcrumb bar at the top shows where you are.

Browsing a project directory with breadcrumb navigation

Sorting​

Use the toolbar above the file list to sort by Name or Date Modified, ascending or descending. Folders always group ahead of files, so the sort order only reorders entries within each group. Each row shows its modified time next to the size, making it easier to find the latest output the AI just dropped into a working directory.

Previewing files​

Click any file to see a preview. Different file types display differently:

Text and code​

Source code and text files are shown with syntax highlighting and line numbers.

Python code with syntax highlighting and line numbers

PDFs​

PDF documents render directly in the browser — you can read them without downloading.

File browser with rendered markdown preview

Spreadsheets (CSV, TSV)​

Data files render as formatted tables with headers and clean rows — much easier to read than raw comma-separated text.

CSV data rendered as a clean table

Markdown​

Markdown files show a rendered preview (with formatted headings, links, bold text) and a toggle to switch to raw source.

Rendered markdown with headings, lists, and formatted text

Images​

Images display inline at a comfortable size.

File browser displaying an image preview

Uploading files​

Drag and drop files from your computer directly onto the file browser to upload them. This is how you share data with the AI — drop a spreadsheet, a PDF, an image, or any file you want the AI to work with.

File browser showing uploaded files with names and sizes

Upload to any folder

Navigate to the folder you want first, then drag and drop. The file uploads to whatever directory you're currently viewing.

Downloading files​

Click the download button on any file to save it to your computer. This is how you get results back: after the AI generates a chart, creates a spreadsheet, processes an image, or writes a report, just download it.

File browser with download and action buttons

Editing files​

Click the edit icon on any text file to open it in an editor. Make your changes and save. This is handy for quick fixes — editing a config value, correcting a typo, or tweaking something the AI generated.

Editing a file directly in the file browser

Creating and deleting​

You can create new files and folders, or delete things you don't need anymore, directly from the file browser.

File browser action bar with New File, New Folder options

Good to know​

Files update automatically

When the AI creates or changes files, the file browser refreshes automatically. You don't need to manually reload.

Remembers where you were

The file browser remembers which folder you were in, even when you switch between chats or terminals.

Multiple terminals

If you have more than one terminal connected, switching between them in the dropdown updates the file browser to show that terminal's files.

More things to try​

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a warranty, guarantee, or contractual commitment. Open WebUI is provided "as is." See your license for applicable terms.