> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.diaflow.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.diaflow.io/workflow-builder/nodes/built-in-tools/file-creator.md).

# File creator

## File creator

### What does it do?

The **File creator** node builds a brand-new file from the content in your workflow. Think of it like an assistant who takes your notes, report data, or AI output and turns it into a finished document you can download or send.

It works well for reports, exports, transcripts, summaries, and formatted handoff files.

#### Smart features

* **Builds a file from workflow content**: use typed text or insert values from earlier steps with **@**.
* **Fills in dynamic values automatically**: file names and file content can use values from earlier nodes.
* **Recognizes common file type names**: choices like **word**, **document**, **excel**, **text**, **markdown**, and **subtitle** are matched to the right output format.
* **Detects rich content automatically**: if your content already looks like a web page, Diaflow uses a richer path for **PDF** output.
* **Prepares spreadsheets from structured content**: for **XLSX** and **CSV**, Diaflow can turn table-style content into a usable spreadsheet file.
* **Cleans subtitle files for you**: for **SRT**, Diaflow fixes timing formatting before creating the file.
* **Returns a ready-to-use download link**: the output is a file link you can pass to later steps or an **Output** node.

<figure><img src="/files/hCc8rGR0LITEbJuYvmJy" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

### Real-World Business Value

* Turn an AI-generated meeting summary into a **DOCX** file for managers and clients.
* Create a **CSV** or **XLSX** export from structured workflow results before sending it to finance or operations.
* Generate a branded **PDF** report from workflow content and share it as a downloadable file.

### Step-by-Step Setup

* Drag **File creator** onto the canvas.
* In **File type**, choose the format you want to create, such as `pdf`, `docx`, `xlsx`, `txt`, `md`, `html`, `json`, `csv`, or `srt`.
* In **File name**, enter a clear file name, such as `weekly-sales-report`.
* In **Content**, type the content you want in the file or insert values from earlier nodes with **@**.
* If you are creating **XLSX** or **CSV**, paste clean table-style content or structured data.
* If you are creating **JSON**, enter valid JSON if you want the file to keep an exact JSON structure.
* Save the node and run the workflow once to confirm the file opens as expected.

### The Transformation: Before & After

**Before  raw content entered in the node**

<figure><img src="/files/rYEqBkMNdxhbh6VTjND8" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

**After  downloadable file returned by the node**

<figure><img src="/files/eBkasiOvUodNvwHiqlQj" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

In this example, plain workflow text becomes a shareable **DOCX** file.

### Tips & Warnings for First-Timers

#### Best practices

* Choose the output format based on how people will use the file.
* Keep **File name** short and clear.
* Test one small file first before generating a large PDF or spreadsheet.
* For **XLSX**, use clean structured content with consistent columns.
* For **JSON**, paste valid JSON when you need exact field structure.
* For **PDF**, use well-formatted content if layout matters.

#### Warnings

* Do not leave **Content** empty. The file will fail to generate.
* Do not choose a file type that the node does not support yet.
* Do not expect **XLSX** to work from free-form text. Use table-style or structured content.
* Do not expect **XLSX** to create multiple sheets. It creates one sheet only.
* Do not expect mixed text and JSON notes to become a clean **JSON** file automatically. Use valid JSON only when exact structure matters.
* Do not paste broken web page content into **HTML** if you need a clean browser-ready file.
* Do not rely on repeated runs producing a reused file automatically. This node creates the file again each time.
* Do not use very long untested content for your first **PDF** run. Review the output once before sharing it widely.

### Need help?

* Learn the basics in [How a node works](/getting-started/lets-start-with-the-basics/how-a-node-works.md)
* Build the full flow in [Create a workflow](/workflow-builder/create-a-workflow.md)
* Browse related nodes in [Component List](/workflow-builder/component-list.md)