Prepare

Last updated: July 22, 2025

Prepare allows you to reshape your files—with the help of an AI agent—before importing them to Flatfile. Rather than leaving Flatfile to restructure files in Excel or a similar tool, open the file in Flatfile and prompt the agent to do the work for you.

Note: The Prepare agent is an add-on to the Flatfile Projects product. There may be an additional cost to enable it on your account. Reach out to success@flatfile.com if you’re interested in learning more.

This feature is not currently available on the CA regional server.

How to use Prepare

Once you’re logged in to your Flatfile account: 

1. Upload your file

  • Go to the Files section within your Flatfile project.

  • Use the drag and drop feature to add your file or click Upload file. 

2.  Open the file

  • Once your file is uploaded, find it in your Files list and click the file name to open it.

3. Open the Assistant

  • Click into the Prepare assistant option in your toolbar and type in a natural language command like “Split full name into first and last name.” The agent will run and apply the change across your file once you approve.

​​4. Review your changes

  • As you make manual edits or approve the agent’s previews, you’ll see your data update in real time.

  • Changes that were made by the assistant will appear in green column headers, indicating they’re saved.

  • Make sure your columns and values now match the structure your destination schema expects. This is the best time to fix any mismatches in your source file so that mapping is simple later.​​

5. Import your data

  • Once your data looks good, click Import in the top right corner of your dashboard. This will take you to the mapping step.

Limitations of Prepare

When working with Prepare, remember that: 

  • It does not work on files other than CSV and XLSX files at the moment.

  • It doesn't support the application of complex Excel-style formulas.

  • It doesn’t perform data validation (that happens later).

  • It doesn’t currently support pivoting data (from long to wide).

  • Currently, it does not automatically detect and apply changes based on your destination schema.

Prepare FAQs

What happens if my data is already formatted how I want it—will Prepare change it?
Prepare does not make any changes to your files automatically. It only changes your data if you manually edit it or if you ask the Prepare assistant to perform a particular action.

Will Prepare affect the original uploaded file?
No—Prepare edits a working version of the data, not your source file.

Can I undo changes made in Prepare?

Yes, all changes made manually or with the help of the Prepare agent can be rolled back at any time. Flatfile keeps a version history to enable you to move quickly without worrying about mistakes.

Will Prepare automatically match my columns to the destination schema?

Prepare does not automatically map your fields, but it does make them much easier to map in the next step of your Flatfile workflow. You’ll no longer need to split or combine fields or do other schema adjustments during mapping.

Can I use formulas like in Excel inside Prepare?

No—Prepare does not support Excel-style formulas or functions. You can use the assistant to perform complex structural changes, but not via formulas like VLOOKUPs.

Do changes I make in Prepare carry over when I import the file?

Yes—any changes you approve will carry over into the import and mapping steps.

What if I need additional help?

You can view the full user guide for Prepare here. If you’re still stuck or have questions, reach out to our team at support@flatfile.com.