Skip to main content
File Studio is a Sofie capability for working with files in a code sandbox. It is useful when the work is file-based, programmatic, or outside the scope of the dedicated Sofie editors. Use File Studio when you need Sofie to create, inspect, transform, or edit files such as PowerPoint presentations, Word documents, Excel workbooks, JSON files, CSV files, and other structured data files.
You usually do not need to choose File Studio by name. Describe the file outcome you want. If Sofie chooses the wrong path, you can say Use File Studio for this.

​
When to use File Studio

Use File Studio when the task needs a file operation that does not fit a normal chat answer, CoDraft, or CoSheet. Good uses:
  • Create or edit a PowerPoint file when the dedicated presentation surface is not available.
  • Create or edit a Word document as a file instead of a collaborative CoDraft.
  • Transform JSON, CSV, TSV, or other structured data with code.
  • Batch-process multiple files.
  • Run statistical or programmatic analysis that is easier in a code sandbox.
  • Generate a downloadable file from source data.
  • Preserve or modify Office-file formatting when a simple summary is not enough.
Example:
Another:

​
When not to use File Studio

Use the dedicated Sofie surface when the user experience matters more than a generated file.
If you want to keep editing the result with teammates inside Sofie, ask for CoDraft or CoSheet. If you need a generated Office file or code-based transformation, ask for File Studio.

​
File Studio versus CoDraft

CoDraft is the best path for collaborative writing inside Sofie. Use CoDraft when you want to:
  • Draft a report, memo, protocol, URS, SOP, email, or template.
  • Edit with Sofie in a live document editor.
  • Add comments or suggestions.
  • Use review workflows.
  • Keep the work as a Sofie artifact.
Use File Studio when you want to:
  • Create or modify a Word file as a downloadable file.
  • Work with a file format or transformation that CoDraft does not support.
  • Generate a Word output from structured data.
  • Perform code-based document manipulation.

​
File Studio versus CoSheet

CoSheet is the best path for interactive spreadsheets. Use CoSheet when you want to:
  • Import XLSX or CSV data into a grid.
  • View and edit cells.
  • Add formulas.
  • Create charts or pivot tables.
  • Collaborate on spreadsheet data in Sofie.
Use File Studio when you want to:
  • Run Python-style statistical analysis.
  • Batch-transform multiple files.
  • Process JSON or CSV data with code.
  • Create an Excel workbook with complex generated formatting.
  • Perform operations that would be awkward as spreadsheet formulas.
For most spreadsheet editing, use CoSheet first. File Studio is better when the task is explicitly code-based, statistical, batch-oriented, or needs a downloadable generated file.

​
File Studio versus File Query

File Query and File Studio both work with files, but they are different. Good File Query prompt:
Good File Studio prompt:

​
File Studio versus visual generation

Sofie can create visuals in chat and can also use File Studio when the visual needs to become part of a downloadable file. Good combined prompt:

​
Ask for downloadable files

File Studio can return generated files. When you need the actual file, ask for the download link. Example:
If the file will be used in controlled work, review it before sharing or uploading it to a governed system.

​
Use File Studio for PowerPoint work

Use a Slides Surface when you want to create and refine a presentation inside Sofie, present it in the browser, keep it connected to data, or export it as PDF or editable PPTX. Use File Studio when the PowerPoint file itself is the starting point or primary artifact. This includes editing an uploaded .pptx, preserving an existing file’s structure, or applying code-based changes directly to a presentation file. You can ask Sofie to:
  • Create a new .pptx file.
  • Edit an uploaded .pptx.
  • Summarize slides.
  • Add an executive summary.
  • Reorganize slides.
  • Create an appendix.
  • Turn analysis into a slide outline.
  • Generate a downloadable PowerPoint file.
Example:

​
Use File Studio for structured data

File Studio is useful for code-based transformations:
  • Clean a JSON export.
  • Normalize date fields.
  • Merge multiple CSVs.
  • Create derived columns.
  • Generate a clean output file.
  • Run statistical checks.
  • Produce a file for downstream review.
Example:

​
Review File Studio output

Before using a generated file:
  • Open the file and inspect the content.
  • Check formulas, statistics, and transformations.
  • Confirm source files and assumptions.
  • Verify that formatting did not change meaning.
  • Review all conclusions before controlled use.
Treat File Studio outputs as prepared work, not approved work. Review generated files before using them in regulated, quality, clinical, or controlled processes.