> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.chartcastr.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Google Sheets as context

> Connect specific Google Sheets tabs as external context for Chartcastr AI analysis. Perfect for metric definitions, benchmarks, and lookup tables.

## Overview

Connect individual sheet tabs from Google Sheets to your Sources or Source Groups. Perfect for:

* Metric definition spreadsheets
* Lookup tables and reference data
* Historical benchmarks
* Calculated metrics documentation

**Note**: You select a specific sheet tab, not the entire spreadsheet. This keeps the AI focused on relevant information.

## How It Works

1. **Link Documents**: Connect specific sheet tabs from your Google Sheets to a Source or Source Group.
2. **AI Reads Context**: When generating pulse summaries, the AI reads and incorporates the data from these sheets.
3. **Better Insights**: Summaries are more relevant because the AI understands your metrics and reference data.

## Document Limits

Each Source or Source Group can have up to **3 external context documents** linked.

| Plan           | Documents per Source/Group                                                                |
| :------------- | :---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **All Plans**  | 3                                                                                         |
| **Need More?** | [Contact Us](mailto:support@chartcastr.com?subject=External%20Context%20Limit%20Increase) |

<Tip>
  Need more than 3 documents per source? Contact us at [support@chartcastr.com](mailto:support@chartcastr.com) to discuss your requirements.
</Tip>

## Linking Google Sheets

### From Settings

You can manage all your linked external documents in the Context section of your settings.

<Button title="Manage External Context" icon="file-magnifying-glass" href="/admin/settings/context?type=external">
  Manage External Context
</Button>

1. Go to [Settings](https://chartcastr.com/admin/settings).
2. Click **Manage** on the **Context** card.
3. Use the **External Documents** view to see and manage linked files.
4. Click **Link Context File** to add a new document.
5. Select **Single Source** or **Source Group** as your target.
6. Search and select a file from Google Drive.
7. Select the specific sheet tab you want to use.
8. Click **Link Context File** to save.

### From a Source Page

1. Navigate to a Source's detail page.
2. Find the **External Context Documents** section.
3. Click **+ Add**.
4. Follow the same process as above (Source will be pre-selected).

## Best Practices

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Keep context focused">
    Link documents that directly relate to the data being analyzed. A glossary of metric definitions works better than a general company overview.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Use Source Groups for shared context">
    If multiple sources share the same business context (e.g., all marketing metrics), link the context document to a Source Group rather than each individual source.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Select specific sheet tabs">
    Choose the specific tab that contains relevant definitions or context. This ensures the AI receives focused, pertinent information.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Document limit reached">
    Each target (Source or Source Group) can have up to 3 documents. Remove existing documents or contact us for increased limits.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can't find my file">
    Ensure you've connected your Google account and the file is accessible. Try searching by name or scroll through recent files.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Changes not reflected in AI summaries">
    External context is read at the time of pulse generation. Changes to linked documents will be reflected in the next pulse.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>