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Files are only supported in the Gemini Developer API, not Vertex AI.
The Files API allows you to upload files to use with the Gemini models.

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Upload files

Upload a file from your local filesystem: 
file1 = client.files.upload(file='2312.11805v3.pdf')
file2 = client.files.upload(file='2403.05530.pdf')

print(file1)
print(file2)
The upload method automatically detects the file type and uploads it to the Gemini API.

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Upload response

The upload method returns a File object with the following properties:
  • name - The unique identifier for the file
  • uri - The URI to reference the file in API calls
  • mime_type - The detected MIME type
  • size_bytes - File size in bytes
  • create_time - When the file was uploaded

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Get file metadata

Retrieve information about an uploaded file: 
file1 = client.files.upload(file='2312.11805v3.pdf')
file_info = client.files.get(name=file1.name)

print(file_info)

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Delete files

Remove a file from the Gemini API: 
file3 = client.files.upload(file='2312.11805v3.pdf')

client.files.delete(name=file3.name)

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Using files with models

Once uploaded, you can reference files in your model requests: 
# Upload a PDF
file = client.files.upload(file='document.pdf')

# Use the file in a generate_content call
response = client.models.generate_content(
    model='gemini-2.5-flash',
    contents=[
        types.Part.from_uri(file.uri, file.mime_type),
        'Summarize this document',
    ],
)

print(response.text)

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Supported file types

The Files API supports various file types including:
  • PDF documents
  • Images (JPEG, PNG, WebP)
  • Audio files (MP3, WAV)
  • Video files (MP4, MOV)
  • Text files

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File storage and lifecycle

  • Files are stored temporarily on Google’s servers
  • Files are automatically deleted after a period of inactivity
  • You should delete files you no longer need to manage storage

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