docs/platform/using-airbyte/sync-files-and-records.md
import ConfigureMetadata from './_configure_file_metadata.mdx';
Airbyte supports moving files and records together in the same connection. Some sources are a mix of structured data and unstructured attachments. The combination of structured and unstructured data drives more robust knowledge systems with more context, something critical to successful AI systems.
The process to move files and records depends on whether your data source is structured with unstructured attachments, or is unstructured/file-based.
Structured sources with unstructured attachments: Files are a stream. When you set up your connection, you select and deselect this stream as you normally would. This stream includes structured metadata describing those files. The columns you choose in the stream are the metadata Airbyte syncs to your destination.
Unstructured/file-based sources: Files and records aren't synced together and you must choose to copy files. When you set up the source, choose the Copy raw files delivery method. Airbyte syncs your raw files and includes structured metadata describing those files. When you set up your connection, the columns you choose in the stream represent the metadata Airbyte adds to that file.
Connectors that support file transfers have supportsFileTransfer: true in their metadata. Airbyte's UI marks file streams in the connection's Schema tab.
The following sources support file transfers.
The following destination supports file transfers.
For file-based sources, use the copy raw files delivery method to move files with structured metadata.
In the case of structured data sources with unstructured attachments, you sync your files the same way you sync your data.
Add your source, if you haven't already.
Add your destination, if you haven't already. While configuring the destination connector, choose the file format of your log by setting the Output Format option. For help, see Change the metadata format below.
Add your connection, if you haven't already. In the schema, enable the stream(s) containing the files you want to sync, and select which fields you want in your metadata. For help, see Change what's in the metadata, below.