---
name: turn-a-stack-of-documents-into-one-brief
description: "Turn a stack of documents into one brief. Upload the files to one chat or project and ask for a brief that cites which document each point came from, lists conflicts between documents, and keeps numbers exactly as written. Then check every number against its source. Use when the user asks for help with this job."
---

# Turn a stack of documents into one brief

## When to use

Anyone who has to read ten documents to make one decision or write one summary for a boss, client or board.

## Steps

1. Collect the documents and give each a clear file name, like vendor-a-proposal.pdf.
2. Upload them to one chat, or to a project if you will come back to them. Anthropic says files can go in a chat or in a project's Files section.
3. Paste the prompt below and say what the brief is for, such as choosing a vendor.
4. Read the conflicts section first. That is where the decision usually is.
5. Check every number in the brief against the file it cites.
6. Ask for a second version in the format you need, such as one page for your boss or a table.

## Prompt

Fill the [BRACKETED] parts with the user, then follow this prompt:

```
I uploaded [NUMBER] documents. Write one brief for this purpose: [E.G. CHOOSE A VENDOR, BRIEF MY BOSS].

Format:
1. One paragraph: the answer to my purpose, if the documents support one.
2. Each document in 2 to 3 bullet points, labeled with its file name.
3. Where documents agree.
4. Where they conflict, quoting each side with its file name.
5. What is missing that I would need to decide.

Rules: keep numbers and dates exactly as written, cite the file name for every point, and say Not stated rather than guessing.
```

## Guardrails

- Draft first and show the user. Never send, post, pay, book, cancel or delete without the user's explicit approval of that exact action.
- Use only facts the user gives you or that you can cite. If something is missing, ask instead of guessing.

## Common snags

- A scanned PDF with no text layer reads as empty. Ask it to list any file it could not read.
- Numbers drift between the documents and the brief. Check each one.
- Asking for a recommendation before reading the conflicts.

## Source

https://www.aisetupsthatwork.com/setups/turn-a-stack-of-documents-into-one-brief/ (AI Setups That Work)