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

# How Documents Enter Matter Vault

> The four ways documents can reach a matter and what happens to each one.

Every document in Matter Vault goes through a verified intake process before it appears in a matter. There are four ways a document can enter the system.

## Direct upload

An attorney or paralegal uploads a file from their computer in the matter's Documents tab. Any file type is supported. The file is integrity-checked before it is accepted — if anything went wrong during the transfer, the upload is rejected automatically.

## Google Drive sync

If documents already exist in the matter's linked Drive folder, use **Sync from Drive** in the Documents tab toolbar to import them. This works for individual files or entire folder structures. Imported files get full chain-of-custody tracking from the moment they enter Matter Vault.

## Email attachments

Every matter has a unique email inbox address. Emails sent to that address are parsed automatically and appear in the matter's Communications tab. Attachments from those emails can be promoted to the Documents tab with a single click — this is called promoting to evidence. Once promoted, the document enters the standard intake process.

## Client portal uploads

Clients can upload documents through their secure portal link. These uploads do not enter the document record automatically. An attorney must review and promote each file before it becomes part of the matter. This gives your firm control over what enters the official record.