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Smart Input ​

Smart Input uses AI to help you create new records with unprecedented speed and accuracy. Instead of filling out forms field by field, simply describe what you want to create — or show the AI a document — and let our platform do the work for you.

What is Smart Input? ​

Smart Input transforms how you create new records by:

  • Understanding Natural Language: Describe what you want in plain English, and the AI will parse the details.
  • Analyzing Documents & Images: Upload photos, screenshots, PDFs, or other documents for the AI to read and understand.
  • Auto-filling Forms: Watch as the system automatically populates all relevant fields with structured, accurate data.
  • Learning from Context: The AI understands your application's specific data structure and requirements to deliver intelligent results.

How to Use Smart Input ​

When creating any new record, you can choose between two modes:

  1. Manual Mode: The traditional form-filling experience.
  2. Smart Mode: An AI-powered canvas where you provide the context, and the platform generates the record.

The Smart Input Workflow ​

  1. Open any "New Record" dialog in your application.
  2. Toggle to Smart mode using the toggle at the top (look for the ✨ icon).
  3. Describe what you want to create in the text area.
  4. Add files like images or PDFs using the paperclip icon to provide more context.
  5. Click "Generate Form".
  6. The AI will process your input and present a fully populated form for your review.
  7. Review and edit any of the AI-generated values.
  8. Click "Create" to save your new record.

Input Methods ​

Smart Input supports multiple ways to provide information:

Text Descriptions ​

Simply type what you want to create:

  • "Create a contact for John Smith at Acme Corp, email john@acme.com, phone 555-1234"
  • "New product: iPhone 15 Pro, price is $999, 128GB storage, Space Black color"
  • "New task: Review quarterly budget report, due next Friday, high priority"

File Attachments ​

Upload files that contain the relevant information:

  • Images (JPG, PNG): Business cards, screenshots, product photos, receipts.
  • Documents (PDF, DOCX, TXT): Invoices, forms, reports, or any text-based document.

Voice Input ​

Record voice descriptions for hands-free creation (supported in Chrome and Safari).

How is This Possible? The Power of Platform Primitives ​

The "magic" of Smart Input isn't a separate, standalone feature; it's a demonstration of the core power of the Simple Platform. It is built using the exact same, powerful primitives that are available to you as a developer:

  • Secure Document Handling: When you upload a file, it's processed by the same Zero-Trust document lifecycle that's available in your own forms.
  • The $ai API: The core intelligence is powered by the same $ai.extract() function you can call from any Record Behavior. Smart Input provides a schema for the current table and lets the AI Engine do the rest.
  • Record Behaviors: After the AI populates the form, all the standard Record Behaviors for that table (validation, calculations, etc.) run automatically, ensuring the AI-generated data is consistent and valid.

The Simple Advantage

We don't build magic features and keep the tools for ourselves. We build powerful primitives — like the $ai API — and then use those same primitives to build our features. When you build on Simple, you have access to the same foundational power we do.

Tips for Best Results ​

  • Be Specific: The more detail you provide in your prompt, the better the result. Mentioning field names can help guide the AI (e.g., "Set the status to 'Urgent'").
  • High-Quality Images: Clear, well-lit images and screenshots work best for data extraction.
  • Combine Inputs: For the best results, combine a text prompt with a file attachment. For example, upload an invoice PDF and add the prompt, "Extract the line items but set the invoice status to 'Approved'."
  • Review and Refine: Always review the AI's work. If a result isn't perfect, click the "Edit" button in the preview to refine your prompt and regenerate the form.

Next Steps ​

Now that you've seen how AI can power the user experience, learn how to wield that same power in your own custom logic.