The Direct Import feature allows you to transform your PDFs, Word documents, and PowerPoints into Guides instantly - maintaining your original text and images exactly as they appear in the source file.
Unlike our AI-Enhanced creator, Direct Import does not summarize, rephrase, or reinterpret your content. It simply moves it.
Direct Import uses AI to split your file into separate pages (called "tasks") within a single section. It looks for logical topic breaks — primarily headings and sub-headings — to decide where one page ends and the next begins. Each page is given a name based on its content.
When to use Direct Import
Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): When regulatory or compliance language must remain 100% accurate.
Content Migrations: When moving large libraries of training material from another platform into WorkRamp.
Finalized Docs: When your source content is already perfect and just needs a new home.
Supported File Types
Direct Import currently supports the following formats:
PDF (.pdf)
Microsoft Word (.docx)
Microsoft PowerPoint (.pptx)
How page splitting works
When you upload a file, WorkRamp extracts all the text and images in order, then uses AI to identify logical topic breaks and split the content into separate pages. Each page is given a name based on its content.
The AI looks for points where a new sub-topic begins — primarily signalled by headings. It also avoids creating pages that are too short, so if your headings break content into very small chunks, related topics may be combined into a single page.
Note: All pages are placed into a single section. Direct Import does not create multiple sections — see the limitations section below for how to handle multi-section documents.
Best practices for your source file
Getting clean results depends largely on how your source file is structured. Here's what works best for each format.
All file types
Use clear headings to signal topic changes. Each major heading should represent a distinct sub-topic you want on its own page.
Keep each section substantial. The AI aims for at least three paragraphs per page — if your sections are very short, it will combine related topics together.
Structure content linearly. Everything is processed top-to-bottom, so content that belongs together should be adjacent in your file.
Word (.docx)
Use Word's built-in Heading styles (Heading 1, Heading 2, etc.) rather than just making text bold or increasing the font size. The importer specifically looks for styled headings to understand your document's structure.
PowerPoint (.pptx)
Each slide's title is treated as a heading. Slides covering the same sub-topic may be combined into one page, so group related slides together. Ensure your text is in standard text boxes rather than saved as images within slides.
PDF (.pdf)
PDFs don't have native heading metadata, so the AI infers structure from bold text and paragraph spacing. Use bold introductory text and clear spacing between sections for the best results.
⚠️ Important limitation: single section only
Direct Import places all pages into one section of your Guide. It does not create multiple sections, even if your original file has chapters or distinct parts.
If your file has a multi-section structure, you have two options after import:
Manually reorganise — drag pages into new sections in the Guide Editor.
Split before uploading — divide your source file into separate files (one per intended section) and import each one individually.
How to Create a Guide from Files
Navigate to the Library and click Create Guide.
Give your new Guide a name and click Next.
Select Create from Files with AI
On the next screen, you will see two options:
AI-Enhanced: Best for drafting or summarizing raw content.
Direct Import: Best for 1:1 content preservation.
Select Direct Import.
Upload your file(s) (max 5 at a time) and click Next.
WorkRamp will process the files and generate your Guide draft. Review the layout in the Editor and hit Publish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does this feature use AI to change my text?
No. While the tool uses backend technology to identify text and image blocks, it does not use LLMs to rewrite or "improve" your content. What is in your file is what will appear in your Guide.
What happens to my images?
Images within your DOC or PPT files are extracted and placed into Image Blocks within the Guide, maintaining their relative position to the text.
Can I edit the Guide after importing?
Absolutely. Once the import is complete, you will be taken to the Guide Editor where you can add, delete, or reformat blocks and use AI to help, just like any other Guide.
Does Direct Import create multiple sections?
No — all pages are placed into a single section. If your original file has chapters or distinct sections, you will need to either reorganise pages manually in the Guide Editor, or upload each section as a separate file.
Pro-Tip: For the best results with PowerPoint files, ensure your text is in standard text boxes rather than saved as images within the slides.