Property Types: Usage, Examples, and Best Practices

This document outlines the different property types available for automation and data extraction workflows, with guidance on when to use each, practical examples, and best practices.

Property Type	When to use this	Example	Best practice
Text	To extract free-form text (short or long form).	Extracting company name, or company background	Use for unstructured data. Apply validation or post-processing for expected formats if needed.
File	To provide a file (e.g., PDF) as a source for other property types.	CIM document	Store original files for traceability. Reference files in downstream processes for auditability.
Single Select	To create a structured field with pre-defined values (one value only).	Triage outcome: pass or fail	Limit options to mutually exclusive values. Use for status, category, or outcome fields.
Multi Select	To create a structured field with pre-defined values (multiple values allowed).	Industry: SaaS and Healthcare	Use for tags, categories, or attributes where multiple selections are valid.
Number	To extract or store numeric values.	Deal size, number of employees	Validate number ranges and formats. Use for quantitative analysis and filtering.
URL	To extract or store web links.	Company website URL	Validate URL format. Use for references, sources, or external resources.
JSON	To store or extract structured data in JSON format.	Extracted financials as a JSON object	Use for complex, nested, or dynamic data structures. Validate JSON schema where possible.
Collection	To create structured tables of related information. Ideal for tabular data.	Table of management team members and their roles	Define clear schemas. Use for repeatable, structured data within documents.
Reference	To create a link between multiple agents or entities.	Linking extracted companies to company analysis agent	Use for relational data. Maintain referential integrity between entities.
Page Splitter	To split documents into logical sections or pages for processing.	Splitting a CIM into executive summary, financials	Use to improve processing granularity. Apply when different sections require different handling.