Troubleshoot source processing
Find the active or failed stage in the processing panel, then use the matching recovery below. Wait while a stage is active. Change the input when Atlas reports a failure.
Wait for pending work before retrying
A newly added source can remain in Adding source, Queued / preparing, or another active stage while Atlas works. Let that attempt finish before adding the same file or URL again.
For PDFs, the panel identifies the current stage, such as Reading content, Rendering pages, or Building search index. You can open rendered pages before search indexing finishes, but search and chat may remain limited until their stages are ready.
Make one corrective change for a failed source
Open the failed item in the processing panel. Record the stage and message, then make the smallest change that addresses that failure:
| Source type | Safe corrective change |
|---|---|
| PDF or document | Check the file size, page count, and whether the file opens. Upload another copy if the file is damaged. |
| Website | Use a direct public article URL rather than a login, search, consent, or account page. |
| YouTube | Use a video URL with an available transcript. |
| Paper | Use a specific identifier, another search result, or upload the PDF. |
Retry after making the change. If the same stage fails again, include that stage and message when you contact support.
Recover from website and YouTube content problems
Website import can add a source while reporting no readable content extracted. Try a direct article or print-view URL. A sign-in, payment, consent screen, or client-rendered page may prevent Atlas from receiving the article text.
For YouTube, follow the visible message:
- Paste a specific YouTube video URL means the URL is not for an individual video.
- Transcript unavailable means Atlas could not obtain transcript text.
- This YouTube video is restricted or unavailable means Atlas cannot import that video.
- YouTube import is busy means you can retry later.
Check limits and escalate safely
If Atlas reports Your source capacity has been reached., remove a source you no longer need or check Plans, usage, and limits.
If the documented recovery does not work, contact support with the source type, project name, time of the attempt, failed stage, and exact visible message. Never include a password or payment information in a support message.