Responses API rejects processed .docx, .pptx, .xlsx input_file although those file types are listed as supported

We are seeing a consistent issue with the Responses API when passing a processed OpenAI file of type .docx (or pptx, xlsx …) as an input_file.

What works:

  • Uploading the .docx to /v1/files succeeds
  • OpenAI returns a valid file object
  • The file status becomes processed
  • The returned filename remains .docx
  • We then pass that file_id into /v1/responses as an input_file

What fails:

  • /v1/responses rejects the request with:
    “The file type you uploaded is not supported. Supported extensions: … docx … xlsx … pptx …”

This appears inconsistent because:

  • the upload step accepts the .docx
  • the file is processed successfully
  • the error message itself lists .docx as supported
  • legacy .doc works in the same flow, but .docx fails

Environment:

  • Model: gpt-4.1-mini
  • We also reproduced similar behavior with gpt-5.4-mini
  • File purpose: user_data
  • File status before inference: processed

Reproduction steps:

  1. Upload a .docx file to /v1/files
  2. Receive file object successfully
  3. Wait until file status is processed
  4. Call /v1/responses with input containing:
    • input_text
    • input_file using that file_id
  5. Observe rejection from Responses API

Example observed metadata:

  • original filename: test_file.docx
  • mime type: application/vnd.openxmlformats-officedocument.wordprocessingml.document
  • bytes: 13142
  • returned file purpose: user_data
  • returned status: processed

Example error:
“The file type you uploaded is not supported. Supported extensions: art, bat, … doc, docx, … pptx, … xlsx …”

Please confirm:

  1. Whether .docx is currently supported in the Responses API input_file path
  2. Whether support is model-dependent
  3. Whether there is a known issue with processed .docx files in /v1/responses
  4. Whether a different upload purpose or payload shape is required for .docx
1 Like

Hi and welcome to the community!

We have seen similar reports recently and OpenAI rolled out a fix just a few hours ago.
My question is if you are still seeing this issues or if this is an ongoing case.

Hello I just tested again and it seems to be fixed. Thank you!

2 Likes