> For clean Markdown of any page, append .md to the page URL.
> For a complete documentation index, see https://docs.ada.cx/2026-09-14-ai-agent-reads-email-images/llms.txt.
> For AI client integration (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.), connect to the MCP server at https://docs.ada.cx/_mcp/server.

# AI Agent reads images sent over Email

Your AI Agent now reads images that end users attach to emails and uses them to resolve inquiries. A screenshot of an error, a photo of a damaged product, or an order confirmation becomes part of the conversation. To turn it on, set the inbox's attachment handling to **AI Agent replies using the attachment**.

## What's new

The Agent reads images only on inboxes set to **AI Agent replies using the attachment**.

* **Image descriptions**: the Agent receives a text description of each image, including any visible text such as order numbers and error messages. Up to 3 images per email are read. See [Images](/docs/other/images) for formats and limits.
* **Attachment handling controls it**: set the inbox to **AI Agent replies using the attachment** to have the Agent read images. On the default **Hand off to a human**, every email with an attachment is handed off, images included. Inboxes that discard attachments never read images. See [Attachment handling](/docs/channels/email/email-configuration/email-handoffs/attachment-handling).
* **Sensitive images are withheld**: the Agent detects images that show a payment card, a government identity document, or another credential. For those, it receives only the document type and none of the text on it. Detection is automatic and best-effort, and your redaction rules apply to every description. The Agent tells the end user it could not process the image and offers a human agent where needed.
* **Redactions apply**: your [redaction rules](/docs/setup/redactions/redaction-settings) run on image descriptions the same way they run on typed text.