# Document profiles

A document profile describes a recognizable document type and the fields commonly needed from it. It helps extraction distinguish similar documents and preserve field meaning. An invoice, receipt, purchase order, and quotation can contain similar amounts while representing different business events.

## Choose an analysis mode

**Automatic matching** asks Strive to identify an appropriate catalog profile from the selected source and supporting text. A source can fail to match; automatic mode should not force every document into a familiar type.

**Selected profile** applies a particular profile you choose. Use it when the source type and desired structure are known. Review the source if its content does not fit the selected profile.

**Free discovery** explores fields without requiring a catalog profile. Give a clear purpose so the proposal is useful, and review the resulting schema before accepting it.

An existing accepted table schema provides a fixed meaning for an update. Refreshing its values should not silently redefine its columns based on a different document classification.

## Core and optional fields

Profiles distinguish core, recommended, and optional fields. Core describes the intended table structure; recommended fields add useful supported detail, while optional fields apply when present. None establishes that every source states a value. Missing or ambiguous values remain unresolved with a reason rather than being invented.

Text fields preserve supporting source spans. Dates and numbers require an unambiguous source-stated value and safe normalization. Currency, units, scale, and qualifications matter. A numeric value without its context can be misleading even if its digits are correct.

## Document rows and recurring entities

Most profiles describe one document-level row. Entity-oriented extraction preserves independently recurring subjects as separate rows. The [investors’ rights agreement profile](/docs/documents/profiles/investment-investors-rights-agreement) uses one row per distinct investor across the roster and signature pages, keeping the investor separate from its signatory, counsel, and issuer. Repeated mentions do not create new investors.

A fully amended and restated agreement keeps its substantive instrument type. It is not a standalone contract amendment simply because its title contains “amended” or “restated.” Review the full document before selecting either profile.

## Coverage

The profile library covers commerce, personal finance, investment, financial reporting, contracts, governance and legal documents, customer voice, logistics, people, project operations, property and insurance, research and health, and technical quality documents.

Open the [profile directory](/docs/documents/profile-directory) for every profile and its field definitions. These are extraction structures, not professional advice or guarantees of complete interpretation. Always review the captured source and unresolved values before accepting an important result.