Access & visibility
Allow documents.GetTextDocumentContent on your API key.
Workspace access by default. Private member data requires approved member delegation through Brigg-Act-As; the key supplies permissions while private ownership and project boundaries remain enforced.
Request fields
Send a JSON object with the following fields. Required fields must be included; omit optional fields you do not need.
file_idstringRequiredUse the file_id of a collaborative text document. Find an existing document with ListDocuments and select kind=text_document. An uploaded PDF, Word file or plain-text file is not a collaborative text document. documents.CreateTextDocument.
At least 1 character.
Work with text and saved versions
All documents use a stable file_id. Select document_kind=text_document from the listing for these collaborative text operations. Read text document returns its current Markdown and location.
For an exact change, use Edit text document with the existing text and its replacement; this avoids sending an old full copy over another edit. Replace text document replaces the entire Markdown body. Send the read response’s revision as expected_revision to refuse intervening changes atomically. Re-read before resolving a failed match or revision conflict.
A saved version_id identifies historical content. List versions before reading or reverting one, and use Checkpoint text document when you need a named saved point. A revert changes current content; it is not just a historical read.
Response
Returns 200 OK with a JSON body.
mdstringRequiredLast stored Markdown projection. This can lag behind the live editor; use ReadTextDocument for a current read before editing.
filenamestringRequiredCurrent document name. A collaborative text document is not an uploaded PDF or Word file and does not require a filename extension.
Errors & retries
This operation reads data. It needs no idempotency key and can be retried after a transient failure.
For rate limits, follow the server’s retry guidance and back off. See HTTP errors and safe retries and limits.
| HTTP status | Code | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| 400 | invalid_json |
Send a JSON object with Content-Type: application/json. |
| 400 | invalid_input |
Check the request fields and types. |
| 401 | invalid_key |
The workspace API key is missing, invalid or revoked. |
| 403 | forbidden |
Check the key’s operation and resource grants. If Brigg-Act-As is supplied, the key must be authorized to delegate to that member. |
| 404 | not_found |
The requested operation or resource is not available to this credential. |
| 429 | rate_limited |
Wait for Retry-After before retrying. |
| 409 | not_text_document |
This file is not a collaborative text document. Use CreateTextDocument or select kind=text_document from ListDocuments. |
Next steps
JSON schemas
Use the complete schemas for validation or client generation.
Full request JSON schema
{
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"file_id": {
"type": "string",
"minLength": 1,
"description": "Use the file_id of a collaborative text document. Find an existing document with [ListDocuments](/reference/documents/ListDocuments) and select kind=text_document. An uploaded PDF, Word file or plain-text file is not a collaborative text document. [documents.CreateTextDocument](/reference/documents/CreateTextDocument)."
}
},
"required": [
"file_id"
],
"additionalProperties": false,
"examples": [
{
"file_id": "f_project_notes"
}
]
}Full response JSON schema
{
"type": "object",
"properties": {
"md": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Last stored Markdown projection. This can lag behind the live editor; use ReadTextDocument for a current read before editing."
},
"filename": {
"type": "string",
"description": "Current document name. A collaborative text document is not an uploaded PDF or Word file and does not require a filename extension."
}
},
"required": [
"md",
"filename"
],
"additionalProperties": false,
"examples": [
{
"md": "# Project notes\n\nThe kickoff is on Tuesday.",
"filename": "Project notes"
}
]
}