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download-bytes

Read-only

Download binary content from Microsoft Graph as base64. Supports drive files, mail attachments, profile photos, and Teams hosted content.

Instructions

Download binary content from Microsoft Graph and return it as base64. Single tool for any binary read: drive file content, mail attachment, profile photo, Teams hosted content, meeting recording. Returns { contentType, encoding: "base64", contentLength, contentBytes }. For large drive/SharePoint file content, prefer get-download-url, which returns a pre-authenticated URL to stream bytes out-of-band instead of base64 through the agent context.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
targetYesRelative Microsoft Graph path starting with "/". Common paths: /drives/{drive-id}/items/{driveItem-id}/content (drive file content); /me/messages/{message-id}/attachments/{attachment-id}/$value (mail attachment, list-mail-attachments returns the IDs); /me/photo/$value or /users/{user-id}/photo/$value (profile photo); /chats/{chat-id}/messages/{chatMessage-id}/hostedContents/{chatMessageHostedContent-id}/$value (Teams chat hosted content, list-chat-message-hosted-contents returns the IDs); /teams/{team-id}/channels/{channel-id}/messages/{chatMessage-id}/hostedContents/{chatMessageHostedContent-id}/$value (Teams channel hosted content). For meeting recordings, use get-meeting-recording-content where available; Microsoft Graph returns authenticated recording bytes, not a pre-authenticated download URL.
Behavior4/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

Annotations indicate read-only and open-world. Description adds return format (base64, contentType, contentLength), encoding details, and a caveat about meeting recordings. No contradiction. Could mention size limits for base64, but overall good.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

Two sentences with parenthetical clarifications. Front-loaded with key action. No filler; every sentence adds value.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

For a single-parameter tool with full schema coverage and good annotations, description is complete. Provides return structure and alternatives. Might benefit from mentioning maximum base64 size, but not essential.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters5/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

Schema has 100% coverage with detailed target description. Description adds extensive context with example paths and specific scenarios, significantly enhancing meaning beyond schema.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly states it downloads binary content as base64, lists specific use cases (drive files, mail attachments, photos, Teams content), and distinguishes from sibling tool get-download-url.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines5/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

Explicitly states when to use this tool (any binary read) and when to prefer alternatives: get-download-url for large files, get-meeting-recording-content for recordings. Provides clear decision guidance.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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