---
name: temp-file-upload
description: Upload files to Telegram by copying them into the macOS temporary directory (e.g., /var/folders/…/T/) so that the `message` tool accepts them; include steps to clean up afterward. Trigger when the user needs us to send images, audio, or other media files via Telegram but the workspace path isn’t accepted.
---

# Temp File Upload to Telegram

## Purpose
Telegram’s `message` tool refuses files that live in the workspace. The workaround is to copy the file into the Mac system temp directory (`$TMPDIR`, typically `/var/folders/.../T/`) before calling `message.send`. This skill captures that pattern so we can share downloads, exports, or generated assets reliably through Telegram.

## Workflow
1. **Generate or download the file** into the workspace or another location (browser download, script output, etc.).
2. **Copy into the temp directory**: use `mktemp` to create a unique placeholder and copy the file there. Example:
   ```bash
   tmpfile=$(mktemp "${TMPDIR:-/tmp}/broimg_XXXXXX.png")
   cp ~/Downloads/my-image.png "$tmpfile"
   echo "$tmpfile"
   ```
   - Keep the copied path (`$tmpfile`) for the next step.
3. **Send via Telegram** using the `message` tool:
   ```json
   {
     "action": "send",
     "channel": "telegram",
     "media": "/var/folders/.../broimg_XXXXXX.png",
     "message": "Caption placeholder"
   }
   ```
   - Set `asVoice: true` only for voice notes.
   - Add a caption summarizing what the file is.
4. **Cleanup temp files** after confirmation:
   ```bash
echo "Removing temp file" && rm -f "$tmpfile"
```
   - This avoids cluttering `/var/folders/...` with stale copies.
5. **Optional: Wrap in a script** when repeating the pattern (save inside `skills/temp-file-upload/scripts/copy-and-send.sh`).

## Notes
- Keep file names descriptive to make debugging easier (e.g., `broimg`, `brovoice`, `brodoc`).
- If the download lands in `~/Downloads`, move it before copying to `$TMPDIR` to avoid permission issues.
- When a user requests multiple files, repeat the copy + send steps for each file (don’t rely on ZIP uploads unless explicitly asked).