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Why processing has four stages

Uploading preserves the original file, but Question Studio needs more than a PDF URL. LearnTerms prepares page-aware text, makes it searchable, and builds a reusable topic map before the document is fully ready. The Properties tab shows all four stages.

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Stored

Stored means the original PDF is safely available in the Content Library. At this point you can open the original source. Generation becomes available after readable extraction and indexing.

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Extracted

Extracted means LearnTerms has processed the PDF into page-aware text and layout artifacts. Extraction powers:
  • the Markdown preview
  • page text in the Question Studio picker
  • table and math rendering when the source supports it
  • source-page citations
Always compare important pages with the original PDF. Image-only diagrams may be visible in Source but absent from extracted text.

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Indexed

Indexed means the extracted material is available to the source-retrieval system used during question generation. Page-based runs require readable extracted and indexed content. If indexing fails, open Properties, review the error, and click Resume processing.

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Mapped

Mapped means LearnTerms has organized the indexed document into reusable topics with page references, summaries, key terms, objectives, and supported question types. Mapped documents unlock Topics mode in Question Studio. Review the selected topics and their page scope before generating.

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Status messages

You may see messages such as:
  • Queued for extraction
  • Extracting text & tables
  • Preparing for search
  • Queued for topic mapping
  • Mapping topics
  • Processing needs attention
  • Topic mapping needs attention
  • Ready
The status updates live. Background work continues after you leave the page.

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Recover from a failed stage

  1. Open the document.
  2. Select Properties.
  3. Read the processing error and identify the failed stage.
  4. Click Resume processing.
  5. Wait for the stage indicator to update.
  6. Recheck Preview before generating.
If topic mapping alone fails, a page-based run may still work when extraction and indexing are complete. Switch Question Studio to Pages and select a focused range.

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A green check means ready

The green check on a card or list row confirms completion of all four stages. Extraction fidelity still requires comparison between Preview and Source.