> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.experio.cloud/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Chat Interface

> How to interact with AI assistants, manage messages, and use advanced chat features

## Starting a Conversation

There are several ways to begin a new chat:

* **Home Page** — Type a message in the input box or click an assistant card.
* **Sidebar** — Click the **New Chat** button.
* **Agents Page** — Browse all assistants and click one to start a conversation.
* **Existing Conversation** — Continue any previous conversation from the sidebar or chats page.

When you open a conversation with an assistant for the first time, you'll see a **welcome message** explaining what that assistant can help with, along with a list of your previous conversations with that assistant.

### Required Context

Some assistants are configured to require specific context before they will answer — for example, your company size, industry, or strategic focus. When this is the case, an **amber banner** on the welcome page lists what you need to provide.

Send your first message including that information. If anything is missing, the assistant replies with a short clarification asking for the missing pieces; once you provide them, the conversation continues normally and the requirement is not re-checked for the rest of that conversation.

To review or update the context you provided, click the **clipboard icon** next to the message input. The panel shows your original context along with any updates you've added, and lets you submit a new amendment from the same place.

## Sending Messages

Type your message in the input area at the bottom of the chat and press **Enter** to send (or **Shift+Enter** for a new line).

### Attaching Files

Click the **paperclip icon** to attach files to your message:

* Maximum file size: **25 MB** per file
* You can attach **multiple files** to a single message
* Remove files before sending by clicking the **X** on each attachment
* Supported formats include PDFs, Word documents, text files, and more

### Selecting a Model

If multiple AI models are available, use the **model selector** next to the input area to choose which model processes your message. Your selection persists for the current assistant session.

### Generating Documents

If document templates are configured, a **Generate button** (wand icon) appears next to the model selector. Click it to browse templates organized by category and generate presentations, formatted messages, and more. See [Document Templates](/admin-guide/document-templates#using-templates-in-chat) for full details.

## Reading Responses

AI responses stream in **real-time** — you'll see the text appear as it's generated.

### Task Progress

For complex queries, the AI may perform multiple steps (searching documents, analyzing data, synthesizing information). A **task progress indicator** shows:

* The current step being performed
* Completed steps with checkmarks
* Sub-steps and tool calls being made

### Citations and Sources

When the AI references your organization's documents, you'll see **numbered citations** in the response. Click any citation to open the **Source Details Panel** on the right, which shows:

* File title and type
* Data source name (Box, Google Drive, SharePoint)
* File path and last modified date
* A content preview of the referenced section
* A direct link to the original file

### Artifacts

When the AI generates long-form content (reports, analysis, structured outputs), it opens automatically in the **Artifact Panel** on the right side. You can:

* **Maximize** the panel for full-width reading
* **Minimize** it back to a side panel
* **Close** it to return to the chat view
* **Generate document** from the content — click the wand icon in the panel header and pick a template to have the agent produce a formatted file (DOCX, PPTX, or PDF). See [Document Templates](/admin-guide/document-templates).
* **Edit** the content inline with the built-in editor

To export a response as plain PDF / DOCX / Markdown, use the message action toolbar on the chat response itself (see [Export & Sharing](/user-guide/export-and-sharing)).

### Recommendations

After each response, the AI may suggest **follow-up questions** based on the conversation context. Click any suggestion to send it as your next message.

## Message Actions

Hover over any message to access its action toolbar.

### AI response toolbar

| Action       | Description                                                       |
| ------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Share**    | Open the share dialog for this conversation                       |
| **Retry**    | Regenerate this response from the previous user message           |
| **Copy**     | Copy the response content to your clipboard                       |
| **Edit**     | Open the response in the Artifact Panel for editing               |
| **Feedback** | Rate the response with thumbs up/down and add an optional comment |
| **More** (⋯) | Export, fork, and delete options (see below)                      |

Open **More** (⋯) on an AI response for additional actions:

| Action                 | Description                                                       |
| ---------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Export to PDF**      | Download the response as a formatted PDF                          |
| **Export to Markdown** | Download as a Markdown file                                       |
| **Export to DOCX**     | Download as a Word document                                       |
| **Fork from here**     | Start a new conversation branch from this response (editors only) |
| **Delete**             | Remove the last message turn (your message and the AI response)   |

### User message toolbar

| Action   | Description                                                   |
| -------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Edit** | Edit your last user message (the AI regenerates its response) |

## Stopping a Response

If the AI is generating a response you no longer need, click the **Stop** button that appears during streaming. The response will stop at wherever it has reached.

## Editing Messages

Click the **edit icon** on your last message to modify it. The AI will regenerate its response based on your updated message. This is useful when you want to refine your question without starting a new conversation.

## Conversation Management

### Renaming

Click the conversation title in the header to edit it. The new name saves automatically when you click away or press Enter. Press Escape to cancel.

### Sharing

Click the **Share** button in the conversation header to share with other users:

1. Search for users by name or email
2. Assign a role: **Viewer** (read-only) or **Editor** (can contribute)
3. Manage existing shares — change roles or remove access

### Deleting

Use the conversation menu (three dots) to delete a conversation. A confirmation dialog will appear before deletion.

## Filters

Some assistants support **response filters** that let you narrow results by category or type. When available, filter options appear above the message input. Click a filter to apply it to your next message.