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

# How Sofie works from chat

> Learn the chat workflow Sofie follows: understand the task, use context, plan when needed, run capabilities, create artifacts, and ask for review.

Sofie chat is a work surface. A conversation can start with a question, then move into source search, file analysis, artifact creation, review, and follow-up work.

## The basic flow

<Steps>
  <Step title="You describe the outcome">
    Tell Sofie what you want done, not only what you want answered.
  </Step>

  <Step title="You add context">
    Attach files or add a Workspace, CoDraft, CoSheet, CoMeeting, Orchestration, plan, or Saved prompt.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Sofie chooses a path">
    Sofie may answer directly, ask a question, use a capability, create a plan, or open an artifact.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Sofie works in the chat">
    Sofie may search, analyze, draft, edit, create, run, or summarize.
  </Step>

  <Step title="You review and redirect">
    Ask follow-up questions, change the scope, approve the next step, or move the work into an artifact.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## What Sofie needs from you

Better requests usually include:

| Input        | Example                                                                              |
| ------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Task         | `Review`, `compare`, `extract`, `draft`, `create`, `run`, `analyze`, or `summarize`. |
| Source       | Attached file, Workspace, CoDraft, CoSheet, CoMeeting, Orchestration, or public web. |
| Output       | Table, checklist, CoDraft, CoSheet, chart, plan, email draft, or Orchestration.      |
| Constraints  | Source rules, tone, review needs, date range, or what not to assume.                 |
| Review point | When Sofie should ask before continuing.                                             |

Example:

```text theme={null}
Use this Workspace and the attached URS to create a validation protocol gap analysis. Return a table first. Do not draft conclusions or create a CoDraft until I approve the gaps.
```

## Context is explicit

Sofie works best when the relevant context is selected.

Use:

* **Attach** for local files used in one message.
* **Add context** for existing Sofie items.
* **Workspace search** for searchable Workspace knowledge.
* **Web search** for current public information.
* **Deep research** for broad public research.
* **Sofie Everywhere** when the page you are viewing is the context.

Remove context chips that should not influence the answer.

The context window is Sofie's working space for the next answer. For a deeper explanation of the context indicator, summarized messages, and long-chat hygiene, see [Context windows and summarization](/chat/context-windows-and-summarization).

## Sofie may ask before acting

Sofie may pause when:

* A required input is missing.
* Several similarly named artifacts could match.
* A file needs import confirmation.
* A plan should be reviewed before execution.
* A write action needs confirmation.
* An Orchestration reaches a human review step.
* The request is ambiguous.

Respond in the same chat so the decision remains part of the work trail.

## Sofie can create work surfaces

Chat output can become a durable object.

| If the output should be                                 | Ask for                                   |
| ------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------- |
| A document, memo, report, protocol, URS, or email draft | CoDraft                                   |
| A table, tracker, analysis workbook, or spreadsheet     | CoSheet                                   |
| A repeatable process                                    | Orchestration                             |
| Shared source context                                   | Workspace                                 |
| A reusable instruction                                  | Saved prompt, Directive, or Orchestration |

Example:

```text theme={null}
Turn this answer into a CoDraft. Use the investigation Workspace, include a source map, and leave placeholders where SME confirmation is needed.
```

## Sofie can continue across surfaces

You can move between chat and artifacts.

Examples:

* Start in chat, create a CoDraft, then ask Sofie to revise a selected CoDraft section.
* Start with an attached CSV, create a CoSheet, then ask Sofie to add formulas and charts.
* Start with a CoMeeting, create action items, then move them into a CoSheet.
* Start with a recurring workflow in chat, then build it as an Orchestration.
* Start with Workspace search, then create a source-backed report outline.

## Use the right control for the job

| Control        | Use it when                                                                                          |
| -------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **+**          | You need to add context, attach files, or insert a Saved prompt.                                     |
| Sliders        | You need **Workspace search**, **Web search**, **Deep research**, **Plan Mode**, or **Sofie Guide**. |
| Model selector | You want a different model for a specific task.                                                      |
| Microphone     | You want to dictate a longer instruction.                                                            |
| Stop           | Sofie is going in the wrong direction or you need to revise the request.                             |

## Ask Sofie to explain its path

When the work is complex, ask Sofie to make its path visible.

Useful prompts:

```text theme={null}
Before acting, tell me which sources you will use and what output you will create.
```

```text theme={null}
Create a plan first. Include search steps, artifact creation steps, and review points.
```

```text theme={null}
After you answer, list the sources used, assumptions, and open questions.
```

## What chat is not

Chat is not a substitute for source review, formal approval, or your organization’s required process.

Use chat to draft, search, analyze, and organize work. Use human review for final decisions, controlled language, source interpretation, and external actions.