How the AI chat works

What is AI context

AI context is the set of information you attach to a conversation so the AI can answer with the right details. It can include documents, short excerpts from documents, and notes you created in the workspace.

Here is how it works in the UI:

1. Add items from search results using Add to chat context.
2. Use the attachment menu in the chat input to pick documents or notes directly.
3. Review the context panel above the chat box to see what is included.
4. Remove anything that is no longer relevant before you ask your question.

The AI does not scan your whole workspace by default. It only reasons from the items you added, which keeps answers focused and easier to verify.

Want to find the right documents first? See Search in Contradic.

Context limits (~500 pages)

Your chat has a fixed capacity for context, roughly the equivalent of 500 pages. The exact limit depends on the AI model and the amount of text you attach.

You can see this capacity in the context meter on the right of the chat input:

• The percentage shows how full the context is.
• When it turns red, the context is over the limit.
• If the limit is reached, you will not be able to add more items until you remove some.

To stay within the limit:

1. Attach only the most relevant documents or excerpts.
2. Remove older items that are no longer needed.
3. Start a new conversation if you want to switch to a different topic.