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Chatting with AI

The Chat page is where you spend most of your time in ClawDesk. Here's everything you can do.

The Chat Interface​

When you open the Chat page, you'll see:

┌─────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│  Model: claude-sonnet-4-20250514  ▼    [+]  │  ← Model picker & new chat
│─────────────────────────────────────────────│
│                                             │
│  🤖 Hello! How can I help you today?       │  ← AI messages
│                                             │
│  🧑 Can you explain quantum computing      │  ← Your messages
│     in simple terms?                        │
│                                             │
│  🤖 Think of quantum computing like...     │  ← AI response (streams in live)
│                                             │
│─────────────────────────────────────────────│
│  [📎] [🎤]  Type your message...    [Send] │  ← Message input
└─────────────────────────────────────────────┘

Basic Chat​

Sending Messages​

  • Type your message in the box at the bottom
  • Press Enter to send
  • Press Shift + Enter for a new line without sending
  • The AI's response streams in word by word

Starting Fresh​

  • Click the [+] button at the top to start a new conversation
  • Previous conversations are automatically saved and accessible from the chat history

Switching Models​

  • Click the model name at the top (e.g., "claude-sonnet-4-20250514")
  • Pick a different model from the dropdown
  • Your next message uses the new model
  • You can even switch models mid-conversation!

Attachments​

You can share files with the AI for it to read and discuss.

How to Attach a File​

  1. Click the 📎 paperclip icon in the message box
  2. Select a file from your computer
  3. Type your question about the file
  4. Press Enter

What File Types Are Supported?​

TypeExamplesWhat the AI can do
Text files.txt, .md, .csvRead and analyze content
Code files.py, .js, .rs, .tsReview, explain, debug code
Documents.pdf, .docxRead and summarize
Images.png, .jpg, .gifDescribe what it sees (if the model supports vision)
tip

Not all models support images. Claude, GPT-4o, and Gemini can see images. Most local models currently work with text only.

Voice Input​

Don't feel like typing? Use voice!

  1. Click the 🎤 microphone icon in the message box
  2. Speak your message clearly
  3. ClawDesk converts your speech to text
  4. Review the text and press Enter to send

Side Panels​

The chat page has optional side panels that give you extra information. Click the panel icons in the top-right area to open them:

PanelWhat it shows
TraceA behind-the-scenes view of what the AI is doing (useful for debugging)
TasksActive agent tasks and their progress
SkillsSkills available to the current agent

Most users won't need these panels — they're there when you want deeper insight.

Chat with Agents​

By default, you're chatting with a general-purpose AI. But you can select a specific agent to chat with:

  1. Look for the agent selector at the top of the chat
  2. Pick the agent you want to talk to
  3. That agent's personality, instructions, and skills will shape the conversation

Agents are specialized AI personalities you create — like a "Writing Coach" or "Python Tutor." Learn more in Creating Agents →.

Agent Flows​

Agent flows let you chat through specialized adapters like Claude Code, Codex, or Cursor-style agents.

  1. Click the "Flows" button in the chat header
  2. Browse available flow templates
  3. Select a flow to activate it
  4. Your messages now route through the selected flow

This is an advanced feature — most users start with regular chat.

Embedded Terminal​

For advanced users, ClawDesk includes a terminal right inside the chat:

  • Some agents can execute commands and show you the output
  • You'll see terminal output inline in the conversation
  • This is especially useful for coding agents

Tips for Great Conversations​

Be Specific​

Instead of "write code," try "Write a Python function that takes a list of numbers and returns only the even ones."

Give Context​

"I'm a teacher preparing a lesson for 10-year-olds about volcanoes. Create a fun 5-minute activity."

Iterate​

  • "Make it shorter"
  • "Add more examples"
  • "Explain that part differently"
  • "Now in Spanish"

Use Multiple Models​

Different models have different strengths:

  • Claude — Best for nuanced writing, analysis, and following complex instructions
  • GPT-4o — Great all-rounder, especially for coding
  • Gemini Flash — Fastest for simple questions
  • Local models — Best for privacy, offline use

Keyboard Shortcuts​

ShortcutAction
EnterSend message
Shift + EnterNew line
Ctrl/Cmd + NNew chat
Ctrl/Cmd + LClear chat
Ctrl/Cmd + ,Open settings