Appearance
Managing Chat Threads
Quick Answer
Each conversation with the AI assistant is saved as a thread. You can start new threads, switch between them, and your history is preserved.
What Is a Thread?
A thread is a single conversation with the AI assistant:
- Contains all messages back and forth
- Maintains context throughout the conversation
- Saved automatically for later reference
- Linked to your user account
Starting a New Thread
When to Start Fresh
- Starting a completely different topic
- Want a clean slate without prior context
- Current thread is getting too long
How to Start
- Open the expanded chat workspace
- Use the Create new chat thread control
- Start fresh with your new question
Viewing Thread History
Thread List
- Open the expanded chat workspace
- Use the thread / conversation menu
- Open a previous conversation from the list
What You'll See
- Thread title or first message
- Date/time of last activity
- Preview of conversation content
Switching Between Threads
- Open the conversation list
- Click on any previous thread
- Continue that conversation where you left off
- Or just view the history
Thread Context
The Assistant Remembers
Within a thread, the assistant remembers:
- Previous questions you asked
- Locations you searched for
- Analytics you requested
- Context from earlier messages
Context Limitations
- Very long threads may have context automatically summarized or trimmed
- Compacting or clearing context modifies the thread in place (see below)
- Starting a new thread gives completely fresh context
- Different threads have separate contexts
Tips for Managing Threads
Organize by Topic
- Use one thread per project or task
- Start new threads for unrelated topics
- Keep threads focused for better results
Thread Naming
- The first message often becomes the thread title
- Start with a clear, descriptive question
- Makes finding threads easier later
When to Continue vs Start New
| Scenario | Action |
|---|---|
| Follow-up question | Continue same thread |
| Related analysis | Continue same thread |
| Different project | Start new thread |
| Different topic entirely | Start new thread |
| Context getting confusing | Start new thread |
Thread Activity Indicators
The thread list shows two real-time signals so you can track what is happening across your conversations without switching tabs.
Unread Dot
A small teal dot appears before the thread title when the assistant has replied in that thread while you were viewing a different thread. The dot clears automatically when you open the thread. This works like an email unread indicator -- threads you are currently viewing never show the dot, only threads running in the background.
Thinking Border
When the assistant is actively working in a thread -- generating a reply or using tools -- the thread row shows an animated rotating gradient border (the same animation that appears on the composer while the model is thinking). The border is present for any thread with an active run, including threads you have switched away from. It stops as soon as the run finishes. If your device has reduced-motion preferences enabled, the gradient border is shown without animation.
Deleting a Thread
To permanently remove a thread and all its messages:
- Locate the thread in the conversation list
- Click the delete (trash) icon that appears next to the thread title
- Confirm the deletion when prompted
The delete icon appears when you hover the thread row (or when the thread is currently active or being swiped on mobile) and turns red on hover. Deletion is permanent — there is no undo, so confirm before proceeding.
Thread Storage
What's Saved
- All messages (yours and assistant's)
- Tool results and analytics
- File references (not files themselves)
- Timestamps
How Long Threads Are Kept
- Threads are preserved for extended periods
- Check with your administrator for retention policies
- Important threads can be exported if needed
Troubleshooting
Thread Not Loading
- Check internet connection
- Refresh the page
- Try accessing from thread list
Missing Messages
- Very old messages may be archived
- Long threads may show recent messages first
- Scroll up to see earlier messages
Thread Context Issues
If the assistant seems to have forgotten context:
- The thread may have reached context limits
- Try summarizing key info in a new message
- Consider starting a fresh thread
Best Practices
For Daily Work
- Start each day with a fresh thread for new tasks
- Continue ongoing investigations in the same thread
- Name threads clearly in your first message
For Complex Projects
- One thread per major analysis
- Reference previous threads by exporting/noting key findings
- Don't overload a single thread with too many topics