Documentation

Linear Chats

Linear Chats provide a familiar, traditional chat interface within ThoughtFabric, perfect for focused conversations that don't require the visual complexity of the infinite canvas. Think of it as your streamlined AI conversation tool for when you need concentrated, sequential dialogue.

When to Use Linear Chats

Linear Chats are ideal for:

Ideal Use Cases

  • Focused Work: Deep, concentrated conversations without visual distractions
  • Writing Tasks: Drafting, editing, and refining text-based content
  • Quick Questions: Rapid Q&A sessions and information lookup
  • Brainstorming: Sequential idea development and exploration

Features of Linear Chats

Core Functionality

Traditional Chat Experience:

  • Sequential Messages: Conversations flow in chronological order
  • Full-Screen Mode: Distraction-free interface for deep focus
  • Keyboard Navigation: Efficient typing and navigation experience
  • Message History: Complete conversation history with search capabilities

AI Integration

Powerful AI Capabilities:

  • Model Selection: Choose from all your configured AI providers
  • Context Awareness: Maintain conversation context throughout sessions
  • Smart Responses: Benefit from ThoughtFabric's enhanced AI interactions
  • Cross-Reference: Reference content from your canvas and threads

Interface Overview

Chat Window

Clean, Focused Design:

  • Message Area: Clear display of conversation history
  • Input Field: Streamlined text input with formatting support
  • Send Options: Various ways to send and format messages
  • Settings Access: Quick access to chat preferences and AI model selection

Efficient Movement:

  • Scroll Navigation: Smooth scrolling through conversation history
  • Jump to Date: Quick navigation to specific timeframes
  • Search Messages: Find specific content within conversations
  • Export Options: Save conversations in various formats

Working with Linear Chats

Starting a Conversation

Access Methods

  1. From Canvas: Click the chat toggle button to switch to linear mode
  2. Direct Launch: Access linear chat directly from the main interface
  3. Thread Expansion: Expand any canvas thread into full linear chat mode

Setting Up Your Session

  1. Choose AI Model: Select your preferred AI provider and model
  2. Set Context: Add any relevant context from your canvas or documents
  3. Configure Preferences: Adjust chat settings for optimal experience
  4. Begin Conversation: Start your focused AI interaction

Message Management

Composing Messages

Enhanced Text Input:

  • Rich Text Support: Basic formatting options for clearer communication
  • Multi-line Input: Compose longer messages with proper formatting
  • Draft Saving: Automatic saving of message drafts
  • Quick Commands: Use shortcuts for common actions

Message Operations

Flexible Message Handling:

  • Edit Messages: Modify sent messages to refine your queries
  • Copy Content: Extract text from AI responses for use elsewhere
  • Pin Messages: Mark important responses for quick reference
  • Delete Messages: Remove unwanted messages from conversation history

Context Integration

Adding Context to Linear Chats

Seamless Context Import:

  • Canvas Integration: Reference threads and blocks from your infinite canvas
  • Document Context: Include content from uploaded files
  • URL Context: Add web content and video transcripts
  • Previous Conversations: Reference earlier chat sessions

Context Management

Dynamic Context Control:

  • Context Indicators: Visual cues showing active context
  • Context Removal: Easy removal of irrelevant context
  • Context Search: Find and add specific context quickly
  • Context History: Track context usage across sessions

Advanced Linear Chat Features

Conversation Organization

Session Management

Organized Chat History:

  • Named Sessions: Give meaningful names to conversation sessions
  • Session Folders: Organize related conversations together
  • Session Search: Find specific conversations quickly
  • Session Export: Save important conversations for future reference

Conversation Branching

Explore Different Paths:

  • Branch Points: Create alternative conversation paths
  • Compare Responses: Explore different AI responses to the same query
  • Merge Conversations: Combine useful branches back into main conversation
  • Branch History: Track and navigate between different conversation branches

Productivity Features

Keyboard Shortcuts

Efficient Navigation:

  • Send Message: Enter (configurable)
  • New Line: Shift + Enter
  • Clear Input: Escape
  • Search Chat: Cmd/Ctrl + F
  • Model Switch: Cmd/Ctrl + M

Quick Actions

Streamlined Workflow:

  • Message Templates: Pre-written prompts for common tasks
  • Response Formatting: Automatic formatting for specific content types
  • Export Shortcuts: Quick export to various formats
  • Context Shortcuts: Rapid context addition from recent sources

Integration with Canvas

Bidirectional Flow

Seamless Integration:

  • Canvas to Chat: Expand any canvas thread into linear chat
  • Chat to Canvas: Convert linear conversations into visual threads
  • Synchronized Context: Maintain context consistency across interfaces
  • Cross-Reference: Easy referencing between chat and canvas content

Content Transfer

Flexible Content Movement:

  • Message to Block: Convert chat messages into canvas blocks
  • Thread Integration: Merge linear conversations with canvas threads
  • Context Sharing: Use linear chat context in canvas conversations
  • Export Integration: Include linear chats in canvas exports

Use Cases and Workflows

Research and Analysis

Deep Dive Conversations:

  • Literature Review: Discuss research papers and academic sources
  • Data Analysis: Work through complex data interpretation
  • Comparative Studies: Compare different approaches or solutions
  • Hypothesis Development: Refine ideas through focused dialogue

Creative Projects

Iterative Development:

  • Writing Projects: Develop and refine written content
  • Concept Development: Explore creative ideas in depth
  • Problem Solving: Work through complex challenges step-by-step
  • Decision Making: Analyze options and make informed choices

Learning and Education

Focused Learning:

  • Concept Exploration: Deep dive into specific topics
  • Question Resolution: Work through difficult problems
  • Study Sessions: Review and reinforce learning material
  • Skill Development: Practice and improve specific abilities

Best Practices

Maximizing Linear Chat Effectiveness

Conversation Structure:

  • Clear Objectives: Start conversations with specific goals
  • Logical Flow: Maintain coherent conversation progression
  • Context Clarity: Provide necessary context for AI understanding
  • Regular Summaries: Periodically summarize key insights

Productivity Tips:

  • Session Planning: Prepare context and questions before starting
  • Regular Breaks: Take breaks during long conversation sessions
  • Content Organization: Use folders and naming for easy retrieval
  • Export Important Content: Save valuable insights for future reference

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

Performance Optimization

  • Long Conversations: Break extremely long chats into focused sessions
  • Context Overload: Remove unnecessary context for better performance
  • Model Selection: Choose appropriate models for specific tasks

Content Management

  • Lost Conversations: Use search and organization features to find content
  • Context Confusion: Clear outdated context regularly
  • Export Issues: Check formatting options for different export needs

Next Steps

Complete your ThoughtFabric mastery by exploring the full ecosystem:

Infinite Canvas

Transition between linear and visual thinking modes

Conversational Threads

Learn how linear chats integrate with thread systems

Contexts

Master context management across all interfaces

Focus Your Conversations! Use Linear Chats to dive deep into focused AI interactions while maintaining connection to your broader knowledge network.