Licensed to be used in conjunction with basebox, only.
// getting started
Understanding the interface
Overview
The basebox interface has three areas: the sidebar on the left, the chat area in the middle and the input bar at the bottom. This page walks through them once so you know where to find which function – regardless of whether your organisation uses the Demo, basebox Cloud or basebox Server. The interface is identical in all three.
The sidebar
On the left you find everything you navigate with:
- New chat – starts a new conversation with an empty context window.
- Chat history – your previous conversations. Load older entries with "Load more". Conversations can be renamed so you find them again later, and deleted via the trash icon after confirmation.
- Apps – the "All apps" page with the apps shared with you. You can filter the list and search by author; at the top right, "+ Create new app" creates your own app.
- Administration – visible to administrators only. Behind it are dashboard, users, groups, connectors, audit log and organisation settings.
The sidebar can be collapsed to give the chat more room.
At the very bottom left is the user menu. From there you reach your profile (language, personalisation, security), support and the "About" page, which shows among other things the active model, its context size and the type of your installation.
The chat area
Your conversations run in the middle. A few elements you will see there:
- Answers appear progressively while the assistant writes. If you switch browser tabs in the meantime, the output catches up immediately when you return.
- Progress notices – while an answer is being written, basebox shows what is happening, for example which connector and which tool are in use and for how long.
- Reasoning panel – with models that support reasoning, you can expand or collapse the train of thought before the answer. See Reasoning effort.
- Source chips – when an app answers from its knowledge base, numbered chips appear in the text and a SOURCES section below it. See Knowledge bases & sources.
- Copy and download buttons on code blocks and tables.
- The permanent note "AI can make mistakes" below the input bar – it stays visible even when announcements are displayed.
If your organisation records conversation content in the audit log, you see a clearly visible notice in the chat. At login, messages of the day from your administrators may also appear.
The input bar
At the bottom sits the input field with its controls – from left to right:
| Element | Function |
|---|---|
| "+" icon | Opens the list of connectors available to you and the current app; this is also where you enter your own credentials |
| "Web" switch | Turns on web search for this chat – off by default, resets when you leave the chat |
| Paperclip | Upload files; alternatively drag files straight into the chat. See Uploading files |
| Reasoning selector | Shows the current level (default Medium); a click opens Low · Medium · High and the Think switch |
| Microphone | Starts voice input; see Using speech-to-text |
| Send | Sends the message |
How to write messages, edit drafts and stop answers is described under Sending messages.
Inside an app
When you open an app, the chat area looks almost the same – with three differences: the app's heading is shown at the top, the input field shows its call to action as placeholder, and the assistant follows the app instructions and, if present, the app's knowledge base. What distinguishes chat and apps: Chat and apps at a glance.
Notes
Note
- A new chat is the fastest remedy when answers get blurry or an upload fails with "context window reached". See Context window.
- If you do not see the "Web" switch, your organisation has not enabled web search.
- If you do not see Administration, you have the user role – that is the normal case.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I see which model is answering? In the user menu under "About". Individual apps can set a different model; see Choose a model.
Can I hide the sidebar? Yes, it can be collapsed and reopened at any time.
Why do I see a recording notice in the chat? Because your organisation records conversation content in the audit log. Your administrator can explain the details; background under Audit & logging.
Need help? Contact support