> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.riff.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.riff.ai/reference/riff-agent/chat-panel.md).

# Chat panel

The Riff agent chat panel is the interface you use to communicate with the Riff agent while building. It appears on the right side of the App builder, in the Chat tab of the Agent builder, and in Ask Riff. The controls are the same in all three places.

## Thread navigation (top)

* **New Chat** (`+` icon) — starts a fresh conversation thread
* **Thread Selector** — a dropdown listing all threads for this project. Each entry shows a description and a timestamp (e.g. "Mon 12/05/2025 · 3 hours ago"). Click to switch threads.

## Chat input (bottom)

**Attachments** Click the attachment icon or drag a file into the chat. Supported formats: images (PNG, JPG, etc.) and documents (PDF, Word, Excel, CSV, plain text).

**Agent dropdown** Adjust how the Riff agent behaves for this conversation:

| Setting             | Options                              |
| ------------------- | ------------------------------------ |
| **Model**           | Best · Standard · Fast               |
| **Context Window**  | Small · Medium · Large · Extra Large |
| **Tone of Voice**   | Neutral · Friendly · Professional    |
| **Response Style**  | Concise · Normal · Explanatory       |
| **Technical Level** | Beginner · Intermediate · Advanced   |

Tone, Response Style, and Technical Level are saved to your profile and carry across sessions.

**Build / Plan toggle** Controls whether the Riff agent acts or describes. See [Build / Plan toggle](/reference/riff-agent/build-plan-toggle.md).

**Text input** Grows as you type. Press Shift+Enter for a new line without sending.

Type `/` to open the skill picker — a searchable list of available skills, each showing its name and description. Select one to load its content into your message.

**Send / Stop**

* Arrow up (↑) — sends your message (or press Enter)
* Square — stops the Riff agent's current response mid-stream

## Chat history (middle)

* Messages from you and the Riff agent, with markdown and code syntax highlighting
* Tool use shown inline: tool name · progress indicator · elapsed time
* HTML visualisations rendered live in the panel
* Older messages load as you scroll up (200 messages per batch)
* A completion chime plays when the Riff agent finishes responding — turn this off in your profile settings


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# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://docs.riff.ai/reference/riff-agent/chat-panel.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.