> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://evidano.gitbook.io/ailyze-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://evidano.gitbook.io/ailyze-docs/analyze-data/chat-with-your-data.md).

# Chat With Your Data

Ask questions about your files and analyses in plain language, and get quick summaries, quotes, and charts you can paste into your report.

This page shows you how to ask questions about your data in plain language and turn the answers into report-ready text.

At the end you will have quick summaries, targeted quotes, and draft paragraphs — plus custom charts in spreadsheet projects — that you can paste straight into your report.

## Before you start

* A Pro plan (chat is a Pro feature), and either a project you've already analyzed or files to upload.

Evidano's chat lets you ask about your data in a back-and-forth conversation. You can open it in a few places — same idea, slightly different scope.

## Where you can chat

| Where                        | Scoped to                                                            | Open it via                                                                                                       |
| ---------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **In a document project**    | That project's transcripts and analysis                              | **Chat to generate custom report/analysis** (Action bar or floating button)                                       |
| **In a spreadsheet project** | That project's data and analysis                                     | **Chat to generate report or chart**                                                                              |
| **On a single theme**        | One [theme](/ailyze-docs/reference/glossary.md#theme) and its quotes | **Chat with this theme** — a Pro-only shortcut inside a theme (Free shows the tooltip *"Upgrade to Pro to chat"*) |
| **On its own**               | Files you upload or select                                           | The **Chat with Data** button on your account page                                                                |

Wherever you open it, the chat panel is headed **AI ChatBot**.

<figure><img src="https://1178311500-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fi4GBXPMUDxszIpUVOARU%2Fuploads%2FFxAd41wDIr096m30vuVY%2FChat%20with%20your%20data%201.png?alt=media&amp;token=bd4401ff-2046-4684-ba98-a05dacdaf9a2" alt="Evidano chat panel answering a question about the data"><figcaption><p>Answers cite the themes and quotes they draw on, so you can check each claim against the source.</p></figcaption></figure>

## What it's great at

* **Summaries:** *"Summarize the top three challenges in two paragraphs with quotes cited."*
* **Reframing for an audience:** *"Write a 5-paragraph executive summary of the main findings."*
* **Targeted pulls:** *"List every quote about pricing from enterprise participants."*
* **Charts on request:** *"Make a bar chart of cancellation reasons by plan."* The chart appears inline with a download link that expires after about twenty minutes.
* **Pressure-testing:** *"What evidence contradicts the 'onboarding is confusing' theme?"*

The standalone chat greets you with example prompts like *"What were the top challenges in two paragraphs with relevant quotes cited?"*

## What it's *not* for

Evidano itself flags this in the chat: it's *"better for quick summaries of the AI report, rather than in-depth new analysis of your data. Use 'Add Question/Theme' for deep analysis. Review insights carefully."*

So:

* For **new, rigorous analysis**, use **Add Theme/Question** (documents) or run a fresh analysis — not chat.
* **Always verify** quotes and claims against the source before publishing.

## Chat with your own files

1. Click **Chat with Data** on your account page.
2. Click **Attach**, then **Upload files** or **Previously uploaded**, so the chat has something to read. Attach before the first message; the menu shows how many files you can still add.
3. Ask your question. Answers **stream** in as they're written.
4. Use the conversation sidebar to revisit, rename, share, or delete past chats, and the **Prompt** palette (Ctrl+K, or ⌘K on a Mac) for ready-made research prompts.
5. **Share** a conversation by link, or go **Fullscreen** for long sessions.

Every control in both chats is listed in [Chat with Data Settings](/ailyze-docs/reference/settings/chat-with-data.md).

<figure><img src="https://1178311500-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Fi4GBXPMUDxszIpUVOARU%2Fuploads%2FFy9NfoCvIKPUGSJnParQ%2FChat%20with%20your%20data%202.png?alt=media&amp;token=2323227d-fc37-4378-bcfb-64c48908fb93" alt="Attaching files to a standalone chat with the plus menu"><figcaption><p>The plus menu is where files join the conversation; nothing is read until you attach it.</p></figcaption></figure>

**Tips for better answers**

* **Be specific about format:** "two paragraphs", "a bulleted list of 5", "with quotes and the % of responses".
* **Name the scope:** which theme, which segment, which question.
* **Ask for evidence:** request quotes and counts, then check them.
* **Iterate:** refine the prompt rather than starting over.

## Access and cost

The AI ChatBot is a **Pro** feature. On Free accounts, the chat shows an upgrade prompt instead of sending your message.

{% hint style="info" %}
**See also:** For what's included on each plan, see [Plans, Limits & Credits](/ailyze-docs/reference/plans-limits-and-credits.md).
{% endhint %}

## A realistic example

> **Scenario:** After analyzing 40 interviews, open chat and ask: *"Draft the findings section: top 4 themes, one verbatim quote each, \~120 words per theme, neutral academic tone."* Paste the draft into your report, then verify each quote against the transcript before finalizing.

## Next steps

* [How to read your results](/ailyze-docs/analyze-data/how-to-read-your-results.md) — understand what the chat is drawing from.
* [Create an executive summary](/ailyze-docs/create-deliverables/create-an-executive-summary.md) — turn chat drafts into a polished summary.
* [Build a codebook](/ailyze-docs/analyze-data/build-a-codebook.md) — refine the themes and codes behind your data.