# Bearly Manual — Full
> The complete Bearly Manual in one Markdown document: every setting and capability, how they connect, and tested recipes that combine them.
Index: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual.md](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual.md)
## Manual directory
### Start Here
- [Bearly Manual](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual.md): The complete guide to using Bearly, covering every setting and capability, how features connect, and step-by-step recipes that combine them, for people, AI assistants, and agents.
- [What Bearly is](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/what-is-bearly.md): The facts about Bearly in one place, including what it does, who it's for, which models and platforms it covers, how plans and privacy work, and where to go next.
- [Get Bearly on every device](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/get-bearly.md): Where Bearly runs (web app, phone browsers, desktop app, iOS app, Chrome extension), how to install and sign in on each, what the desktop app adds, and a table of which capabilities work on which platform.
- [Plans, credits, and limits](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits.md): Bearly's plans and prices, which features each plan unlocks, how AI credits and the usage meter work, what you see at a limit, Credit Boost, and how to change, cancel, or restore a plan bought on the web, in the iOS app, or as an organization seat.
- [Tour the workspace](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/workspace-tour.md): A map of Bearly's screens and where each control lives — the sidebar and account menu, the New Chat launcher, the chat header, thread, composer, and context strip, the command menu, the Settings window, the other pages, and what changes in the desktop app, on phones, and in the iOS app.
### Chat
- [Write, attach, and send](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/compose.md): How to write and send messages in Bearly, attach files and photos, unlock password-protected PDFs, share your screen, call tools and files with / and @, queue follow-ups while Bearly works, stop or interrupt an answer, and what the PII Blocker redacts.
- [Choose and compare models](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/models.md): How to choose, compare, and switch AI models in Bearly, including the model picker, Bearly Fast, Pro, and Ultra, defaults by plan and usage, per-chat and new-chat defaults, plan-gated and hidden models, Zero Data Retention only, running out of credits, and comparing answers with Rerun and Council of Experts.
- [Work with answers](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/answers.md): How to copy, edit, delete, rerun, and compare versions of messages in Bearly, read answers aloud or open them in Canvas, read Thinking steps and citations, what answers can display, what to do when an answer fails, and how to move around long chats with the timeline and chapters.
- [Organize, find, share, and export chats](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/organize.md): How to start, rename, pin, archive, delete, select, and move chats into projects in Bearly, read the sidebar, use Needs attention, search chats and files, use the command menu, download a chat as Markdown, share a chat as a Page, ask Bearly to manage chats for you, and open What's New.
- [Tune a chat: settings, style, reasoning, and memory](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/settings.md): Every Bearly chat setting explained, including This Chat versus New Chats, which setting wins when projects and organizations set their own, Response Style, Reasoning Effort, Temperature, Instructions, Language, Web Search, History modes, Memories, Personalization, and how Bearly tells the AI today's date.
- [Talk to Bearly: dictation and voice calls](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/voice.md): How to speak to Bearly instead of typing, with push-to-talk dictation into the message box and live voice calls that can run actions, plus Read aloud, every Dictation and Voice setting, plan and platform requirements, and limits.
- [Keyboard shortcuts](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/shortcuts.md): Every Bearly keyboard shortcut for macOS and for Windows and Linux, covering sending, new lines, interrupting, the / and @ picker, the command menu, search, new and deleted chats, jumping between prompts, Settings, dialogs, dictation, and the desktop app's global shortcut.
### Capabilities
- [Research the web, papers, people, products, and places](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research.md): Which Bearly research tool fits a job, and how to start, steer, and limit Web Search, Read Site, Image Search, Deep Research, Scholar, Council of Experts, Best Pick, People Search, SEO data, Domain research, Maps, Weather, and X, with plans, admin controls, Routines support, and tested combinations.
- [Learn from YouTube, online video, and posts on X](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/videos-and-posts.md): How to open, summarize, cut, quote, and fact-check YouTube videos in Bearly, save videos from YouTube and other sites into a chat with Get Video, and search and read public posts, threads, videos, and profiles on X.
- [Work with files and documents](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/documents.md): How Bearly opens, previews, searches, cites, summarizes, edits, converts, and proofreads files in a chat or project, including supported file types, size limits, password-protected PDFs, Always Search Documents, the Document editor, and what changes in end-to-end encrypted chats.
- [Analyze data and run code](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/data-and-code.md): How to analyze spreadsheets and files with Run Python, draw KPI, bar, and line charts with Charts, and pick the right visual with Visualize in Bearly, including what the Python sandbox includes, file inputs and outputs, chart limits, and how these combine with documents and Pages.
- [Make Pages and edit in Canvas](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas.md): How to build interactive Pages in Bearly, refine them through versions, prepare and publish them to a stable bearly.sh link with the right audience, share a conversation's key takeaways, and edit an answer as a document in Canvas, with every limit that applies.
- [Make images, video, and audio](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/images-video-audio.md): How to generate and edit images, make and edit short videos, turn text into speech with Read aloud and Voice Studio, transcribe audio and video, and have Bearly look at images and video, with each tool's options, limits, and admin controls.
- [Record and use meetings](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/meetings.md): How to record online meetings, in-person conversations, and voice notes in Bearly's Meetings and Recordings page, follow the live transcript, get the final transcript and speaker names, summarize, export, and hand a transcript to a chat or project to draft follow-ups.
- [Let Bearly use a browser, your files, and your computer](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/browser-and-computer.md): How a Bearly desktop chat browses sites in Bearly Browser, works in your signed-in Chrome tabs, reads and edits files and runs commands with Work locally, and operates apps with Computer Use, including the approvals each asks for and how to choose between them.
- [Connect apps and add skills](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/connectors-and-skills.md): How to connect services and your own MCP servers to Bearly, turn a connector on for a chat or a routine, sign in on each device, and install and run skills, including the built-in Visualize and Bearly AI Models skills, with platform limits and approvals.
- [Automate with Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md): How to create, schedule, equip, and deliver Bearly routines, including the Pro requirement, where routines run, exactly which tools a scheduled run can use, connectors, skills, Deep Research, permission mode, unattended local access, browser access, the notification filter, email and text delivery, and run history.
- [Send email and texts](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/email-and-text.md): How Bearly emails you or your teammates and texts your verified phone from a chat or a routine, how to set up Phone & SMS, who can receive messages, attachment and rate limits, and what to do when a send fails.
- [Approvals, permissions, and Full access](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/permissions.md): How Bearly asks before using tools outside the chat, how long each approval lasts, how to review and revoke saved approvals in the Permissions control, how Standard and Full access differ, what always asks, starting new chats in Full access, organization Agent access, routine permission mode, and spoken approvals.
### Combine
- [Building blocks: how Bearly's features connect](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/building-blocks.md): The composition model behind Bearly — what each capability takes in and produces, which outputs feed which tools, where each block runs, which plans and Routines support it, and what breaks a chain — so a person or an AI can design new multi-step workflows.
- [Recipes for research and analysis](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/research-recipes.md): Step-by-step recipes that chain Bearly's research tools (Deep Research, Scholar, Read Site, document search, YouTube claim checks, X posts, Rerun, and Council of Experts) with Run Python, charts, Pages, and email to produce cited reports, checked figures, and published briefs.
- [Recipes for writing, content, and media](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/creative-recipes.md): Step-by-step recipes that chain Bearly's image, video, text-to-speech, transcription, YouTube, grammar, and Run Python tools to make narrated clips, product visuals, show notes, trailers, quote cuts, and proofread drafts in one chat.
- [Recipes for founders, sales, and operations](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/business-recipes.md): Step-by-step recipes that chain Bearly's Domain research, SEO data, People Search, Council of Experts, Document editor, Run Python, charts, Pages, and email for naming a product, meeting prep, contact lists, contract redlines, shareable dashboards, and search-gap content plans.
- [Recipes for automation and agents](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/automation-recipes.md): Step-by-step recipes that combine Routines, Bearly Browser, Chrome control, Work locally, Computer Use, connectors, Deep Research, and email or text delivery, including what scheduled runs can and can't use and which steps need the desktop app.
- [Recipes for everyday life](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/everyday-recipes.md): Step-by-step recipes that chain Bearly's Maps, Weather, Best Pick, YouTube, Scholar, voice calls, text to speech, Run Python, Pages, and email for rides, trips, shopping, learning, reading health research, language practice, and splitting bills.
- [Recipes for teams and projects](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/team-recipes.md): Step-by-step recipes that combine projects, Always Search Documents, meeting transcripts, project sharing and locked settings, organization policies, Memories and chat management, Prompt Templates, email to teammates, and restricted Pages for shared knowledge bases, meeting recaps, and team rollouts.
### Workspace & Control
- [Projects: shared context, files, and settings](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects.md): How Bearly projects work, including creating one, sidebar actions, roles and sharing, every Project Settings control, Docs & Data files and desktop folder sync, how project chats inherit settings and memory, password protection, archiving, and tested setups.
- [Run Bearly for an organization](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations.md): How to create and run a Bearly organization, including managed and unmanaged organizations, every console tab and setting (Overview, Agent access, Microsoft Entra and provisioning, Access banner, Members, Groups, Projects, Policies, Billing seats, Usage, Activity), and the complete policy control catalog.
- [Privacy and security controls](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security.md): Every privacy and security control in Bearly and what it changes, including Zero Data Retention only, end-to-end encryption with recovery phrase, device approval, and passkeys, personalization, memories and web search, project passwords, tool permissions, signed-in devices, logging out, account deletion, text messages, and admin-only controls.
- [Settings reference](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/settings-reference.md): Every pane and control in Bearly's Settings window, in the order the app shows them, with options, defaults, and what each control does, plus how to open Settings, read its save status, and find the panes that only appear on some platforms or plans.
### For AI & Agents
- [Guide for AI assistants](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/for-ai-assistants.md): How an AI assistant, including Bearly's own, should use this manual to answer questions about Bearly, check what a user's plan and device allow, and walk them through a task or a new combination of features.
- [Use Bearly from scripts and agents](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/api-and-agents.md): How developers and AI agents use Bearly programmatically, including API keys, the Bearly API's endpoints, authentication, models, limits, and errors, the Bearly AI Models skill for scripts inside Bearly, links that open Bearly with a prompt, the Markdown versions of this manual, remote modules, and guidance for agents that operate Bearly's interface for a person.
- [Fix common problems](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/troubleshooting.md): What a Bearly message or symptom means and what to do about it — upload and PDF password errors, failed answers, a paused queue, usage limits and out-of-credits notices, hidden models, missing features, desktop-only tools, locked encrypted chats, routines that didn't run, connectors, email and text, Deep Research, Full access, Chrome control, voice, dictation, meetings, sharing, and sign-in.
- [Glossary](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/glossary.md): Plain definitions of the Bearly terms you meet in the app and in this manual, from Agentic (Compaction) and Bearly Fast to Full access, Routines, Voice Studio, and Zero Data Retention only, each with a link to the page that covers it.
---
---
title: "Bearly Manual"
description: "The complete guide to using Bearly, covering every setting and capability, how features connect, and step-by-step recipes that combine them, for people, AI assistants, and agents."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual.md"
---
# Bearly Manual
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/)
> The complete guide to using Bearly, covering every setting and capability, how features connect, and step-by-step recipes that combine them, for people, AI assistants, and agents.
This manual explains how to do anything in Bearly, from your first chat to workflows that chain research, data, media, agents, and automation. Each capability says when to use it, what it needs, what it produces, and what it combines with, and each recipe says why its steps work together, so you can adapt it to your own work.
New to Bearly? Read [What Bearly is](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/what-is-bearly.md), then [Tour the workspace](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/workspace-tour.md).
## I want to…
| Goal | Start here |
|---|---|
| Ask a question and get current answers with sources | [Research](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research.md) |
| Get a long, cited research report on a topic | [Research → Deep Research](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research.md) |
| Find and quote academic papers | [Research → Scholar](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research.md) |
| Choose the one product worth buying | [Research → Best Pick](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research.md) |
| Get the point of a YouTube video, or check its claims | [Videos and posts](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/videos-and-posts.md) |
| Work with a PDF, document, or spreadsheet | [Files and documents](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/documents.md) |
| Analyze data or make a chart | [Data and code](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/data-and-code.md) |
| Build a page, dashboard, or small tool and share a link | [Pages and Canvas](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas.md) |
| Make an image, a video, a voiceover, or a transcript | [Images, video, and audio](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/images-video-audio.md) |
| Record a meeting and use what was said | [Meetings](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/meetings.md) |
| Dictate, or talk to Bearly out loud | [Talk to Bearly](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/voice.md) |
| Let Bearly use a browser, a folder of files, or my screen | [Browser and computer](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/browser-and-computer.md) |
| Connect Notion, Linear, GitHub, or my own server | [Connectors and skills](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/connectors-and-skills.md) |
| Run something every morning without asking | [Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md) |
| Get results by email or text | [Email and text](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/email-and-text.md) |
| Compare models, or ask several at once | [Choose and compare models](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/models.md) |
| Encrypt chats end to end, or use only zero-retention models | [Privacy and security](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security.md) |
| Find, organize, share, or export chats | [Organize, find, and share](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/organize.md) |
| Set a tone, language, or instructions for every chat | [Tune a chat](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/settings.md) |
| Share files and instructions across chats or with people | [Projects](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects.md) |
| Set up Bearly for a company | [Organizations](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations.md) |
| Understand plans, credits, and limits | [Plans, credits, and limits](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits.md) |
| Call Bearly from code or another agent | [API and agents](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/api-and-agents.md) |
| Combine features in a way I haven't seen | [Building blocks](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/building-blocks.md) |
| Fix something that isn't working | [Troubleshooting](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/troubleshooting.md) |
## Recipes
Each recipe chains several capabilities and explains the hand-off between them:
- [Research and analysis](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/research-recipes.md)
- [Writing, content, and media](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/creative-recipes.md)
- [Founders, sales, and operations](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/business-recipes.md)
- [Automation and agents](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/automation-recipes.md)
- [Everyday life](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/everyday-recipes.md)
- [Teams and projects](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/team-recipes.md)
## For AI assistants and agents
This manual is written to be read by software as well as people. Replace the trailing slash of any page address with `.md` for clean Markdown, start at [/manual.md](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual.md) for the directory, or read [/manual-full.txt](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual-full.txt) for everything in one file. [Guide for AI assistants](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/for-ai-assistants.md) explains how to use it to help someone, and [API and agents](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/api-and-agents.md) covers programmatic access.
## Keeping it accurate
The manual is written from the current app and updated as features ship. The shorter [feature guides](https://bearly.ai/docs.md) cover single features, and the [changelog](https://bearly.ai/docs/changelog.md) lists every release. If something in the app looks different from what you read here, the app is right; tell us with **Give Feedback** in the account menu, or at support@bearly.ai.
---
---
title: "What Bearly is"
description: "The facts about Bearly in one place, including what it does, who it's for, which models and platforms it covers, how plans and privacy work, and where to go next."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/what-is-bearly/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/what-is-bearly.md"
---
# What Bearly is
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/what-is-bearly/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/what-is-bearly/)
> The facts about Bearly in one place, including what it does, who it's for, which models and platforms it covers, how plans and privacy work, and where to go next.
Bearly is one app for Claude, GPT, Gemini, Grok, and more. You chat with the model you choose, and the same conversation can search the web with sources, read your files, run code, make charts, Pages, images, video, and audio, record meetings, and use a browser or your computer in the desktop app. Routines run a saved prompt on a schedule.
People use Bearly for real work: editors, founders, engineers, researchers, analysts, and writers, and the teams they work in.
## What you can do with it
| Area | What Bearly does | Manual page |
|---|---|---|
| Chat with any model | Pick a model per chat, rerun an answer with another model, or ask several at once with `/council` (Pro and up). | [Choose and compare models](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/models.md) |
| Research | Web search with sources, reading web pages, image search, Deep Research reports, academic papers with Scholar, product picks with Best Pick, people briefs, SEO and domain data, maps, and weather. | [Research](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research.md) |
| Videos and posts | Summaries, chapters, quotes, cuts, and claim checks for YouTube videos; downloading video from supported sites; reading public posts on X. | [Videos and posts](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/videos-and-posts.md) |
| Files | Read, search, summarize, and quote PDFs, office documents, spreadsheets, and more; create and edit office documents; fix grammar. | [Files and documents](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/documents.md) |
| Data and code | Run Python on your files, and turn prepared data into charts. | [Data and code](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/data-and-code.md) |
| Publishing | Build Pages (documents, dashboards, small interactive tools) and publish them at a stable link. | [Pages and Canvas](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas.md) |
| Media | Generate and edit images, make short videos with sound, turn text into speech, and transcribe audio and video. | [Images, video, and audio](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/images-video-audio.md) |
| Voice and meetings | Dictate into the composer, talk with Bearly on a voice call, and record meetings with transcripts. | [Talk to Bearly](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/voice.md), [Meetings](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/meetings.md) |
| Agents | In the desktop app, Bearly can work in a browser, in a folder you choose, and on your screen, with your approval. | [Browser and computer](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/browser-and-computer.md) |
| Your other apps | Connect services such as Notion, Linear, and GitHub, or your own servers, and add skills. | [Connectors and skills](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/connectors-and-skills.md) |
| Automation | Routines run a saved prompt on a schedule in the desktop app and can email or text you the result. | [Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md) |
| Shared work | Projects share files, instructions, and settings across chats and people; organizations manage members, policies, and billing. | [Projects](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects.md), [Organizations](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations.md) |
Each of these is a building block whose output the next step can use. [Building blocks](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/building-blocks.md) explains how they connect, and the recipe pages show tested combinations.
## Models
- Claude, GPT, Gemini, Grok, and more in one app. The model picker lists the models your organization allows, each labeled **ZDR** or **Standard** for whether its main route has zero data retention.
- **Bearly Fast**, **Bearly Pro**, and **Bearly Ultra** are Bearly's own choices, always kept up to date. Paid plans start new chats on Bearly Pro until 95% of the month's credits are used, then on Bearly Fast; the free plan starts on Bearly Fast.
- Some top models need the Pro or Analyst plan. Choosing one on a lower plan opens **Billing** with the plan it needs.
- The current list is in the picker, and in the [model catalog](https://bearly.ai/dashboard/model-catalog.json) for programs.
## Where it runs
Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, web, and Chrome. There is no Android app; on Android, use Bearly in your phone's browser. Your chats sync across the web app, the desktop app, and the iOS app. The desktop app adds the features that need your computer: Bearly Browser, Work locally, Computer Use, installed skills, and running Routines. [Get Bearly](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/get-bearly.md) has the full platform table.
## Plans
- Free to start with a personal email: a free plan with a small daily allowance and no credit card.
- Pro is $20 a month or $200 a year. Analyst is $60 a month, and Research is $100 a month (prices as of October 2026). Each paid plan gives you its price in AI credits every month, with no rate limits.
- Some features need a plan: Routines, Best Pick, and Council of Experts need Pro; Deep Research and People Search need Analyst; Deep Research's deeper Ultra tier needs Research.
- Organizations buy plan seats for their members on one company billing account.
[Plans, credits, and limits](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits.md) explains usage, boosts, and what happens at a limit.
## Privacy
Compared with ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, Microsoft Copilot, Microsoft 365 Copilot, Perplexity, and Grok, Bearly is the most private of the major AI assistants, because of these measures:
- Bearly doesn't train AI models on your chats. No ads. We don't sell your data.
- AI labs never learn who is asking: no name, account, or IP address reaches them. Anything you type about yourself is still part of your message.
- Turn on **Zero Data Retention only** and Bearly shows only zero-retention models, and automatic fallbacks stay on them too. It covers chat models.
- Turn on end-to-end encryption and your new chats are encrypted on your devices. Bearly stores and syncs only the locked copies, and can't read those chats: not the messages, the titles, or the files. It's opt-in and in beta. Each message still goes to the model you chose to get an answer.
- Chats and files are encrypted at rest, each with its own key.
- Web and image search run on a provider that keeps nothing after it answers.
- Computer use runs on your device.
[Privacy and security](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security.md) lists every control and what it does.
## For organizations
Every model under one contract. Admins get feature-by-feature controls, model allowlists, spend limits for teams, groups, and members, lockable chat defaults, an access banner, and usage reports. Sign-in can run through Microsoft Entra single sign-on with SCIM provisioning. An audit log records admin, policy, membership, and billing changes. Admins can limit teams to zero-retention chat models with a model allowlist. Bearly is SOC 2 compliant. See [Organizations](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations.md).
## For developers and agents
Bearly includes API access: create a key, call Bearly's models from your own code in the Chat Completions, Responses, or Messages request format, and spend the same credits, with no provider keys of your own. Every API request goes to a zero-retention route. This manual is also built for software: replace the trailing slash of any page address with `.md` for Markdown, read [/manual.md](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual.md) for the index, or [/manual-full.txt](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual-full.txt) for the whole manual in one file. See [API and agents](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/api-and-agents.md).
## Company
Bearly first launched in November 2022. It is not open source. For help, use **Give Feedback** in the app's account menu, or email support@bearly.ai.
---
---
title: "Get Bearly on every device"
description: "Where Bearly runs (web app, phone browsers, desktop app, iOS app, Chrome extension), how to install and sign in on each, what the desktop app adds, and a table of which capabilities work on which platform."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/get-bearly/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/get-bearly.md"
---
# Get Bearly on every device
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/get-bearly/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/get-bearly/)
> Where Bearly runs (web app, phone browsers, desktop app, iOS app, Chrome extension), how to install and sign in on each, what the desktop app adds, and a table of which capabilities work on which platform.
Bearly runs on Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, web, and Chrome. Sign in with the same account everywhere and your chats and projects follow you. Most of Bearly works the same on every platform; the work that touches your own computer, such as local files, a built-in browser, desktop control, and scheduled runs, needs the desktop app.
There is no Android app. On Android, use the web app in your phone's browser.
| Platform | What it is | How to get it |
|---|---|---|
| Web app | Bearly in a desktop browser | Go to `https://bearly.ai/dashboard` and sign in |
| Phone browser | The same web app on a phone or tablet, including Android | Open `https://bearly.ai/dashboard` in your phone's browser |
| Desktop app | Bearly for Mac, Windows, and Linux, plus local and browser tools | **App Settings** → **Get Desktop App**, or `bearly.ai/download/mac`, `/windows`, or `/linux` |
| iOS app | Bearly for iPhone and iPad (iOS 17 or later) | Search for Bearly in the App Store |
| Browser extension | **Bearly Companion** for Chrome: page summaries in a side panel, and the link that lets the desktop app control Chrome | Chrome Web Store, or **Install Chrome extension** in the desktop app |
## Web app
The web app is the full Bearly workspace in a desktop browser: chat with the models your plan includes, attach files, research, build Pages, generate images and video, record meetings from your microphone, set up projects and organizations, and manage routines.
**Use it when:** you're on a computer you don't own, you want nothing to install, or you only need chat, research, and documents.
**You need:** a current desktop browser and a Bearly account.
Features that need your computer show a prompt instead of failing. For example, **Work locally** opens **Get Bearly for desktop** with "Work locally lets Bearly read, edit, and run files in a folder you choose — available on the Bearly desktop app." Other desktop-only features show **Use the desktop app** with a **Get Bearly** button.
## Phone browsers
On a phone or a narrow window, the sidebar becomes a drawer: select **Open sidebar** to show it, and it closes when you pick a chat. Everything in the web app works except the desktop-only features, which show **Use Bearly on desktop**.
**Use it when:** you're on Android, or on an iPhone without the app.
**You need:** a current mobile browser.
- Connectors that need a service sign-in work in a normal mobile browser. On Android, they don't work in the in-app browser another app opens when you tap a link; those show **Web browser required**. Open the link in your browser app instead.
- You can add Bearly to your home screen from your browser's menu. It still needs a connection.
- The camera button **Take photo** appears on phones, tablets, and touch screens.
## Desktop app
The desktop app is Bearly in its own window, plus the tools that work on your computer. It loads Bearly from the internet, so it needs a connection. If it can't connect, it shows "We can't reach Bearly." and keeps retrying.
**Use it when:** you want Bearly to work with files on your computer, browse sites for you, control apps, run routines on a schedule, or record online meetings with computer audio.
**You need:** a Mac (one download works on every Mac processor type), a Windows x64 PC, or a Linux x64 computer.
**Mac**
1. In the web app, open the account menu at the bottom of the sidebar, select **App Settings**, then **Get Desktop App** and **Download for macOS**. You can also go to `bearly.ai/download/mac`.
2. Open the downloaded `.dmg` and drag **Bearly** into **Applications** — Bearly needs to run from Applications. If you open it from somewhere else, it offers **Move to Applications**.
3. Open Bearly and sign in.
**Windows**
1. In the web app, open **App Settings** → **Get Desktop App** → **Download for Windows**, or go to `bearly.ai/download/windows`.
2. Open the installer and follow the steps — it installs for your user account by default; you can choose to install it for everyone on the PC.
3. Open Bearly and sign in.
**Linux**
1. In the web app, open **App Settings** → **Get Desktop App** → **Download for Linux**, or go to `bearly.ai/download/linux`. This is an AppImage for x64 computers.
2. Mark the AppImage as executable if your system asks, then open it.
3. Sign in.
### What the desktop app adds
- **Work locally** — Bearly reads, edits, and runs files in a folder you pick, with your approval. The **Get Desktop App** pane calls this Cowork. See [Let Bearly use a browser, your files, and your computer](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/browser-and-computer.md).
- **Bearly Browser** — a separate browser inside the app that chats can work in. Same page.
- **Control Chrome** — Bearly works in your everyday Chrome tabs through the Bearly Companion extension. Same page.
- **Computer Use** — Bearly clicks and types in the apps on your screen after you approve the task. Same page.
- **Installed skills and skill scripts**, and **npm MCP servers**. See [Connect apps and add skills](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/connectors-and-skills.md).
- **Running routines.** You can create routines anywhere, but they run only in the desktop app, on the device they're installed on, while it's open. See [Automate with Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md).
- **Online meeting** recording with computer audio and your microphone, on Windows and on macOS 13 or later. Linux records your microphone only. See [Meetings](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/meetings.md).
- **Local Directory Sync** for projects, and saving videos and transcripts over your own connection. See [Projects](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects.md) and [Videos and posts](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/videos-and-posts.md).
- **Runtime** settings, where Bearly installs and checks the tools local work uses and keeps environment variables for local commands and skills.
- Full access for all of these tools. On other platforms it covers connectors only. See [Approvals, permissions, and Full access](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/permissions.md).
### Desktop settings
Open **App Settings** and look under the **Desktop** section. **Desktop**, **Runtime**, and **Chrome Extension** appear only in the desktop app; **Browser** appears there when Bearly Browser is available to your account.
| Setting | What it does |
|---|---|
| **Keyboard shortcut** | "Global hotkey to summon Bearly." The default is ⌘ Shift P on Mac and Ctrl Shift P on Windows and Linux. It brings the Bearly window forward. Select **Change** to record a new one, or **Disable**. |
| **Always on top** | Keeps the window above other apps. It turns off when you quit. |
| **Auto-hide** | Hides Bearly when it loses focus. Bring it back with the keyboard shortcut. |
| **Launch on boot** | **Enabled** starts Bearly when you sign in to your computer. Off by default. |
| **Latest version** | Shows your installed version and whether a newer one exists. |
The app also puts an icon in the menu bar (Mac) or system tray (Windows and Linux); select it to show the window. Closing the window quits Bearly after **Quit Bearly?**. If Bearly is recording a meeting or saving a download, **Bearly is still working** offers **Keep Bearly open** or **Quit when finished**.
### Updates
The desktop app downloads updates in the background. When one is ready, **Update ready · Restart** appears at the top of the window; select it to restart into the new version. Most improvements arrive without a new download, because the app loads the current Bearly from the web. A feature that needs a newer app shows **Update Bearly**.
## iOS app
The iOS app is the same Bearly workspace for iPhone and iPad, with a few differences:
- **Sign-in is by email only.** Enter your email, select **Continue**, and type the code Bearly emails you. The account buttons shown on other platforms are hidden in the app.
- **Plans are bought through the App Store.** Plan cards read **Purchase** followed by the plan name. **Restore** checks the App Store for a subscription you already have. **Manage Account**, **Invoices**, and **Cancel** open the App Store's subscription settings. One-time Credit Boosts aren't sold in the app; buy them from the web or desktop app. If you subscribed through the App Store, other platforms show **Manage in iOS App**. See [Plans, credits, and limits](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits.md).
- **Connectors that need a service sign-in** show **Web browser required**. Connect and use those in a regular browser. Custom servers that use a token, custom headers, or no sign-in work in the app.
- **Desktop-only features** show a prompt to use Bearly on a computer. You can still create and edit routines in the app; they run in the desktop app.
- **Downloads** open the iOS share sheet. Links Bearly opens go to Safari or the app that owns the link.
- During a voice call, the screen stays on. Keep the app in front.
The app loads the current Bearly from the web, so most improvements arrive without an App Store update.
## Browser extension
**Bearly Companion** is Bearly's Chrome extension. It does two separate jobs:
- **On its own**, it adds a side panel that summarizes, explains, or answers questions about the page you're reading.
- **With the desktop app**, it lets a desktop chat work in your regular Chrome tabs. That connection needs no extension sign-in. See [Control Chrome](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/browser-and-computer.md#control-chrome).
**Use it when:** you want a quick summary or answer about the page in front of you without opening Bearly.
**You need:** Chrome and a Bearly account.
1. Install **Bearly Companion** from the Chrome Web Store — in the desktop app, **App Settings** → **Desktop** → **Chrome Extension** → **Install Chrome extension** opens it.
2. Select the Bearly icon in the Chrome toolbar — the side panel opens.
3. Select **Sign in with Bearly**. In the window that opens, check the account shown under **Connect the Bearly extension**, then select **Continue** — the extension gets its own key, not your dashboard login.
4. Select **Allow website access** and approve Chrome's request — this one grant covers every site, and Bearly still reads a page only when you choose an action. The panel then shows **Ready for this page**.
**What you get:** above the composer, **Summarize** (main points, then key takeaways), **Explain** (the page in plain language), and **Explain selection** (needs selected text). The **Ask this page** box answers questions from the page; follow-ups can compare pages you visited in the same window. A small **Open Bearly actions** button at the bottom-right of pages runs the same actions and shows answers in the panel; its menu also has **Hide on this page**, **Don't show on this site**, and **Hide Forever**.
**Limits:** one conversation per Chrome window, kept until you select **Clear conversation**, close the window, quit Chrome, or disconnect. Questions can be up to 4,000 characters. Quick actions can't click, navigate, or use other tools, and they use one fixed model. The extension has no keyboard shortcut or right-click menu.
When you run an action, the extension sends the page's readable text (or only your selection, for **Explain selection**) and a picture of the visible part of the tab. Scroll away from anything you don't want in that picture.
Settings live behind the gear in the panel: **Response language**, **Quick actions** (which presets show, and their order), **Website access**, **Page button**, and **Disconnect Bearly**. Disconnecting removes Bearly from this browser; your account and work stay in Bearly. You can also remove the extension's key from any device under **App Settings** → **Devices** → **Browser extension and API keys**.
## Sign in
Bearly has no passwords. On the sign-in screen, enter your **Email** and select **Continue**; Bearly emails you a code made of three words. Type or paste it and select **Sign in**. Above the email field, the web and desktop apps also offer **Continue with** buttons for signing in with an existing account, including your organization's single sign-on where an administrator has set it up. The iOS app offers email sign-in only.
- **Desktop app:** account-button sign-in opens your default browser. Finish there, and the browser hands you back to the app. If it doesn't, the browser page offers **Retry desktop sign-in**.
- **Staying signed in:** you stay signed in until you sign out. **App Settings** → **Devices** lists every device signed in to your account, with **Sign out** on each and **Sign out all other devices**.
- **End-to-end encrypted chats** need more than sign-in: a new device needs approval from one you already use, your recovery phrase, or a passkey. See [Privacy and security](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security.md).
## What works where
"Desktop" means the desktop app on Mac, Windows, and Linux.
| Capability | Web app | Phone browser | Desktop app | iOS app | Extension |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chat with models, files, and Pages | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Web research and Deep Research | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Images, video, and spoken audio | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Run Python (cloud) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Voice calls | Yes, not in Firefox | Where the browser supports it | Yes | Yes | No |
| Dictation | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Meeting recording with the microphone | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Online meeting with computer audio | No | No | Windows and macOS 13 or later | No | No |
| Projects | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Project Local Directory Sync | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| End-to-end encrypted chats | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Create and manage routines | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Run routines | No | No | Yes, on the installed device | No | No |
| Connectors with a service sign-in | Yes | Yes, not in Android in-app browsers | Yes | No | No |
| Connectors with a token, headers, or no sign-in | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| npm MCP servers | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Built-in skills (Visualize, Bearly AI Models) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Installed skills and skill scripts | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Work locally | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Bearly Browser | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Control Chrome | No | No | Yes, with Chrome and the extension | No | Needed for it |
| Computer Use | No | No | Yes | No | No |
| Full access | Connectors only | Connectors only | All enabled tools | Connectors only | No |
| Send email and texts from a chat | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Summarize or ask about the page you're on | No | No | No | No | Yes |
| Buy or change a plan | Yes | Yes | Yes | App Store | No |
| Credit Boosts | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| API keys | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Global keyboard shortcut and tray icon | No | No | Yes | No | No |
Your organization's policy can turn many of these features off, and some features need a paid plan. See [Plans, credits, and limits](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits.md) and [Organizations](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations.md).
## Related
- [Tour the workspace](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/workspace-tour.md) — where everything is once you're signed in.
- [Let Bearly use a browser, your files, and your computer](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/browser-and-computer.md) — the desktop tools in detail.
- [Use Bearly from scripts and agents](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/api-and-agents.md) — API keys and links that open Bearly with a prompt.
---
---
title: "Plans, credits, and limits"
description: "Bearly's plans and prices, which features each plan unlocks, how AI credits and the usage meter work, what you see at a limit, Credit Boost, and how to change, cancel, or restore a plan bought on the web, in the iOS app, or as an organization seat."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits.md"
---
# Plans, credits, and limits
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits/)
> Bearly's plans and prices, which features each plan unlocks, how AI credits and the usage meter work, what you see at a limit, Credit Boost, and how to change, cancel, or restore a plan bought on the web, in the iOS app, or as an organization seat.
Every Bearly plan comes with an allowance of AI credits. This page covers what each plan includes, how usage is counted, what happens when you reach a limit, and where to change or cancel a plan.
## Plans at a glance
| Plan | Price | AI credits | What it adds |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Free** | $0 | A daily allowance and a monthly allowance | Light daily use of low-cost models, with a preview of most features |
| **Pro** | $20/mo | $20 of AI credits each month | Routines, Best Pick, Council, your choice of voice model, and models that need Pro |
| **Analyst** | $60/mo | $60 of AI credits each month | Everything in Pro, plus Deep Research, People Search, and models that need Analyst |
| **Research** | $100/mo | $100 of AI credits each month | Everything in Analyst, plus the Ultra tier of Deep Research |
| **Max** | Organization seats only | See your organization's billing | Everything in Research, for organizations that buy seats |
Yearly billing costs ten times the monthly price, so you pay for ten months and get twelve. The plan picker labels it **Yearly** **17% off**; organization billing calls it **Yearly · 2 months free**. Current prices are also on [bearly.ai/pricing](https://bearly.ai/pricing).
Max is not sold to personal accounts. An organization admin buys it as a seat in the organization's **Billing** tab. See [Run Bearly for an organization](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations.md).
## What each plan unlocks
| Feature | Minimum plan | What happens on a lower plan |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md) (scheduled chats) | Pro | Free accounts see the Routines page with an upgrade prompt |
| [Best Pick](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research.md) (product research) | Pro | An upgrade card appears in the chat |
| [Council](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research.md) (ask several models at once) | Pro | The chat shows "Council of Experts requires Pro or higher." with **Upgrade to Pro** |
| Choosing a voice model for [voice calls](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/voice.md) | Pro | Free calls use a fixed model, and the **Model** menu reads "Choosing a voice model needs a paid plan." |
| [Deep Research](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research.md), standard tier | Analyst | **Run Research** opens the upgrade flow |
| Deep Research, **Ultra** tier | Research | **Run Research** opens the upgrade flow |
| [People Search](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research.md) | Analyst | An upgrade card appears in the chat |
| Some chat models | Pro or Analyst, per model | Choosing the model opens an upgrade prompt instead of switching |
| **Usage** pane in Settings | Any paid plan | Free accounts use the meter in the account menu |
| Credit Boost | Any paid plan, outside the iOS app | Not shown |
Web search, image search, reading web pages, Scholar, YouTube, X posts, SEO data, domain research, Maps, Weather, and document tools are on every plan. They draw on the same allowance as chat.
If you belong to an organization, its policy can still turn a feature off even when your plan includes it. See the [policy control catalog](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations.md).
## How usage is counted
Each request uses credits according to the work it takes. A long answer from a large model, a big file, or a research tool uses more than a short reply from a fast model. The percentage meter is a better guide than counting messages.
- **Paid plans** have a monthly allowance equal to the plan's price in AI credits. There is no separate daily limit.
- **Free** has a daily allowance that resets every day and a monthly allowance. Whichever you're closer to using up sets the meter.
- **Personal plans** (bought on the web or in the iOS app) reset on the first day of each calendar month (UTC), not on your billing date. The **Usage** pane shows the exact reset date.
- **Organization seats** follow the seat's billing period instead.
- If you move from a paid plan to Free partway through a month, what you used earlier that month counts toward Free's monthly allowance. Free can then stay unavailable until the next month.
### The usage meter
Open the account menu at the bottom of the sidebar. It shows your email, your plan badge, a meter bar, and a percentage. **+boost** appears beside the percentage while you have boost credits. On Free, the sidebar also shows **Unlock more AI — Go Pro**, which opens **Billing**.
### Which model new chats use
Free accounts start new chats on **Bearly Fast**. Paid accounts start on **Bearly Pro** until 95% of the allowance is used, then on **Bearly Fast**. A model you picked yourself is never changed. See [Models](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/models.md).
## What you see at a limit
When a request can't run, the chat shows a message and a button.
| Situation | Message | Button |
| --- | --- | --- |
| A feature needs a higher plan | "_Feature_ requires _Plan_ or higher." | **Upgrade to _Plan_** (or **View plans**) |
| Free monthly allowance used up | "You've used this month's free allowance. It resets on _date_. Upgrade to Pro to keep going now." | **Go Pro** |
| Free daily allowance used up | "You're out of credits. Please upgrade your plan to continue. Credits will reset tomorrow." | **Go Pro** |
| A Free request trips Bearly's free-plan checks | "This request tripped our free-plan checks. Go Pro to continue, or email support@bearly.ai if we've misread it." | **Go Pro** |
| Paid plan used up, boost available | "You've used your plan credits. Buy a boost to keep going, or upgrade your plan." The boost amounts appear as buttons. | **Upgrade Plan**, or **View Billing** if your plan can't be changed here |
| Paid plan and boost both used up | "You've used all your credits, including your boost. Buy another boost to keep going, or upgrade your plan." | **Upgrade Plan** or **View Billing** |
| Anything else | "You've used your plan credits. Open billing to see your options." | **View Billing** |
After you add credits or change plans, go back to the chat and send the request again.
## After paid credits run out
On Pro, Analyst, Research, and Max, running out of credits doesn't stop chat. Bearly keeps **Bearly Fast** and **Bearly Pro** available at no extra charge, up to a limited amount each day and each month. A notice above the composer reads "You're out of credits. Chat continues with Bearly Fast or Bearly Pro. Features like transcription need credits." with a **View billing** button.
- While this applies, the model picker shows only Bearly Fast and Bearly Pro.
- Paid tools still need credits.
- **Zero Data Retention only** and your organization's model rules still apply.
- If your organization's spending limit stopped you, chat continues on **Bearly Fast** only. The notice reads "You've used your team allowance. Chat continues with Bearly Fast until it resets." with **View usage**. Your admin's limit still applies to every other model.
- Free accounts don't get this. They wait for the reset or upgrade.
When your credits reset or you add more, the full model list comes back.
## Credit Boost
A Credit Boost buys one-time credits on top of your plan. Use it when one month runs heavier than usual.
**You need:** a paid plan whose billing you manage yourself. Boosts aren't offered on Free, on billing managed by a team admin, or inside the iOS app. If you subscribe through the App Store, you can still buy a boost from Bearly on the web or the desktop app.
1. Open the account menu and select **Billing & Pro**, or select **Buy Boost** in **Usage** — this opens **Settings** → **Billing**.
2. Under **Credit Boost**, pick an amount — each option shows the credits you get and the price you pay before you check out.
3. Complete checkout, then open **Usage** — **Boost remaining** shows the new balance. In **Billing**, the **Credit Boost** card shows it as "_amount_ remaining".
**What you get:** extra credits on top of your plan allowance. The meter shows them as a separate boost segment, and the account menu shows **+boost**.
**Limits:** boosts expire at the end of the calendar month, or at the end of the seat's billing period for an organization seat. If boosts become routine, the card may suggest a plan that includes more credits each month.
## The Billing pane
Open it from the account menu with **Billing & Pro**, or from **Settings** → **Billing**. It shows, in order: seat cards if an organization gives you a seat, the **Current Plan** card, **Credit Boost** on eligible plans, and the plan picker.
### Current Plan
The card shows your plan badge and, when a cancellation is scheduled, **Cancels on** with the date. It offers these buttons, and what each one does depends on where you bought the plan (see the table below):
- **Manage Account** — payment method and account details.
- **Invoices** — past invoices.
- **Restore** — re-checks your subscription, for example after buying on another device.
- **Cancel** — stops renewal. Shown on a paid plan with no cancellation scheduled.
- **Reactivate** — undoes a scheduled cancellation. An organization seat shows **Reinstate** instead.
### The plan picker
Choose **Monthly** or **Yearly**, then compare the cards for **Pro**, **Analyst**, and **Research**. A **Free** card appears when you're on a paid plan. Your plan is marked **CURRENT** and its button reads **Current Plan**. Other buttons read **Upgrade to _Plan_** (from Free), **Switch to _Plan_**, or **Purchase _Plan_** in the iOS app. Choosing **Free** on a plan you bought on the web cancels it.
### Actions by where you bought the plan
| Bought through | Change plan | Cancel | Manage Account and Invoices | Restore |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| The web | Opens a secure billing page | **Cancel** opens the billing page's cancel flow. The plan stays until the end of the period. | Open the billing page | Refreshes your plan. If none is found: "No subscription found for this account". Sign in with the account that has the subscription. |
| The iOS App Store | Purchase in the iOS app. Bearly shows "Setting up your pro account..." while it confirms. | In the iOS app, opens Apple's subscription management | In the iOS app, open Apple's subscription management | Checks Apple for your purchase |
| An organization seat | Only an organization admin can change a seat, in the organization's **Billing** tab. An admin who holds a seat can also use these buttons in their own **Billing** pane. | For an admin: ends the seat at the end of its billing period, and **Reinstate** keeps it | For an admin: the organization's payment and invoice page | For an admin: reinstates an ending seat |
| Billing managed by a team admin | Not available | Not available | Not available | Not available |
Outside the iOS app, an App Store subscription's plan buttons read **Manage in iOS App** and can't be selected: "Plan changes for App Store subscriptions happen in the iOS app." Accounts whose billing a team admin manages see **Team-Managed Billing**: "This account's billing is managed by a team admin. Contact support for billing assistance." with **Contact Support**.
### When you have a seat and a personal plan
- A seat card reads "_Organization_ gives you a _Plan_ seat".
- If both are paid, **You have two paid plans** appears with **End personal plan**. It ends the personal plan at the end of its own billing period. Nothing is canceled automatically.
- If your personal plan is higher, **Your personal plan still provides more access** explains: "Bearly uses the higher plan and never adds the allowances together."
- If the organization's payment is past due: "Team seat access is blocked until an admin fixes the payment. Every team admin has been notified."
- **Add teammates** → **Open teams** takes you to the Organizations console, where an organization buys seats on its own billing account.
## Cancel, reactivate, or restore
1. Open **Settings** → **Billing** — the **Current Plan** card shows your options.
2. Select **Cancel** — on the web this opens the billing page's cancel flow; in the iOS app it opens Apple's subscription management.
3. Return to **Billing** — the card shows **Cancels on** and the end date. You keep the plan until then.
4. To keep the plan after all, select **Reactivate** before that date.
If you subscribed in the iOS app, cancel from the iOS app. On other devices, Bearly says "You must be in the iOS app to manage your subscription." If a purchase doesn't show up, sign in with the Bearly account that bought it and select **Restore**.
> **Caution — Deleting your account and subscriptions**
> Deleting your Bearly account cancels a web subscription when the deletion runs, not when you schedule it, and doesn't cancel an App Store subscription. Unused time and credits aren't refunded. See [Delete your account](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security.md).
## The Usage pane
Paid plans get **Settings** → **Usage**. Free accounts don't have this pane.
**Current Period** shows your plan badge, the percentage used, and when credits reset ("Credits reset in _N_ days"). It also shows **Used this month**, **Monthly limit**, **Today**, and **Boost remaining** when you have a boost. **Manage** and **Buy Boost** both open **Billing**.
**Usage by service** lists the models and paid data tools you used in a month, with **Service**, **Calls**, and **Cost** columns and a **Total** row. Paid data tools are named by what they did, such as "Maps · place search" or "Weather · daily forecast". Use the month arrows to go back as far as the month you joined. An empty month reads "No usage this month."
If an organization admin set a spending limit for you, the limit shown here can reflect it.
## Related
- [Run Bearly for an organization](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations.md) — seats, spending limits, and usage reports for admins
- [Models](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/models.md) — which models your plan offers
- [Manage billing and review usage](https://bearly.ai/docs/account/billing-usage.md) and [Cancel your Bearly subscription](https://bearly.ai/docs/account/cancel-subscription.md)
- [Troubleshooting](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/troubleshooting.md)
---
---
title: "Tour the workspace"
description: "A map of Bearly's screens and where each control lives — the sidebar and account menu, the New Chat launcher, the chat header, thread, composer, and context strip, the command menu, the Settings window, the other pages, and what changes in the desktop app, on phones, and in the iOS app."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/workspace-tour/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/workspace-tour.md"
---
# Tour the workspace
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/workspace-tour/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/workspace-tour/)
> A map of Bearly's screens and where each control lives — the sidebar and account menu, the New Chat launcher, the chat header, thread, composer, and context strip, the command menu, the Settings window, the other pages, and what changes in the desktop app, on phones, and in the iOS app.
The web app, a phone browser, the desktop app, and the iOS app all run the same Bearly app, so the screens on this page look alike everywhere. Each area below names its controls as the app shows them and links to the page that covers it in depth. The browser extension is separate: it has its own side panel for quick page actions, covered in [Get Bearly](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/get-bearly.md).
## The sidebar
The column on the left holds navigation, your projects, and your chats. In a narrow window or on a phone it becomes a drawer: tap **Open sidebar** to show it, and picking an item closes it again.
From top to bottom:
| Area | What it does | More |
|---|---|---|
| **Chat** | Your chats | [Organize chats](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/organize.md) |
| **Prompt Templates** | Saved prompts with fill-in fields that run as a form in any chat | [Write, attach, and send](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/compose.md) |
| **Routines** | Prompts that run on a schedule. Pro and higher; on Free it shows only if you already have routines | [Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md) |
| **Meetings and Recordings** | Record a meeting or a voice note and get a transcript | [Meetings](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/meetings.md) |
| Magnifier (**Search conversations**) | Opens **Search chats and files...**, with **Chats** and **Files** tabs. Shortcut ⌘ F (Ctrl F on Windows and Linux) | [Organize chats](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/organize.md) |
| **New Chat** | Opens the New Chat launcher, outside any project | [The New Chat launcher](#the-new-chat-launcher) |
| **Needs attention** | Appears with a count when other chats are waiting for an approval or have replies you haven't read. Select it to see **Awaiting approval** and **Unread**; select it again to show all chats | [Organize chats](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/organize.md) |
| **Projects** | Your projects. The header has **Collapse all projects** and **New project**; each project opens to **Settings**, **Docs & Data**, a button to start a chat, and its chats | [Projects](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects.md) |
| **Pinned** | Chats you pinned | [Organize chats](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/organize.md) |
| Date groups | Every other chat by last activity: **Today**, **This Week**, **This Month**, then each earlier month of this year, then earlier years | [Organize chats](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/organize.md) |
| **Archives** | Shows how many chats you've archived and opens the archive list | [Organize chats](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/organize.md) |
| Account menu | The bottom row, with your email, plan badge, and usage meter | [The account menu](#the-account-menu) |
**Signs on a chat row.** An accent bar on the left means unread. A spinner means Bearly is working. A shield means the chat is waiting for your approval. A lock reads "Approve this device to open this chat": it's an end-to-end encrypted chat this device can't open yet.
**More actions** (the **…** on a chat row, shown on hover, and always on touch screens and for the open chat) offers **Rename**, **Pin** or **Unpin**, **Move to project...**, **Archive** or **Unarchive**, **Mark unread** or **Mark read**, **Delete**, and **Select** for choosing several chats at once. With a mouse, you can also drag a chat onto a project to move it there.
### The account menu
Select the bottom row of the sidebar. The row shows your email, your plan, and a usage meter with a percentage, plus "+boost" while a Credit Boost is active.
- **App Settings** opens the Settings window where you left it.
- **Billing & Pro** opens **Settings** → **Billing**.
- **Developers** opens **Settings** → **API Keys**. It appears when API keys or personal remote modules are allowed for your account.
- **Organizations** opens the organizations console.
- **Follow us on X**, **Give Feedback**, and **Logout**.
On the Free plan, an **Unlock more AI — Go Pro** banner in the sidebar opens **Billing**. See [Plans, credits, and limits](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits.md).
## The New Chat launcher
The launcher is the screen a new chat opens on. Get there with **New Chat** in the sidebar, ⌘ N (Ctrl N on Windows and Linux), or **New** in the command menu. From inside a project chat, the shortcut and **New** start the new chat in the same project; the sidebar button starts it outside any project.
- **Headline.** A short line at the top that changes with the date and the time of day. The default is "Ready when you are."
- **Composer.** The same composer as in a chat, with the cursor already in it. Its placeholder rotates; the default is "How can I help today?" If the chat can't be prepared, your draft stays put and a notice offers **Try again**.
- **Project chip.** "Start this chat in a project" opens a picker with "Find or create a project...", **Recent**, **All projects**, **New project**, and **No project**. The chip then reads "Starting in project" with the project's name. The project is fixed once the chat starts.
- **Encryption.** Before you set up end-to-end encryption, a dismissible "Set up end-to-end encryption" prompt sits under the composer. After setup, a lock in the strip switches this draft between end-to-end and standard encryption. It can't change while the draft has attachments. See [Privacy and security](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security.md).
- **Work locally.** In the desktop app, the chip shows but stays disabled until the chat loads ("Available once the chat loads").
- **Tips.** Short notes appear under the composer, labeled **Tip**, **Note**, **What's new**, or **Required**, and you get at most one tip a day. Dismissing one hides tips for the rest of the day on all your devices. A **Required** notice blocks sending until you select **Acknowledge**.
When a release newer than the last one you saw on this device is out, **What's New** opens on its own, with **Highlights**, **Also new**, and **Fixes & improvements**. To open it yourself, use the command menu → **Show all...** → **Show Release Notes**.
## The chat screen
### Header
From left to right:
- **Project and title.** In a project chat, the project's name comes first. Select the title to rename the chat: Enter saves, Esc reverts.
- **Browse files.** Appears once the chat has files. It opens a drawer with **Project**, **Uploaded**, and **Generated** tabs. See [Documents](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/documents.md).
- **New chat.** A pen icon, shown only while the sidebar is closed.
- **Share.** Turns the substance of the conversation into a Page you review before publishing. See [Pages and Canvas](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas.md).
- **Open Browser.** In the desktop app, a globe that opens Bearly Browser. See [Browser and computer use](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/browser-and-computer.md).
- **…** opens the command menu. See [The command menu](#the-command-menu).
### Thread
- **Messages.** Your messages and Bearly's answers. Controls sit under each one: they appear on hover with a mouse and stay visible on touch screens and in narrow windows. Under your messages: **Copy**, **Edit Query**, **Rerun with same model**, the **Rerun** model menu, a version switcher such as ‹ 2 / 3 ›, **Query info**, and **Delete Query**. Answers have most of the same, plus **Read aloud** on text-only answers and **Edit in Canvas**. See [Work with answers](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/answers.md).
- **Thinking.** A model's reasoning, folded into collapsible **Thinking** steps.
- **Tool steps.** Each tool Bearly uses shows as a collapsible row with **Input**, **Result**, and, if something failed, **Error**.
- **Approval cards.** When a tool needs your OK, a card shows what it wants to do, with **Deny**, **Allow**, and an **Approval duration** choice. See [Permissions](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/permissions.md).
- **Result cards.** Interactive results such as a Deep Research report, a **Chart**, a YouTube video card, or the image editor.
- **Timeline rail.** In windows at least 1,280 pixels wide, chats with 5 or more prompts get a slim rail of ticks on the right edge, one per prompt. Hover a tick for "Prompt N of M" and a preview; select it to jump. Ticks marked **Chapter** label a stretch of the conversation. ⌘ Shift ↑ and ⌘ Shift ↓ (Ctrl on Windows and Linux) jump between prompts.
- **Scroll to bottom.** A button that appears when you've scrolled up.
### Composer
The message box at the bottom. Its placeholder reads "How can I help? Type / or @ for tools". See [Write, attach, and send](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/compose.md).
- **Up next.** Above the box, messages you queued while Bearly was working.
- **Left of the toolbar:** **+** (**Attach files** and **Share your screen**); **Take photo** on touch screens; the sliders button, which opens this chat's **Web**, **Style**, **Scholar**, **Reasoning**, **Memories**, and **History** settings plus **Chat Settings**. See [Tune a chat](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/settings.md).
- **Right of the toolbar:** the model button (**Select model**), which shows the current model's short name; **Start voice call**, with a sound-wave icon; and the send button, which reads **Send message**, **Queue message** while Bearly works and you have a draft, or **Stop** while Bearly works and the box is empty. See [Choose and compare models](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/models.md) and [Voice](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/voice.md).
- **Top right of the box:** the dictation microphone. See [Voice](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/voice.md).
### Context strip
A row of chips under the message box:
- **Project.** The chat's project, if it has one.
- **Encryption lock.** "End-to-end encrypted" or "Standard encryption". If your organization requires device-only encryption, it reads "Local key encryption" and can't be turned off.
- **Work locally.** Desktop app only. It shows the working folder's name, or "Work locally" with "· Off". Its menu lists recent folders, **Choose folder…**, **Clear folder**, and **Off for this chat** or **Turn on for this chat**. In the web app it opens the desktop download pane; on phones and in the iOS app it's hidden. See [Browser and computer use](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/browser-and-computer.md).
- **Connectors.** The connected service's name, or a count such as "2 connectors". Each row reads **Active**, **Off**, **Connect**, or **Retry**, and **Manage connectors...** opens settings. See [Connectors and skills](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/connectors-and-skills.md).
- **Permissions.** Reads **Permissions**, or **Full access** while Full access is on, with a **Paused** badge if it's paused. It opens **Standard** and **Full access**, your saved approvals with **Revoke**, **Revoke all saved approvals**, and **Clear all permissions**. See [Permissions](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/permissions.md).
While you edit an earlier message, the strip shows **Editing message** with **Cancel**. While Computer Use works in the desktop app, a **Computer** chip shows its status and a **Stop** action.
### The command menu
Press ⌘ K (Ctrl K on Windows and Linux) or select **…** in the header. It shows the chat's title, a **Search...** box, and two groups:
- **Actions:** **New**, **Delete & New**, **Delete**, **Rename**, **Refresh Chat**, **Generate New Name**, **Download as Markdown**, **New Routine** (Pro and higher), and **Show all...**, which adds **Show Release Notes**.
- **Switch Chats:** every chat, including project chats.
See [Keyboard shortcuts](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/shortcuts.md).
## The Settings window
Open it with ⌘ , (Ctrl , on Windows and Linux), the account menu → **App Settings**, or the sliders button → **Chat Settings**. It opens on the pane you used last. The header shows **Saving...**, **Saved**, or **Not saved**; if a save fails, the window stays open showing **Not saved**. In a narrow window, a dropdown at the top replaces the list of panes.
| Section | Panes | When a pane shows |
|---|---|---|
| **Chats** | **This Chat**, **New Chats**, **Personalization**, **Voice**, **Dictation** | In a chat. **Voice** and **Dictation** need those features allowed for your account |
| **Settings** | **Appearance**, **Get Desktop App**, **Skills**, **Connectors**, **Privacy & Security**, **Billing**, **Usage**, **Phone & SMS**, **Account**, **Devices** | **Get Desktop App** is hidden inside the desktop app. **Usage** is on paid plans. **Connectors** and **Phone & SMS** need those features allowed |
| **Desktop** | **Desktop**, **Browser**, **Runtime**, **Chrome Extension** | Desktop app only. **Browser** appears when Bearly Browser is available to your account |
| **Developer** | **API Keys**, **Modules** | **API Keys** when developer API access is allowed, which it is by default. **Modules** only when an organization admin allows personal remote modules |
What each pane holds:
- **This Chat**: settings for this conversation only: **Model**, **Language**, **Response Style**, **Memories**, **Web Search**, **Reasoning Effort**, **Instructions**, **Temperature**, and **Reset all to defaults**.
- **New Chats**: the same settings as defaults for new chats, with **Recommended** as a model choice. Project chats use the project's settings instead.
- **Personalization**: what you write in **Name**, **Occupation**, and **About you**, added to your chats only while the switch is on. See [Personalization](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/settings.md#personalization).
- **Voice**: the model voice calls use. **Dictation**: **Enable dictation**, the push-to-talk shortcut, what happens after dictation, transcript cleanup, and words and names.
- **Appearance**: **Theme**, **Font**, and **Font size**, for this device only.
- **Get Desktop App**: downloads for Mac, Windows, and Linux.
- **Skills**: the **Skill Store** and your installed skills. Installing needs the desktop app.
- **Connectors**: **Your connectors**, **Built-in connectors**, and **Add custom MCP server**.
- **Privacy & Security**: **Zero Data Retention only**, **End-to-end encryption**, and **Start new chats in Full access**, among others.
- **Billing**: **Current Plan**, **Credit Boost**, and the plan picker. **Usage**: **Current Period** and **Usage by service**.
- **Phone & SMS**: add and verify a US or Canadian mobile number for texts and codes, or turn texts off.
- **Account**: **Version**, **Lock all data**, **Delete account**, and **Log out**.
- **Devices**: where you're signed in, **Sign out all other devices**, and **Browser extension and API keys**.
- **Desktop**: **Keyboard shortcut**, **Always on top**, **Auto-hide**, **Launch on boot**, and **Latest version**.
- **Browser**: **Enable Browser**, **Allow chats to use Browser**, **Block ads and trackers**, **Import browser cookies**, **Reset open tabs**, and **Delete browser data**.
- **Runtime**: tools the desktop app installs for local work, the Windows Computer Use helper, and environment variables for local commands.
- **Chrome Extension**: **Control Chrome from chat** and the connection status.
- **API Keys**: keys for calling Bearly models from your own code. **Modules**: remote modules that add tools from your own server.
Every setting, with its options and defaults, is in the [Settings reference](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/settings-reference.md).
## Other pages
- **Prompt Templates.** Make your first with **Create Prompt Template**, or later with **New Prompt**, which opens the **AI Prompt Builder** with **Popular Ideas**. The editor has **Basic Information**, **Template Design**, and **Field Configuration**; your list is **My Prompts**.
- **Routines.** A **Create a routine** box where you describe the result and the timing, then **Draft routine**; **Start from scratch** for a blank editor; your routines with their badges; and a **Next seven days** strip. See [Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md).
- **Meetings and Recordings.** Source cards for **Online meeting** (desktop app) and **In person or voice note**, **Start recording**, and your recordings with their transcripts. See [Meetings](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/meetings.md).
- **Project Settings and Docs & Data.** Open from a project in the sidebar. Settings covers sharing, encryption, the project's chat settings, skills, and, in the desktop app, **Local Directory Sync**. Docs & Data holds the project's files. See [Projects](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects.md).
- **Organizations.** The account menu → **Organizations**. Everyone sees **Overview**, **Members**, and **Groups**. Admins also see **Policies**, **Projects**, and **Activity**, plus **Billing** and **Usage** where they apply. See [Organizations](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations.md).
## In the desktop app
The desktop app for Mac, Windows, and Linux has the same screens plus a few of its own:
- **Summon Bearly from anywhere** with ⌘ Shift P (Ctrl Shift P on Windows and Linux). Change it in **Settings** → **Desktop** → **Keyboard shortcut**.
- **The menu bar or tray icon** shows the window when you click it.
- **Closing the window quits Bearly** after asking **Quit Bearly?**. While it's recording a meeting or saving a Browser download to a chat, it asks **Bearly is still working** instead, with **Keep Bearly open** and **Quit when finished**.
- **Updates** download in the background; an **Update ready · Restart** pill at the top installs them.
- **Desktop-only areas**: the **Work locally** chip, **Open Browser**, the **Desktop** settings section, and running routines.
See [Get Bearly](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/get-bearly.md).
## On phones and in the iOS app
There's no Android app; on Android, use Bearly in your phone's browser. Bearly runs on Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, web, and Chrome. On a phone-sized screen, Bearly tells the AI you're on a phone and asks it to keep answers brief and prefer lists over tables.
| Area | Phone browser | iOS app |
|---|---|---|
| Sidebar | A drawer: tap **Open sidebar** | Same |
| Sending | Enter adds a new line; tap the send button | Same |
| Photos | **Take photo** camera button in the toolbar | Same; opens the rear camera |
| Message controls | Always visible | Same |
| Moving chats | No dragging; use **More actions** → **Move to project...** | Same |
| Timeline rail | Not shown | Not shown |
| Context strip | Shown under the message box | **Permissions** moves to the send row; the strip appears only while you edit a message |
| **Work locally** | Hidden | Hidden |
| Sign-in | All sign-in options | Email code only |
| Connectors that need a service sign-in | Work in a normal phone browser, but not in an Android app's built-in browser | Show **Web browser required**; set them up in a browser |
| Desktop-only features | A prompt to use Bearly on a computer | Same |
| Routines | Create and manage; they run in the desktop app ("Runs in the desktop app. **Get it**") | Same |
| Meetings | **In person or voice note** only | Same |
| Voice calls | Where the browser supports them; the screen can lock mid-call | The screen stays on during a call; keep the app in front |
| PDFs | Preview in the app | **Open PDF** opens them outside the app |
| Downloads | A normal browser download | The iOS share sheet |
| Billing | Web billing | App Store purchase and **Restore**; Credit Boost isn't offered in the iOS app |
| **Get Desktop App** | **Choose a computer** | Same |
The iOS app has no share extension, widgets, or push notifications. Most Bearly updates reach the iOS app without an App Store update, because the app loads the live Bearly app; changes to the app's own features, such as purchases, need a new App Store version.
## Related
- [What Bearly is](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/what-is-bearly.md)
- [Get Bearly](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/get-bearly.md)
- [Keyboard shortcuts](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/shortcuts.md)
- [Settings reference](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/settings-reference.md)
- [Fix common problems](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/troubleshooting.md)
---
---
title: "Write, attach, and send"
description: "How to write and send messages in Bearly, attach files and photos, unlock password-protected PDFs, share your screen, call tools and files with / and @, queue follow-ups while Bearly works, stop or interrupt an answer, and what the PII Blocker redacts."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/compose/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/compose.md"
---
# Write, attach, and send
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/compose/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/compose/)
> How to write and send messages in Bearly, attach files and photos, unlock password-protected PDFs, share your screen, call tools and files with / and @, queue follow-ups while Bearly works, stop or interrupt an answer, and what the PII Blocker redacts.
The composer at the bottom of every chat is where you type, attach files, name the exact tool or file you want, and line up your next messages while Bearly is still answering. It works the same in the web app, a phone browser, the desktop app, and the iOS app. The browser extension's sidebar is a separate chat without these tools and isn't covered here.
## The composer at a glance
- **+** opens the **Add** menu: **Attach files** and **Share your screen**.
- **Take photo**, a camera button, appears on phones and tablets.
- The sliders button opens this chat's controls: **Web**, **Style**, **Scholar**, **Reasoning**, **Memories**, and **History**. See [Tune a chat](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/settings.md).
- The model button on the right shows the current model's short name and chooses who answers. See [Choose and compare models](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/models.md).
- Voice and dictation controls sit next to it. See [Voice](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/voice.md).
- The send button. While Bearly is working it becomes **Queue message** when you have a draft, or **Stop** when the composer is empty.
- Under the editor (except in the iOS app), a strip shows the chat's project, its encryption lock, **Work locally** in the desktop app, connectors, and **Permissions**. See [Permissions](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/permissions.md).
## Write and send a message
Type in the composer and send. In an existing chat the empty composer reads "How can I help? Type / or @ for tools". On a new chat it shows a rotating prompt line instead.
**Use it when:** asking a question, giving Bearly a task, or continuing a conversation.
**You need:** Nothing extra. Every plan.
1. Press ⌘ L (Ctrl L on Windows and Linux) or click anywhere on the composer — this puts the cursor in the composer from anywhere in the chat.
2. Type your message. Press Shift Enter for a new line — plain Enter sends.
3. Press Enter or select the round arrow send button — the message goes out and Bearly starts answering. On phones and tablets, Enter doesn't send; tap the send button.
To reuse something you sent earlier, press ↑ in an empty composer. Each press goes one message further back; ↓ moves forward, and going past either end clears the composer.
**What you get:** Your message in the thread and Bearly's answer below it. Every message gets its own controls; see [Work with answers](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/answers.md).
**Limits:** The composer holds up to 200,000 characters. Paste more than that and Bearly attaches the text as a file named `pasted.txt` instead of filling the editor. You can't send while a file is still uploading or being analyzed, or when there's no text and no file.
**Combines with:** [Keyboard shortcuts](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/shortcuts.md) to do all of this without the mouse.
## Attach files and photos
Attach documents, spreadsheets, images, audio, and video to a message, and Bearly works with them in that chat. What it can do with each kind of file is covered in [Documents](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/documents.md), [Data and code](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/data-and-code.md), and [Images, video, and audio](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/images-video-audio.md).
**Use it when:** asking about a contract, analyzing a spreadsheet, photographing a receipt or a whiteboard, or comparing several files at once.
**You need:** File uploads allowed. If your organization turns off **File uploads**, attaching, drag and drop, pasting files, the camera, and screen sharing all disappear.
1. Select **+** → **Attach files** — your system file picker opens. You can pick several files at once, of any type.
2. Or drag files onto the chat — a drop zone appears while you drag.
3. Or paste files or screenshots into the composer — when the clipboard holds files and no text, each file is attached.
4. On a phone or tablet, tap **Take photo** — the camera opens directly. It's its own button in the toolbar, not an item in the **+** menu.
Each file shows its status while it gets ready: checking a PDF, password required, unlocking, uploading with progress, then analyzing. You can send once every file is ready.
To point at a file that's already in the chat or its project, type `@` and pick it under **Assets**. See [Reference tools, files, and skills](#reference-tools-files-and-skills).
### Unlock a password-protected PDF
Bearly detects a password-protected PDF when you attach it and asks for the password.
1. Attach the PDF — the file shows "Enter the PDF password. Bearly uses it once to unlock this file."
2. Type the password in the **PDF password** field. The eye button shows or hides what you typed.
3. Select **Unlock and add** — Bearly unlocks the file and adds it to your message.
4. If you see "That password didn't work.", type it again. Remove the file to cancel.
If unlocking fails for another reason, the file shows "Unable to unlock this PDF."
**What you get:** Files attached to your message and saved in the chat, so you can point at them again later with `@`.
**Limits:** 300 MB per file; larger files can't be attached. If a file shows "Unable to upload and process.", remove it and attach it again.
**Combines with:** [/ and @ references](#reference-tools-files-and-skills) to name a file and a tool in the same message; [Search chats and files](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/organize.md#search-chats-and-files) to find a file later.
## Share your screen
Share a screen or window with Bearly, and while sharing stays on, each message you send automatically includes a fresh still capture of it. Bearly sees the screen as it was when you pressed send, not a video.
**Use it when:** you're stuck in another app and want step-by-step help, asking about a chart or error on screen, or checking a form before you submit it.
**You need:** The desktop app, or a desktop web browser that supports screen sharing. Your organization must allow **Screen Share** and **File uploads**.
1. Select **+** → **Share your screen** — the desktop app opens its own picker ("Share your screen with your agent"); a web browser opens its standard screen picker.
2. In the desktop app, choose a window under **Windows** or a display under **Whole screen** — that's what Bearly will capture.
3. Ask your questions as usual — every message carries a new capture of what's on screen at that moment.
4. Stop with the **×** on the shared-screen chip in the composer, below your text (its tooltip reads "Stop sharing with your agent.") — later messages go out without captures.
**What you get:** Answers about what's actually on your screen, kept current with every message.
**Limits:** Captures are still images, one per message. Not offered when file uploads are off.
**Combines with:** [Browser and computer use](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/browser-and-computer.md) when you want Bearly to act on the screen, not only look at it.
## Reference tools, files, and skills
Type `/` at the start of a message, or `@` anywhere in it, to choose a tool, research feature, skill, prompt template, or file by name. Your choice becomes a colored chip in the message. When you send, Bearly turns each chip into a plain instruction for the AI: use this tool for this request, or this is exactly the file I mean. The rest of your words stay as you typed them. A chip removes the guesswork: the AI uses what you named instead of deciding on its own. The chip stays in the conversation, so later turns read your earlier request the same way.
**Use it when:** you know which tool you want (`/deep-research`, `/chart`, `/image`), you want the AI to use one specific file out of many, or you want several tools in one request.
**You need:** Each item appears only when its feature is available to you; some depend on your plan, your organization's settings, or the desktop app.
1. Type `/` as the very first character, or `@` after a space or punctuation — the picker opens. An `@` right after a letter, as in an email address, doesn't open it.
2. Keep typing to filter the list. Use ↑ ↓ to move, Enter or Tab to insert, → to open a browsable item such as a folder, ← to go back, and Esc to close.
3. Or type the exact label followed by a space or punctuation, such as `@web-search` — it turns into a chip as soon as you type the space.
4. Write the rest of your request and send. Backspace removes a whole chip at once.
The picker groups items under these headings:
| Heading | What's there |
|---|---|
| **Assets** | Files in this chat and its project, listed by file name |
| **Skills** | Built-in **Visualize** (`/visualize`) and **Bearly AI Models**, skills you installed in the desktop app, and your Prompt Templates, listed by title |
| **Research** | `/recall`, `/deep-research`, `/scholar`, `/bestpick`, `/council`, `/web-search`, `/read-site`, `/image-search`, `/people-search`, `/maps`, `/weather`, `/seo`, `/search-x`, and more |
| **Tools** | `/youtube`, `/share` (prepare a shareable Page of the chat's key takeaways), `/python`, `/document`, `/chart`, `/image`, `/edit-image`, `/video`, `/transcribe`, `/say`, `/grammar`, `/email`, `/sms`, `/summarize`, `/computer`, tools from your connectors, and more |
| **Local files** | Files and folders in the working folder you chose in the desktop app |
Until you type a filter, the picker shows up to eight items per heading.
**Combine several references.** A message can start with one `/` command, and it can hold any number of `@` references anywhere in the text. Mix files and tools freely:
```text
@web-search today's average 30-year mortgage rate, then @chart it next to the monthly rates in the spreadsheet I attached
```
**Prompt templates.** Your saved Prompt Templates appear under **Skills**, by title. Choosing one opens its fill-in form instead of inserting text. Fill it in and select **Submit** (or press Shift Enter); **Cancel** closes it. Blank fields are sent as "N/A". The filled form stays in the chat, so you can change a value and **Submit** again to get a new version.
**What you get:** A request the AI reads exactly as you meant it, with the named tool, file, or skill used for that turn.
**Limits:** Only one `/` command per message, and it must come first. Installed skills and local files appear in the desktop app only.
**Combines with:** [Research](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research.md), [Data and code](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/data-and-code.md), and [Connectors and skills](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/connectors-and-skills.md), where each tool you can reference is explained; [Building blocks](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/building-blocks.md) for chains of tools.
## Send while Bearly is working
You don't have to wait for an answer to finish. Anything you send while Bearly is working waits in a short queue above the composer, labeled **Up next**, and goes out automatically, in order, as each answer finishes.
**Use it when:** you think of the next step while a long answer streams, or you want to stack a chain such as "now make a table", then "now email it to me".
**You need:** Nothing extra. Every plan, on every app platform.
1. While Bearly is answering, type your next message — the send button changes to **Queue message**.
2. Press Enter or select **Queue message** — the message waits under **Up next**. Hover the header to see "Queued messages send automatically, in order, when the current response finishes."
3. Manage a waiting message with its buttons: **Edit queued message** brings it back into the composer (clear the composer first), **Send now** stops the current answer and sends this one right away, and **Remove from queue** deletes it.
4. To pull back the newest waiting message, press ↑ in an empty composer.
The queue stops on its own instead of sending the next message when:
- the last answer ended in an error: "Queue paused — the last message failed."
- you reached a usage limit: "Queue paused — usage limit reached."
- you pressed **Stop** twice within 2 seconds: "Queue paused."
After an error or a usage limit, the queue starts again once a later answer finishes cleanly. A single **Stop** ends only the current answer, and the queue carries on. A queue you paused with a double Stop stays paused until you use **Send now** or clear the waiting messages. **Send now** also restarts a queue paused for any reason.
**What you get:** A chain of follow-ups that runs without you watching, and stops instead of piling up failures.
**Limits:** Up to 4 waiting messages. When the queue is full, the send button is disabled ("Queue full — send, edit, or remove a waiting message first"); press Enter anyway and the header briefly reads **Queue is full**. Waiting messages aren't saved with the chat. Editing an earlier message never queues; it stops the current answer and reruns.
**Combines with:** [Email and text](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/email-and-text.md) as the last step of a chain; [History modes](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/settings.md#history-modes) for long chains of tool work.
## Stop or interrupt an answer
Stop an answer that's going the wrong way, or replace it with new directions in one step.
**Use it when:** an answer misread the question, is running long, or needs a correction now rather than after it finishes.
**You need:** Nothing extra.
1. To stop, leave the composer empty and select the square **Stop** button — Bearly stops; whatever it already wrote stays in the chat.
2. To stop and redirect at once, type your new message and press ⌘ Enter (Ctrl Enter on Windows and Linux) — the current answer stops and your message goes out right away, ahead of anything waiting in **Up next**.
3. On a phone or tablet, queue the message, then select **Send now** on it — same result.
**What you get:** Partial work kept, and the conversation moving in the direction you want.
**Limits:** The send button never shows an "Interrupt" label; interrupting is ⌘ Enter or **Send now**.
## PII Blocker
**PII Blocker** is an organization setting. When an admin turns it on, Bearly finds email addresses, phone numbers in 10-digit North American format, credit card numbers written as one run of digits, and US Social Security numbers in your message text and replaces each with a placeholder such as `[REDACTED: Email Address]` before the message is sent. A notice, **Personal Information Redacted**, names what it found: "Detected Email Address. Information has been automatically redacted."
**Use it when:** your organization wants a guard against people pasting personal or payment details into chats.
**You need:** A managed organization. An admin turns it on in **Organizations** → organization name → **Policies** → policy name → **Privacy & Security** → **PII Blocker**. It's off by default.
**What you get:** The message still sends, with the details replaced. Messages waiting in **Up next** show the redacted text.
**Limits:** It replaces at most five matches of each kind in a message, and card numbers broken up by spaces or dashes aren't recognized as cards, so check long pastes yourself.
**Combines with:** [Organizations](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations.md) and [Privacy and security](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security.md) for the rest of the admin and privacy controls.
## Combinations to try
**Research, then chart, then email, without waiting.** Send the first request, then queue the other two while it runs. Each queued message builds on the answer before it, and the queue pauses if a step fails. The email step needs email sending, which is on unless your organization turned it off.
```text
Find the last five years of US new-home sales by year and summarize the trend.
```
```text
@chart those numbers as a bar chart.
```
```text
@email me a short summary of this chat.
```
**Name a file and a tool in one message.** Type `@` and pick the spreadsheet under **Assets**; it appears as a chip with the file's name. Typing the file name yourself doesn't make a chip, so pick it from the list. Then add a tool chip and your request, so the AI uses that exact file with that exact tool:
```text
@chart monthly revenue, one line per region
```
**Walk through another app.** Turn on **Share your screen**, choose the app's window, then ask one step at a time. Each question gets a fresh capture, so "what do I click next" stays accurate as the screen changes.
```text
I'm on this settings page. What do I change to turn on two-step sign-in?
```
## Related
- [Choose and compare models](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/models.md)
- [Work with answers](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/answers.md)
- [Keyboard shortcuts](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/shortcuts.md)
- [Everyday recipes](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/everyday-recipes.md)
---
---
title: "Choose and compare models"
description: "How to choose, compare, and switch AI models in Bearly, including the model picker, Bearly Fast, Pro, and Ultra, defaults by plan and usage, per-chat and new-chat defaults, plan-gated and hidden models, Zero Data Retention only, running out of credits, and comparing answers with Rerun and Council of Experts."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/models/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/models.md"
---
# Choose and compare models
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/models/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/models/)
> How to choose, compare, and switch AI models in Bearly, including the model picker, Bearly Fast, Pro, and Ultra, defaults by plan and usage, per-chat and new-chat defaults, plan-gated and hidden models, Zero Data Retention only, running out of credits, and comparing answers with Rerun and Council of Experts.
Bearly puts Claude, GPT, Gemini, Grok, and more in one app. You pick the model for each chat, set a default for new chats, and can rerun any message on a different model to compare answers side by side. The models on offer change often, so this page explains how choosing works rather than listing them. For the current lineup, open the model picker in the app.
## Open the model picker
The model button sits at the right of the composer and shows the current model's short name. Selecting it opens the picker.
**Use it when:** switching this chat to a faster, cheaper, or stronger model, or finding a model you used before.
**You need:** Nothing extra. Some models need a higher plan; see [Models that need a higher plan](#models-that-need-a-higher-plan).
You can also choose a model in three other places:
- **Settings** → **This Chat** → **Model**, for the open chat.
- **Settings** → **New Chats** → **Model**, the default for chats you start later. It adds a **Recommended** option.
- The **Rerun** menu under any message, to answer that one message with another model. See [Compare models on the same prompt](#compare-models-on-the-same-prompt).
## How the picker is laid out
The picker opens on a short list and expands on request:
- **Favorites** — models you marked with the heart. Hover a model to see its heart.
- **Recently Used** — your two most recent models that aren't favorites.
- **Featured** — a short list Bearly recommends.
- **Show all models** — expands to every available model, grouped by the company that makes it. **Show featured models** goes back. The picker always reopens on the featured view.
Each row shows the model's name, a one-line description, and a retention badge: **ZDR** (zero data retention) or **Standard**. Hover the badge for what it means for that model. Some rows carry a tag: **Featured**, **Recent**, or **Unavailable**. A double check mark shows the model the chat is using now.
Favorites and recent models are saved to your account, so they follow you to every device.
**What you get:** The chat switches to the model you pick, starting with your next message.
**Limits:** A model marked **Unavailable** can't be chosen; selecting it shows a notice with **Got it** and **Read the announcement**. Some models show a warning you confirm before switching.
## Bearly Fast, Bearly Pro, and Bearly Ultra
**Bearly Fast**, **Bearly Pro**, and **Bearly Ultra** are Bearly's own picks, each described in the picker as "Always kept up to date." Choose one when you'd rather not track which underlying model is best this month. Bearly Pro and Bearly Ultra are featured for everyone; Bearly Fast is featured on the Free plan.
**Use it when:** you want a strong choice without comparing models yourself. The picker describes Bearly Fast as a "Fast, well-priced frontier model", Bearly Pro as a "Smart daily-driver frontier model", and Bearly Ultra as a "Frontier model for the most demanding work."
Your default model depends on your plan and usage:
| Your account | Default model |
|---|---|
| Free plan | **Bearly Fast** |
| Any paid plan | **Bearly Pro**, with Medium reasoning |
| Paid plan at 95% or more of its usage | **Bearly Fast**, while usage stays at or above 95% |
The default applies when you haven't chosen a model yourself. A model you picked for a chat stays picked. An open chat on the default follows the switch to Bearly Fast as soon as you cross 95%. Your usage meter shows on the account menu button at the bottom of the sidebar; see [Plans and credits](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits.md).
## This chat or every new chat
A model you pick in the composer applies to the open chat only, and it's saved with that chat. In a shared project chat, each person's model choice is their own, so you and a collaborator can each use a different model in the same chat.
**Use it when:** one chat needs a different model than your usual one, or you want every new chat to start on a model you prefer.
**You need:** Nothing extra.
1. For one chat, pick a model in the composer, or open **Settings** → **This Chat** → **Model** — only this chat changes.
2. For new chats, open **Settings** → **New Chats** → **Model** and choose a model, or **Recommended** to follow Bearly's default for your plan — chats you start from now on use it.
**What you get:** New Chats defaults are saved to your account and apply on every device.
**Limits:** New Chats defaults don't apply inside projects; a project's own settings do. An organization or project can set or lock the model; see [When models are hidden or locked](#when-models-are-hidden-or-locked) and [Tune a chat](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/settings.md#which-setting-wins).
**Combines with:** [Projects](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects.md) to give every chat in a project the same model.
## Models that need a higher plan
Some models need **Pro** or **Analyst**. They still appear in the picker. Choosing one closes the picker and opens **Settings** → **Billing** with a message that names the model and the plan it needs, ending "Upgrade to use this model and unlock the rest of its tier." The **Rerun** menu does the same.
**Use it when:** deciding whether a plan change is worth it for a specific model.
**You need:** To upgrade, the plan the message names. Personal plans run Free, Pro, Analyst, and Research; see [Plans and credits](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits.md).
**What you get:** Your chat stays on its current model until you upgrade and choose again.
## When models are hidden or locked
Your settings or your organization can narrow the picker. A line at the top of the picker says why:
| Banner | Why models are hidden |
|---|---|
| "ZDR on · Some models hidden" | You turned on **Zero Data Retention only**. **Change** opens **Settings** → **Privacy & Security**. |
| "ZDR on until settings sync · Some models hidden" | Bearly keeps Zero Data Retention only in force while your settings load or reconnect. |
| "Managed account · Some models hidden" | Your organization allows only some models. |
| "ZDR on, managed account · Some models hidden" | Both at once. |
If a chat's saved model isn't allowed anymore, Bearly answers with the first available model in the picker instead. Your saved choice stays as it was, so the chat goes back to it if it becomes allowed again.
When an organization's allow-list names fewer than five models, every allowed model shows as featured. When an organization or project locks the model, the model button and the **Rerun** menu disappear, and **This Chat** no longer shows **Model**.
**Limits:** Only an organization admin can change which models members may use; see [Organizations](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations.md).
## Zero Data Retention only
Turn on **Zero Data Retention only** and Bearly shows only zero-retention models, and automatic fallbacks stay on them too. This applies to chat models.
**Use it when:** you want your chats to run only on zero-retention models.
**You need:** Nothing extra. Any plan.
1. Open **Settings** → **Privacy & Security** — or select **Change** on the picker's "ZDR on" banner.
2. Turn on **Zero Data Retention only** — the picker narrows to zero-retention models and shows the "ZDR on · Some models hidden" banner.
**What you get:** The setting is saved to your account and applies on every device. While your settings load, or if they can't sync, Bearly treats Zero Data Retention only as on and the switch can't be changed until it reconnects.
**Limits:** Fewer models to choose from. A chat set to a model without zero retention answers with the first allowed model instead.
**Combines with:** [Privacy and security](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security.md) for the other privacy controls.
## When you run out of credits
On a paid plan, using up your plan's credits doesn't end the conversation. A notice above the composer reads "You're out of credits. Chat continues with Bearly Fast or Bearly Pro. Features like transcription need credits." with **View billing**. If your organization's allowance for you is used up, it reads "You've used your team allowance. Chat continues with Bearly Fast until it resets." with **View usage**. While either notice shows, the picker offers only the models you can still use.
**Limits:** Paid tools still need credits. The Free plan has no fallback: when its allowance runs out, Bearly asks you to upgrade or wait for the reset. See [Plans and credits](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits.md).
## Compare models on the same prompt
Rerun any message on a different model and keep every answer. Each rerun becomes a new version of that turn, and you flip between versions with the arrows under the message. The chat's own model doesn't change.
**Use it when:** checking whether a stronger model changes the answer, picking a model for a recurring task, or getting a second opinion on a hard question.
**You need:** A chat where the model isn't locked.
1. Under your message or Bearly's answer, open the **Rerun** menu (it shows the model's short name) — models are listed with featured ones first.
2. Pick a model — Bearly answers the same message again with that model, as a new version. Plan requirements and model warnings apply as in the picker.
3. Repeat with a third model if you like.
4. Use the version arrows ("‹ 2 / 3 ›") to compare — **Previous version of query** and **Next version of query** step through them. The version you leave selected is saved with the chat.
To rerun on the same model, select the circular arrow under your message (**Rerun with same model**).
**What you get:** Several answers to one question, one per model, kept in the chat.
**Combines with:** [Work with answers](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/answers.md#rerun-and-switch-versions) for the other version controls.
## Ask several models at once with Council of Experts
`/council` sends one question to several models in parallel and then combines their answers into one reply, with each model's answer available in its own tab. Use it when you want a synthesized answer instead of reading versions one by one.
**You need:** Pro or higher. Your organization must allow Council.
```text
/council Should a 10-person startup use a monthly or annual pricing model for its first product? Give the strongest case for each.
```
Details, model choice, and limits are on [Research](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research.md).
## Combinations to try
**Three models, then a council.** Rerun a hard question on three models from the **Rerun** menu and read the versions. If they disagree, send the question to `/council` for one combined answer. Council's experts don't see the chat's earlier messages, so restate the question in full:
```text
/council Our software company gets 40% of its revenue from one customer. What are the three biggest risks, and what should we do about each this quarter? Note where you disagree.
```
**A zero-retention comparison.** Turn on **Zero Data Retention only** first. The **Rerun** menu then offers only zero-retention models, so every version you compare stays on them.
**One model per project.** Set a model in a project's settings so every chat in that project starts on it, while your **New Chats** default stays your choice everywhere else. See [Projects](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects.md).
## Related
- [Tune a chat: settings, style, reasoning, and memory](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/settings.md)
- [Plans and credits](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits.md)
- [Research recipes](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/research-recipes.md)
---
---
title: "Work with answers"
description: "How to copy, edit, delete, rerun, and compare versions of messages in Bearly, read answers aloud or open them in Canvas, read Thinking steps and citations, what answers can display, what to do when an answer fails, and how to move around long chats with the timeline and chapters."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/answers/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/answers.md"
---
# Work with answers
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/answers/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/answers/)
> How to copy, edit, delete, rerun, and compare versions of messages in Bearly, read answers aloud or open them in Canvas, read Thinking steps and citations, what answers can display, what to do when an answer fails, and how to move around long chats with the timeline and chapters.
Every message in a chat has its own controls: copy it, edit what you asked, rerun it on another model, step through versions, or hear it read aloud. This page covers those controls, how answers are displayed, and how to find your way around a long conversation.
## Message controls
Controls sit under each message. On a computer they appear when you hover over the message. On phones, tablets, and windows 768 pixels wide or narrower, they're always visible. Chats you can only read, such as project chats shared with you as a reader, show no message controls.
| Control | Under your message | Under Bearly's answer | What it does |
|---|---|---|---|
| **Copy** | Yes | Yes | Copies the message with its formatting, so bold text, lists, and links survive a paste into a document or email. |
| **Edit Query** (pencil) | Yes | No | Loads your message and its attachments back into the composer to change and resend. |
| **Delete Query** | Yes | Yes | Removes that turn after you confirm. |
| **Rerun with same model** (circular arrow) | Yes | No | Asks the same model again, as a new version. |
| **Rerun** menu | Yes | Yes | Answers the same message with a model you pick, as a new version. |
| Version arrows | When versions exist | When versions exist | Step between versions of a turn: "‹ 2 / 3 ›". |
| **Query info** | Yes | Yes | Shows when the turn **Started**, when it **Completed**, and its **Duration**. |
| **Read aloud** | No | On answers made only of text | Plays the answer as speech. |
| **Edit in Canvas** | No | When Canvas is available | Opens the answer in the Canvas editor. |
There's no thumbs-up or thumbs-down on messages. To send feedback about Bearly, use **Give Feedback** in the account menu at the bottom of the sidebar.
## Edit a message
Change what you asked and get a new answer, without losing the old one.
**Use it when:** you left out a detail, want to try a different angle, or attached the wrong file.
**You need:** A chat you can edit.
1. Select **Edit Query** (the pencil) under your message — the message and its attachments load into the composer, and the strip under it shows **Editing message**.
2. Change the text or attachments.
3. Send — Bearly answers the edited message as a new version of that turn. If an answer is still running, it stops first. Edits never wait in the queue.
4. To back out, select **Cancel** in the **Editing message** strip, or press Esc.
**What you get:** A new version of the turn. The earlier version is still there behind the version arrows.
## Delete a message
**Delete Query** removes one turn. Bearly asks "Delete this query?" with "This action cannot be undone." Select **Delete Message** to confirm. Later messages stay in the chat and attach to the message before the deleted one.
**Limits:** Deleting can't be undone. To remove a whole chat, see [Organize, find, share, and export chats](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/organize.md#delete-chats).
## Rerun and switch versions
Each rerun and each edit adds a version to the same turn instead of a new message, so the conversation stays readable while you try alternatives.
**Use it when:** an answer missed the mark, you want to compare models on the same question, or you want a fresh attempt.
**You need:** A chat where the model isn't locked by your organization or project. A locked model hides the **Rerun** menu.
1. Select **Rerun with same model** under your message for another attempt from the same model, or open the **Rerun** menu, which shows the model's short name, and pick a different model — featured models are listed first.
2. Read the new version — it replaces the old one on screen, and the version arrows appear.
3. Select **Previous version of query** or **Next version of query** (the arrows around "2 / 3") to compare — the version you leave selected is saved with the chat.
**What you get:** Several answers to one turn, kept in place. Rerunning with another model doesn't change the chat's model.
**Limits:** Models that need a higher plan open the upgrade message instead of rerunning; see [Choose and compare models](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/models.md#models-that-need-a-higher-plan).
**Combines with:** [Council of Experts](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/models.md#ask-several-models-at-once-with-council-of-experts) when you want one combined answer from several models.
## Read aloud and Edit in Canvas
**Read aloud** plays an answer as speech. It appears only on answers made entirely of text; an answer that includes tool steps, a **Thinking** step, images, or files doesn't get it. Your organization must allow text-to-speech. Voice options and spoken conversations are on [Voice](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/voice.md).
**Edit in Canvas** opens an answer in the Canvas editor, where you can reshape it into a document. See [Pages and Canvas](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas.md).
## Thinking steps
When a model reasons before answering, Bearly shows that reasoning as a collapsible **Thinking** step above the answer. Open it to see how the model worked through the problem; leave it closed to read only the answer. If a model writes its reasoning into the answer between thinking tags, Bearly folds that into the same **Thinking** step. How much a model thinks depends on the model and on **Reasoning Effort**; see [Tune a chat](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/settings.md#reasoning-effort).
## How answers are displayed
Answers render as formatted text:
- Headings, bulleted and numbered lists, tables, block quotes, and links. Line breaks are kept as written.
- Code blocks with syntax highlighting and the language name. Hover a block and select **Copy** to copy just the code.
- Math as typeset formulas. Dollar amounts such as $30 stay plain text.
- Web and email links, which are clickable. Web links open in your browser.
For a chart or diagram, ask for one: `/chart` makes charts, and `/visualize` turns an idea, process, or dataset into a focused visual, such as an interactive Page, a chart, or a diagram. See [Data and code](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/data-and-code.md) and [Pages and Canvas](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas.md).
## Citations
When an answer draws on sources, it cites them so you can check the claim:
- Web search answers carry numbered links to the pages they used.
- Scholar answers mark claims with small superscript citations. Hover one for the paper; select it to open the paper.
- Answers from your documents cite passages you can select to open the document near that page.
- Deep Research reports include numbered citations and a **Sources** list.
Details for each are on [Research](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research.md) and [Documents](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/documents.md).
## When an answer fails
A failed answer shows its error, or "An error occurred. Please wait and try again." when there's no specific message. **Get help** next to it opens a support dialog. A message that can't be displayed shows "Unable to load message."
1. Read the message — plan and usage-limit messages come with a button to upgrade or to open billing.
2. Select **Rerun with same model** under your message, or pick another model from the **Rerun** menu — either one tries the turn again as a new version.
3. If it keeps failing, select **Get help**.
**Limits:** If messages are waiting in **Up next**, a failed answer pauses the queue until a later answer succeeds or you select **Send now**. See [Send while Bearly is working](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/compose.md#send-while-bearly-is-working).
## Move around a long chat
Long conversations get a map and shortcuts so you can get back to any point quickly.
**Use it when:** returning to an earlier prompt in a long working session, or reviewing what a chat covered.
**You need:** For the timeline, a window at least 1,280 pixels wide and a chat with five or more prompts. Not shown on phones.
- **Timeline:** A slim rail of tick marks along the right edge marks every prompt. Hover a tick for "Prompt 3 of 12" (for example), a preview of the prompt, and the shortcut hint. Select a tick to jump there.
- **Chapters:** About every five turns, Bearly labels the recent stretch of the conversation in the background. Labeled ticks are highlighted; hover one to see **Chapter** and its title. Chats you can only read don't get chapters.
- **Jump between prompts:** ⌘ ⇧ ↑ and ⌘ ⇧ ↓ move to the previous and next prompt (Ctrl Shift ↑ and ↓ on Windows and Linux).
- **Scroll to bottom:** When you've scrolled up, a button appears to take you back to the latest message.
**Combines with:** [Download as Markdown](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/organize.md#download-a-chat-as-markdown) to keep a full record of a long chat.
## Combinations to try
**Best of three, then publish.** Rerun a draft announcement on two other models, pick the version you like with the version arrows, then select **Edit in Canvas** to polish it, and type `/share` to turn the chat into a Page you review before publishing. See [Pages and Canvas](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas.md).
**Check a citation at the source.** After a web search answer, have Bearly read one of the cited pages in full and test the claim against it. `/read-site` reads a single page you name; it needs the chat's **Web** setting on **Auto**.
```text
@read-site https://www.example.com/annual-report and tell me whether it supports the revenue figure in your second paragraph. Quote the sentence.
```
**Fix the question, keep the history.** Instead of adding "I meant…" in a new message, select **Edit Query** on the original, correct it, and send. The chat stays short, and the earlier answer is still one arrow away.
## Related
- [Write, attach, and send](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/compose.md)
- [Choose and compare models](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/models.md)
- [Keyboard shortcuts](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/shortcuts.md)
---
---
title: "Organize, find, share, and export chats"
description: "How to start, rename, pin, archive, delete, select, and move chats into projects in Bearly, read the sidebar, use Needs attention, search chats and files, use the command menu, download a chat as Markdown, share a chat as a Page, ask Bearly to manage chats for you, and open What's New."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/organize/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/organize.md"
---
# Organize, find, share, and export chats
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/organize/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/organize/)
> How to start, rename, pin, archive, delete, select, and move chats into projects in Bearly, read the sidebar, use Needs attention, search chats and files, use the command menu, download a chat as Markdown, share a chat as a Page, ask Bearly to manage chats for you, and open What's New.
Chats live in the left sidebar, grouped by project, pins, and date. This page covers starting and naming chats, keeping the list tidy, finding anything you wrote or uploaded, exporting and sharing a chat, and having Bearly do the filing for you. Everything here works in the web app, phone browser, desktop app, and iOS app, except dragging chats into projects, which needs a mouse or trackpad.
## Start a new chat
**Use it when:** starting a new topic, or keeping unrelated work in separate chats so each one stays focused.
**You need:** Nothing extra.
1. Select **New Chat** in the sidebar — opens the new-chat screen, outside any project.
2. Or press ⌘ N or ⌘ ⇧ N (Ctrl N or Ctrl Shift N on Windows and Linux; a web browser may keep these keys for its own windows), use the pen icon in the chat header (shown when the sidebar is closed), or choose **New** in the command menu — from a project chat, these start the new chat in the same project.
3. To pick a project on the new-chat screen, use the project chip under the composer ("Start this chat in a project") — search for a project, choose from **Recent** or **All projects**, create one with **New project**, or choose **No project**. The project is fixed once the chat starts.
4. Type your first message and send.
**What you get:** A new chat, listed in the sidebar once you send the first message. Until then the empty draft shows only on the device where you opened it.
**Limits:** Pressing the shortcut while you're already on the new-chat screen just puts the cursor in the composer and shows "You're already in a new chat".
**Combines with:** [Projects](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects.md) to give a group of chats shared files, instructions, and settings.
## Name and rename chats
Bearly titles each chat automatically from your first message, in the background. If titling fails, it tries again later, and it repairs a chat still named "New Chat" with a number when you open it.
1. Click the title in the chat header and type a new one — Enter saves, Esc puts back the old title.
2. Or open **More actions** (the **…** on the chat's sidebar row) → **Rename**, or choose **Rename** in the command menu.
3. To have Bearly write a fresh title from the conversation so far, open the command menu and choose **Generate New Name**.
**Limits:** An empty title isn't saved.
## Read the sidebar
The list is grouped, top to bottom:
- **Projects**, with their chats.
- **Pinned** chats.
- Everything else by last activity: **Today**, **This Week**, **This Month**, then each earlier month of this year, then each earlier year.
A chat's row can show:
| Indicator | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Accent bar on the left | Unread replies |
| Spinner ("Bearly is working") | An answer is running |
| Shield ("Waiting for approval" or "Shell approval needed") | Bearly is waiting for you to approve an action |
| Lock ("Approve this device to open this chat") | An end-to-end encrypted chat this device can't open yet |
| Archive icon | The chat is archived |
Pins and archives are saved to your account, so the sidebar looks the same on every device.
## Use the More actions menu
Each chat row has a **More actions** menu (**…**). It appears on hover, and is always visible on touch devices and for the chat you have open.
| Item | What it does |
|---|---|
| **Rename** | Edit the title in place. Enter or clicking away saves. |
| **Pin** / **Unpin** | Keep the chat at the top, under **Pinned**. |
| **Move to project...** | Move the chat into a project, or out of one. Shown when you have projects. |
| **Archive** / **Unarchive** | Take the chat out of the main list without deleting it. |
| **Mark unread** / **Mark read** | Flag a chat to come back to. Shown once the chat has activity. |
| **Delete** | Delete the chat after you confirm. Archived chats show "Delete · unarchive first" instead. |
| **Select** | Start choosing several chats at once. |
## Archive chats
Archiving keeps a chat but takes it out of your everyday list.
1. Choose **Archive** in the chat's **More actions** menu, or select several chats and choose **Archive** — they leave the main list.
2. To see them, select **Archives** (with its count) above the account menu at the bottom of the sidebar — archived chats are grouped by the date you archived them, each with its project.
3. With eight or more archived chats, use **Filter archives** to narrow the list.
4. Select the back arrow (**Back to all chats**) to return.
**Limits:** An archived chat can't be deleted until you unarchive it ("Unarchive this chat before deleting it."). Projects can be archived too, and a chat can't be moved into an archived project.
## Delete chats
Deleting a chat removes the conversation, its files, and its memory for good.
**Use it when:** you don't need the chat or anything in it again.
1. Choose **Delete** in the chat's **More actions** menu, or press ⌘ D (Ctrl D) in the open chat, or choose **Delete** in the command menu.
2. Read the **Delete Chat** confirmation — it names the chat and warns that its files and memory will be lost and that this can't be undone.
3. Select **Delete**.
To delete the open chat and start a fresh one in one step, use **Delete & New** in the command menu, or press ⌘ ⇧ D (Ctrl Shift D).
A deleted chat's messages, files, and memory are gone. Archive instead if you might need it later.
**Limits:** Unarchive a chat before deleting it.
## Select several chats
1. Open any chat's **More actions** menu and choose **Select** — checkboxes appear, and the header reads "Select chats", then the number selected.
2. Check chats, or use **Select all** — it selects only the chats visible in the current view.
3. Choose **Move** (shown when you have projects), **Archive** (**Unarchive** in Archives), or **Delete**.
4. Select **Cancel**, press Esc, or switch views to stop selecting.
**Limits:** Bulk **Delete** skips archived chats and says how many it skipped. If every selected chat is archived, it asks you to unarchive them first.
## Move chats into projects
1. Choose **Move to project...** in a chat's **More actions** menu, or select several chats and choose **Move** — the **Move to project** dialog opens.
2. Search with **Search projects...**, or pick from **Pinned**, **Recent**, or **All projects**. The chat's current project is marked **Current**. Arrow keys and Enter work too.
3. To take a chat out of its project, choose **Remove from project** — it goes back to the main chat list.
With a mouse or trackpad, you can also drag a chat onto a project in the sidebar, or drag a project chat onto the main list to remove it from the project. Dragging isn't available on touch devices.
**Combines with:** [Projects](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects.md) for project settings, files, and sharing.
## Needs attention
When other chats are waiting for an approval or have unread replies, a **Needs attention** chip with a count appears in the sidebar. Select it to replace the list with **Awaiting approval** and then **Unread** chats, newest first, including project chats with their project name. Select it again to show all chats.
**Use it when:** several chats are running tools at once and you want to see which ones need you.
**Limits:** The chat you have open and archived chats aren't listed. Approvals show only for chats that have been active since you opened Bearly.
## Search chats and files
Search finds messages, files you uploaded, and files Bearly created, across all your chats.
**Use it when:** you remember what was said or what a file contained, but not which chat it was in.
**You need:** Nothing extra. Search works whether or not **Memories** is on.
1. Select the magnifier at the top of the sidebar, or press ⌘ F (Ctrl F) — the search box opens with "Search chats and files...".
2. Type what you're looking for — results update as you type. Search matches meaning, not only exact words, and ranks exact text and title matches higher.
3. Switch between the **Chats** and **Files** tabs. A chat result shows its title, the date of the matching message, the number of matches, and a preview. A file result is labeled **Uploaded**, **Generated**, or **Saved by Bearly**.
4. Select a result to open its chat. Press Esc to close.
**What you get:** Chats ranked by their best match, with up to 20 matches per chat. If nothing matches, Bearly says "No results found for" and your search.
**Limits:** Search covers project chats but not end-to-end encrypted chats.
**Combines with:** [Memories](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/settings.md#memories), which lets the AI itself search past chats while it answers.
## The command menu
Press ⌘ K (Ctrl K) or select **…** in the chat header to open the command menu. It shows the chat's title, a **Search...** box, an **Actions** group, and **Switch Chats**, which lists every chat, including project chats. Use ↑ ↓ to move, Enter to run, and Esc to close.
| Action | What it does |
|---|---|
| **New** | Start a new chat (in the same project when you're in a project chat) |
| **Delete & New** | Delete this chat and start a new one, after you confirm |
| **Delete** | Delete this chat, after you confirm |
| **Rename** | Rename this chat |
| **Refresh Chat** | Reload this chat's data |
| **Generate New Name** | Retitle the chat from the conversation |
| **Download as Markdown** | Export the chat as a Markdown file |
| **New Routine** | Open Routines to schedule a prompt. Pro and higher, when your organization allows Routines. |
| **Show all...** → **Show Release Notes** | Open What's New |
The chat also refreshes itself when you come back to the window.
## Download a chat as Markdown
Export a chat as a readable Markdown file, with or without a record of the tools Bearly used.
**Use it when:** keeping a record of a decision, pasting a conversation into a document or ticket, or archiving a project's history outside Bearly.
**You need:** Nothing extra.
1. Open the command menu and choose **Download as Markdown** — the **Download Markdown** dialog opens: "Export this chat as a readable Markdown file."
2. Turn on **Include tool activity** if you want "compact records of tool calls, inputs, assets, and summarized results" — leave it off for just the conversation.
3. Select **Download** to save the file, or **Copy** to put the Markdown on your clipboard.
**What you get:** A file named after the chat's title, ending in `.md`. Each turn is headed "User" or "Bearly".
**Limits:** Markdown only; there's no PDF or HTML export of a whole chat.
## Share a chat as a Page
Sharing doesn't hand out your conversation. Bearly turns the substance of the chat into a Page, with artwork and a link preview, and you review it before anything is published.
**Use it when:** sending the outcome of a chat to someone outside Bearly, such as a summary, a plan, or a short guide.
**You need:** A chat you can edit. Your organization must allow sharing.
1. Select **Share** in the chat header — the **Share conversation** panel opens.
2. Select **Prepare share** — Bearly writes the Page. The panel notes "Your full conversation isn't shared. You review the Page before publishing."
3. When it's ready, the Page opens on its own, marked "Ready to share" — check it, then select **Publish** in its header to choose who can open it. If you closed it, select **Share** again and choose **Review and publish**, or **Create another** for a different take.
You can also type `/share` in the chat. To give a single file its own Page, use **Share file** on that file.
**What you get:** A Page you control, built from the conversation's substance rather than its transcript.
**Limits:** Preparing a Page uses your plan's usage. Not available in chats you can only read.
**Combines with:** [Pages and Canvas](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas.md) for editing and publishing Pages.
## Ask Bearly to manage your chats
You can ask in any chat for Bearly to find, read, create, rename, move, or delete chats for you. It asks before it looks through your chats or reads another one, and before it deletes anything.
**Use it when:** filing a batch of chats into a project, pulling context from an earlier chat into this one, or cleaning up old chats by topic.
**You need:** Your organization must allow **Chat management**. It's on unless an admin turned it off.
What Bearly can do from a chat:
- List your chats and your projects.
- Create a new chat, optionally in a project, without switching you to it.
- Read another chat, at three levels of detail: your messages only, the conversation, or the conversation with tool activity.
- Rename chats, and move them into or out of projects.
- Delete chats.
Before it lists your chats, Bearly asks for permission and explains: "Lists your chats and their titles so Bearly can find the right one." Before it reads another chat, it names that chat and says: "Reads another chat's full history into this chat. Allow only chats you want this chat to see." You can allow it for this response, for this session, or for this chat on this device. Before deleting, Bearly shows "Delete this chat?" or how many chats it will delete, with their titles. If you allow deleting for longer than one request, later deletions asked for in that chat go ahead within that scope without asking again. **Full access** never skips any of these questions.
```text
Find my chats about the Q3 budget, rename each one to start with "Q3 budget:", and move them all into the Finance project.
```
**Limits:** Up to 20 chats per delete, and a chat can't delete itself. Reading returns up to 100 turns at a time, and a very large chat comes back as a Markdown file. Regular chats can't see your end-to-end encrypted chats. Bearly can't send messages from one chat into another.
**Combines with:** [Memories](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/settings.md#memories) to find the right earlier chat by meaning; [Permissions](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/permissions.md) for how approvals work.
## What's New
When a new Bearly release is out, **What's New** opens on its own the next time you use a chat on that device. It lists **Highlights**, **Also new**, and **Fixes & improvements**, with links to related posts and docs. New accounts don't see it on their first visit.
To open it any time, press ⌘ K and choose **Show all...** → **Show Release Notes**. The same notes are on the public [changelog](https://bearly.ai/docs/changelog.md).
## Combinations to try
**Find, summarize, and file.** In a project chat with **Memories** set to **Project Only**, ask Bearly to find an earlier decision and file the current chat. Memories finds the earlier chat; chat management reads it (after you allow it), then renames and moves this one.
```text
Find what we decided about pricing in this project, summarize it in five bullets, then rename this chat to "Pricing decision" and move it to the Finance project.
```
**Export the record, then clear the list.** When a long piece of work is done, choose **Download as Markdown** with **Include tool activity** on for a full record, then **Archive** the chat. It leaves your everyday list but stays in **Archives**.
**From template to published Page.** Run one of your Prompt Templates from the `/` menu, then type `/share` and review the Page before publishing it. See [Write, attach, and send](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/compose.md#reference-tools-files-and-skills).
## Related
- [Projects](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects.md)
- [Keyboard shortcuts](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/shortcuts.md)
- [Privacy and security](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security.md)
---
---
title: "Tune a chat: settings, style, reasoning, and memory"
description: "Every Bearly chat setting explained, including This Chat versus New Chats, which setting wins when projects and organizations set their own, Response Style, Reasoning Effort, Temperature, Instructions, Language, Web Search, History modes, Memories, Personalization, and how Bearly tells the AI today's date."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/settings/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/settings.md"
---
# Tune a chat: settings, style, reasoning, and memory
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/settings/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/settings/)
> Every Bearly chat setting explained, including This Chat versus New Chats, which setting wins when projects and organizations set their own, Response Style, Reasoning Effort, Temperature, Instructions, Language, Web Search, History modes, Memories, Personalization, and how Bearly tells the AI today's date.
Each chat has its own model, reply language, style, reasoning level, instructions, and memory settings. You can change them for the chat in front of you, set defaults for every chat you start later, and tell Bearly about yourself once so every chat can use it. This page covers every chat setting and how they combine with project and organization settings.
## Open chat settings
You can reach chat settings three ways:
- Press ⌘ , (Ctrl , on Windows and Linux).
- Open the account menu at the bottom of the sidebar and choose **App Settings**.
- Open the sliders button in the composer and choose **Chat Settings**.
The **Settings** window lists chat settings under **Chats**: **This Chat**, **New Chats**, **Personalization**, **Voice**, and **Dictation**. Voice and dictation are on [Voice](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/voice.md). The window's header shows **Saving...**, **Saved**, or **Not saved** as changes save. On a narrow screen, the list of panes becomes a menu at the top.
The sliders button in the composer holds quick per-chat switches: **Web**, **Style**, **Scholar**, **Reasoning**, **Memories**, and **History**. **History** and **Scholar** live only there, not in the **Settings** window.
## This Chat and New Chats
**This Chat** changes only the open chat: "Settings for this conversation only. Changes here don't affect other chats." **New Chats** sets the starting point for chats you start later: "These settings apply to all new chats by default." Both have the same controls:
| Control | Options | New Chats starts at |
|---|---|---|
| **Model** | The models in the model picker. **New Chats** adds **Recommended**, which follows Bearly's default for your plan. | Recommended |
| **Language** | **Default**, Arabic, Bengali, English, English (UK & AU), French, German, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Mandarin Chinese, Persian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Swahili, Thai, Turkish, Urdu, Vietnamese | Default |
| **Response Style** | **Normal**, **Classic**, **No Style**, **Learning**, **Concise**, **Explanatory**, **Formal** | Normal |
| **Memories** | **Off**, **Auto** | Auto |
| **Web Search** | **Off**, **Auto** | Auto |
| **Reasoning Effort** | **Default**, **None**, **Low**, **Medium**, **High**, **Extra High** | Default |
| **Instructions** | Free text | Empty |
| **Temperature** | Presets **Factual**, **Default**, **Creative**, and a slider from **Focused** to **Creative** | 1.00 (Default) |
**This Chat** also has **Reset all to defaults**. It appears once this chat has its own value for any control, and puts the chat's model, language, instructions, temperature, and reasoning back to those defaults. Organization and project settings still apply afterward.
**New Chats** defaults are saved to your account, so they apply on every device.
**Use it when:** one chat needs something different (This Chat), or you keep making the same change in every new chat (New Chats).
**Limits:** **New Chats** doesn't apply inside projects. In a project chat the pane says "Default settings are not available in project chats. Use Project Settings to configure." A control your organization or project locks is hidden or can't be changed.
**Combines with:** [Projects](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects.md) for settings shared by every chat in a project; [Choose and compare models](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/models.md) for picking models.
## Which setting wins
A chat's settings are built up in layers. Each later layer overrides the ones before it:
1. Bearly's own defaults.
2. Your **New Chats** defaults. Skipped in project chats.
3. Your organization's chat defaults. Skipped in project chats.
4. Chat settings your organization applies to every chat, including project chats.
5. The project's shared settings.
6. Your personal settings for that project.
7. **This Chat**.
An organization or project can also lock a setting. A locked setting can't be changed in **This Chat**, and its control disappears from the chat or stays fixed. Settings that can be locked: model, instructions, language, temperature, reasoning effort, response style, memories, web search, always searching project documents, and personalization.
One exception: if your organization or project sets a reasoning level, it applies even when it isn't locked.
Projects add two settings of their own: **Always Search Documents**, which makes every message in the project search the project's files first, and **Disable Personalization**. See [Projects](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects.md) and [Organizations](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations.md).
## Response Style
**Response Style** shapes how answers read: length, structure, and tone. Change it per chat from the sliders button (**Style**) or in **This Chat**, and set your usual style in **New Chats**.
| Style | What answers are like |
|---|---|
| **Normal** | Conversational and focused, like a knowledgeable colleague. Prose over bullet lists unless the content is a list, such as steps or options, and few headings. |
| **Classic** | Thorough on complex or open-ended questions and when you ask for length; concise on simple ones. |
| **No Style** | Bearly adds no style guidance at all; you get the model's own habits. |
| **Learning** | A patient teacher. A short direct answer first, then a step-by-step build-up from the basics, with analogies and examples, jargon defined, common misconceptions flagged, and a takeaway at the end of complex topics. |
| **Concise** | The answer first, in short bullets, without introductions or sign-offs. Code questions get the code with at most a one-line explanation. Yes-or-no questions start with yes or no. |
| **Explanatory** | In depth, from several angles: what, why, how, and when. Context, trade-offs, structured sections, examples, edge cases, and why one approach beats the alternatives. |
| **Formal** | Professional, precise, and neutral, in prose paragraphs, with no slang. Conclusions first, then the reasoning, with trade-offs and limitations stated rather than opinions. |
Every style except **Classic** and **No Style** also follows a few house rules: no filler openers, no repeating your question back, no needless sign-off or recap, matching how formally you write, using bold sparingly, and not hedging when the answer is clear.
On a phone-sized screen, 480 pixels wide or less, Bearly also asks the AI to keep answers brief and to prefer lists over tables. This applies with every style except **No Style**.
**Limits:** A chat's style is shared by everyone in it and follows the chat to your other devices. An organization or project can set or lock it.
## Reasoning Effort
**Reasoning Effort** sets how much the model thinks before it answers. Higher levels ask for more reasoning; how much that changes the answer depends on the model.
| Option | What it does |
|---|---|
| **Default** | Medium when the chat is on Bearly Pro as your plan's default model; otherwise the model's own default |
| **None**, **Low**, **Medium**, **High**, **Extra High** | Asks the model for that level of reasoning |
The model's reasoning shows above the answer as a collapsible **Thinking** step; see [Work with answers](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/answers.md#thinking-steps).
**Use it when:** a multi-step problem, math, or code needs more care (raise it), or you want faster replies to simple questions (lower it).
**Limits:** Your reasoning choice is your own, even in a shared chat. A reasoning level set by your organization or project overrides yours.
## Temperature
**Temperature** sets how varied the wording and ideas in an answer are. The presets are **Factual** (0.5), **Default** (1), and **Creative** (1.5). The slider runs from 0 to 2 in steps of 0.05, labeled **Focused** at the low end and **Creative** at the high end. Above 1.5, Bearly warns: "High temperatures may produce incoherent output."
**Use it when:** you want steadier, more literal answers for facts and data (lower), or more varied ideas for brainstorming and creative writing (higher).
## Instructions
**Instructions** is free text Bearly includes with every message in the chat: who the answers are for, what format you want, terms to use or avoid. In **This Chat** the box reads "Custom instructions for this chat..."; in **New Chats**, "Default instructions for new chats...". It saves when you click away.
```text
I'm preparing a board update. Use plain language, round numbers to one decimal place, and end every answer with the one decision I need to make.
```
**Limits:** Project instructions are added to every chat in that project too. An organization or project can lock instructions.
## Language
**Language** asks the AI to answer only in the language you pick, whatever language you write in. **Default** adds no language instruction. The setting covers the AI's replies; Bearly has no setting for the language of its own menus and buttons.
## Web Search
**Web Search** (**Web** in the sliders menu) decides whether the AI can search the web in this chat. **Auto** lets it search when a question needs current information, and answers cite their sources. **Off** keeps web search out of the chat; reading a page you link needs **Auto** too. `/deep-research` works either way, on plans that include it.
**Scholar**, in the sliders menu only, works the same way for research papers: **Auto** or **Off**. Typing `/scholar` uses it for one message even when it's off. See [Research](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research.md).
## History modes
**History** in the sliders menu decides how the AI reads a long conversation. It's set per chat and follows the chat to your other devices.
| Mode | What the AI reads | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| **Chat (Dynamic)** (default) | The newest messages in full and shorter and shorter excerpts of older ones. Once a chat is very long, the oldest messages drop out of what the AI reads. | Ordinary conversations |
| **Agentic (Compaction)** | When the conversation gets long, Bearly writes a summary of the older part in the background and keeps the most recent part word for word. The chat shows **Conversation compacted so you can keep going**. If a summary fails, the full history is kept. | Long working sessions with many tool steps, such as research, data work, or coding |
In both modes, a single very long message or tool result is shortened when the AI rereads it.
**Use it when:** a long, tool-heavy chat starts losing track of what happened early on: switch it to **Agentic (Compaction)** so the early work survives as a summary instead of being trimmed away.
## Memories
**Memories** lets the AI search your past chats while it answers. After each turn, Bearly indexes that part of the chat. When Memories is on, the AI can look things up when you refer to earlier work or when it's missing context, and it gets short excerpts from each matching chat.
**Use it when:** "like we discussed last week", picking up a project after a break, or asking what you decided before.
**You need:** Your organization must allow **Memory Recall**. It's on unless an admin turned it off.
| Where | Options |
|---|---|
| Sliders button → **Memories**, outside a project | **Off**, **All Chats** (default) |
| Sliders button → **Memories**, in a project chat | **Off**, **Project Only** (default), **All Chats** |
| **This Chat** and **New Chats** → **Memories** | **Off**, **Auto** |
**All Chats** searches every chat you have. **Project Only** searches only that project's chats. To make the AI search past chats for one message, type `/recall`:
```text
/recall What did I decide about the venue for the offsite, and why?
```
**Limits:** Memories isn't available in end-to-end encrypted chats, and those chats never show up in results. Deleting a chat deletes its memory. An organization or project can set or lock the Memories setting.
**Combines with:** [Ask Bearly to manage your chats](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/organize.md#ask-bearly-to-manage-your-chats) to read the full chat a memory came from; [Search chats and files](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/organize.md#search-chats-and-files) when you'd rather search yourself.
## Personalization
**Personalization** tells the AI about you once, for every chat: "Tell the AI about yourself so it can tailor responses to your needs."
1. Open **Settings** → **Personalization**.
2. Turn on **Personalization** ("Include your profile context in your chats.") — the fields below unlock. It's off until you turn it on.
3. Fill in **Name** ("How should the AI address you?"), **Occupation** ("What do you do?"), and **About you** ("What should the AI know about you?") — only what you enter here is added to your chats.
**What you get:** With the switch on, Bearly adds what you wrote in these fields to every chat and asks the AI to address you the way you asked. The pane notes: "This is shared with AI models in your conversations." Your Personalization settings are saved to your account and apply on every device.
With the switch off, nothing from your profile is added to your chats.
**Limits:** A project with **Disable Personalization** on, or an organization setting, sends nothing from your profile, including your name.
## Date awareness
Bearly tells the AI today's date, so "tomorrow", "next Friday", and "last week" work out correctly. There's no setting for it. On the first message of a chat, and again whenever the date has changed or at least 12 hours have passed since the last message, Bearly gives the AI your local date, your time zone, and how long it's been since the previous message (for example, "about 3 days"). None of this is saved in the chat.
## Combinations to try
**Your profile everywhere, with one-off exceptions.** Turn on **Personalization**, then set **New Chats** → **Response Style** to **Concise** and **Language** to the language you work in. Every new chat starts that way. For a single chat that needs a different voice, add **Instructions** in **This Chat**; they apply to that chat only.
**Long agentic session.** Before starting a long chain of tool work, switch **History** to **Agentic (Compaction)** and raise **Reasoning** to **High**. Then queue the follow-up steps in **Up next** so they run in order. See [Send while Bearly is working](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/compose.md#send-while-bearly-is-working).
**Project memory only.** In a project, leave **Memories** on **Project Only** so recall stays inside the project's chats, and turn on **Always Search Documents** in the project's settings so every answer checks the project's files first. See [Projects](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects.md).
## Related
- [Settings reference](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/settings-reference.md)
- [Choose and compare models](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/models.md)
- [Privacy and security](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security.md)
---
---
title: "Talk to Bearly: dictation and voice calls"
description: "How to speak to Bearly instead of typing, with push-to-talk dictation into the message box and live voice calls that can run actions, plus Read aloud, every Dictation and Voice setting, plan and platform requirements, and limits."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/voice/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/voice.md"
---
# Talk to Bearly: dictation and voice calls
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/voice/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/voice/)
> How to speak to Bearly instead of typing, with push-to-talk dictation into the message box and live voice calls that can run actions, plus Read aloud, every Dictation and Voice setting, plan and platform requirements, and limits.
You can talk to Bearly in two ways. **Dictation** turns what you say into text in the message box, so you can check it before sending. A **voice call** is a live spoken conversation in which Bearly answers out loud and can run the chat's tools while you talk. **Read aloud** works the other way and plays an answer to you.
| You want | Use | Control |
| --- | --- | --- |
| To speak a message and review it before it's sent | [Dictation](#dictation) | Microphone icon in the top-right corner of the message box, or hold Right Shift |
| A back-and-forth conversation out loud, hands-free | [Voice call](#voice-calls) | **Start voice call** (sound-wave icon) next to Send |
| To hear an answer | [Read aloud](#read-aloud) | **Read aloud** under the answer |
## Dictation
Dictation is push-to-talk speech to text. Speak, and Bearly writes the words into the message box, optionally cleaning up punctuation and phrasing first.
**Use it when:** writing a long prompt faster than you can type, describing a problem while looking at something else, or capturing an idea mid-thought.
**You need:** any plan. Admin controls **Dictation** and **Cloud dictation** (under **Media & Creativity**). Works on the web app, phone browsers, the desktop app, and the iOS app.
1. Select the microphone icon in the top-right corner of the message box — the first time, it opens **Settings** → **Dictation**, because dictation starts off.
2. Turn on the switch at the top of the **Dictation** pane — the pane reads "Click the dictation button to start or stop. You can also hold Right Shift while you speak."
3. Back in the chat, select the microphone and speak — a rising tone plays, the icon becomes a filled square, and a strip at the top shows "Listening…" with your words as they come in.
4. Select it again to stop — a falling tone plays, and the text fills the message box.
To dictate without clicking, hold Right Shift while you speak and let go when you're done. A brief tap doesn't start it, and pressing any other key cancels. The shortcut works while the Bearly window is focused; there's no system-wide shortcut.
While dictation works, the strip shows its progress: "Preparing transcription…", "Opening microphone…", "Connecting to transcription…", "Listening…", "Finishing transcript…", and, with cleanup on, "Cleaning up with" the model's name.
**What you get:** your words in the message box, ready to edit and send, or sent straight away if you chose **Send immediately**.
**Limits:** a recording stops on its own after 10 minutes. If something goes wrong you'll see "Microphone access failed. Check your browser or system permission.", "Transcription is unavailable. Try again.", or "Dictation could not finish. Try again."
### Dictation settings
Open **Settings** → **Dictation** (in the **Chats** section). Settings sync across your devices.
| Setting | What it does | Default |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Switch at the top of the pane | Turns dictation on | Off |
| **Keyboard shortcut** ("Hold while Bearly is focused.") | The push-to-talk keys. Select the shortcut, then at "Press your shortcut" hold the keys you want (1 to 6 keys) and let go. The switch beside it turns push-to-talk off | Right Shift |
| **After dictation** | **Fill the composer** puts the text in the message box. **Send immediately** sends it as a normal message, with all the chat's tools | **Fill the composer** |
| **Transcript cleanup** ("Fix punctuation and phrasing with a fast, low-reasoning model.") | Tidies the transcript before it reaches the message box. **Model** picks the cleanup model from those your plan and organization allow. **Instructions** ("Applied after transcription. The original audio is not sent.") tells it how | Off |
| **Vocabulary** ("Names, acronyms, and technical terms.") | Terms the cleanup model should spell correctly. Used only when cleanup is on | Empty |
| **Replacements** ("One exact spoken → written pair per line.") | Swaps exact words you say for what you want written, matched as whole words and ignoring case, before and after cleanup | Empty |
Write each replacement on its own line with an arrow; `=>` works too:
```text
bearly → Bearly
q four → Q4
acme corp => ACME Corporation
```
If cleanup fails, Bearly uses the raw transcript without a message, so you never lose what you said.
The pane also says: "Live audio is sent through Bearly for transcription." If your organization has turned off **Cloud dictation**, the pane says "Your team has disabled audio transcription." and the microphone shows "Dictation is disabled by your team". With **Dictation** off, there's no microphone icon and no **Dictation** pane.
## Voice calls
A voice call is a live conversation: you talk, Bearly answers out loud, and you can interrupt it at any point. During the call Bearly can use the same tools as the chat, such as web search, images, Run Python, Pages, and connectors, and it asks for approval the same way.
**Use it when:** thinking a problem through out loud, practicing a pitch or interview, getting step-by-step help while your hands are busy, or asking Bearly to look something up and build something without typing.
**You need:** any plan; calls use your plan allowance. Admin control: **Voice** (under **Media & Creativity**). A microphone and a secure connection. Works in the web app, phone browsers, the desktop app, and the iOS app; not in Firefox ("Voice is temporarily unavailable in Firefox. Use Chrome or the desktop app.").
1. Select **Start voice call** — the sound-wave icon just left of Send. Allow microphone access if asked.
2. Talk — the message box becomes a call bar that shows "Connecting", "Listening", "Thinking", or "Speaking", a timer, and the model's name.
3. Interrupt whenever you like — start talking and Bearly stops to listen.
4. Use **Mute microphone** and **Unmute microphone** as needed, and pick a different microphone from the call bar; Bearly remembers your choice on that device.
5. Select **End call** when you're done.
**What you get:** a call card in the chat with the status, length, and model, and **Show transcript** with "You:" and "Bearly:" lines. Later typed messages in the chat can see that transcript. The card has no audio playback.
### What Bearly can do during a call
- **Run actions.** It works through the chat's tools one at a time. Each spoken turn can take up to 12 action rounds; past that you'll see "Voice hit its action limit for this turn."
- **Ask for approval.** The call bar shows "Approval needed". Some voice models accept spoken answers: "yes", "no", "don't ask me again", or "stop". Others need you to select the on-screen approval card. Connector sign-in always happens on screen.
- **Use the chat so far.** A call starts with the chat's recent turns as background, so you can pick up a typed conversation by voice.
### Choose the voice model
Open **Settings** → **Voice** (in the **Chats** section). It reads "Voice calls use this model to listen, answer, and run actions. Calls use your plan allowance."
- On paid plans, pick a model under **Model** ("Takes effect on your next call.").
- On the Free plan, calls use a fixed model and the list shows "Choosing a voice model needs a paid plan." See [Plans and credits](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits.md).
- Each model speaks in its own voice; there's no separate voice picker.
- If a call switches to a backup model, the call bar adds "· fallback" after the model name.
**Zero Data Retention only** applies to chat models; it doesn't filter the voice models.
**Limits:**
- A call ends after 30 seconds of silence, including while you're muted.
- If the connection stops making progress, the call ends with "Voice connection stalled."
- Each call has a usage limit. When it's reached, the call bar shows "Voice limit reached" and the card says "This voice session reached its limit. Start a fresh one anytime."
- On iOS the screen stays awake during a call, and the call doesn't continue in the background.
- If the button is unavailable, its tooltip says why: "Voice isn't available in this app.", "Voice needs a secure connection.", or "No microphone is available." Older desktop app versions without microphone support show no button; update the app.
- Voice calls don't run in [Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md).
## Read aloud
Under any answer that's all text, select **Read aloud** to hear it. It uses a standard voice unless you turn on **Use for Read Aloud** in Voice Studio, which switches Read aloud to the voice, engine, and delivery you picked there.
**You need:** any plan. Admin control: **Text to speech**.
For downloadable recordings, voice presets, and comparing voices, see [Text to speech](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/images-video-audio.md#text-to-speech).
## Try this
### Dictate a complex task and send it hands-free
You speak a full request and Bearly starts working without you touching the keyboard again.
**Why it works:** with **After dictation** set to **Send immediately**, a finished dictation is sent as a normal message, so it can use every tool the chat offers, including Pages and Run Python.
**You need:** any plan. Admin controls **Dictation** and **Cloud dictation**.
1. In **Settings** → **Dictation**, set **After dictation** to **Send immediately**, and turn on **Transcript cleanup** for cleaner text.
2. In a chat, hold Right Shift and speak the request, then let go.
```text
Build a Page that tracks my weekly running miles, with a line chart, a weekly goal I can change, and a streak counter.
```
3. Watch the answer arrive — the Page opens in the chat like any other.
**Swap in:** **Fill the composer** when you want to review before sending; Vocabulary entries for product names you use often.
**If it stalls:** if a name comes out wrong every time, add a line under **Replacements**, such as `bearly → Bearly`.
### Ask a voice call to look something up and build a tool
You get a working Page from a spoken conversation.
**Why it works:** a call has the chat's tools, so web search and Page building can both run during the conversation, one action at a time.
**You need:** any plan. Admin controls **Voice** and **Web**.
1. Select **Start voice call**.
2. Say what you need.
```text
Look up today's euro to dollar exchange rate and make me a currency converter Page that uses it.
```
3. Approve any action you're asked about — by voice where the model accepts it, or on screen.
4. End the call and open the Page in the chat.
**Swap in:** "Make a packing list for a three-day trip and email it to me"; "Find three recent articles on this and summarize them."
**If it stalls:** if you hear "Voice hit its action limit for this turn.", ask for the next step in a new sentence, or finish by typing in the chat, which can see the call's transcript.
### Proofread your writing by ear
You hear your own draft read back, which makes clumsy sentences easier to catch.
**Why it works:** Voice Studio's **Proofread by ear** preset picks a neutral, even delivery that reads exactly as written and pauses at punctuation, and **Use my message** fills the script with what you wrote.
**You need:** any plan. Admin control **Text to speech**.
1. Paste your draft and send it with `/say`.
```text
/say Paste your draft here.
```
2. In Voice Studio, pick **Proofread by ear** under "What are you making?", then **Generate**.
3. Listen with the text highlighted, then fix what sounded off.
**Swap in:** [Fix Grammar](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/documents.md#fix-grammar) for line-by-line suggestions; **Read aloud** on Bearly's revised version.
**If it stalls:** for a long document, record one section at a time.
## Related
- [Write, attach, and send](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/compose.md)
- [Make images, video, and audio](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/images-video-audio.md)
- [Record and use meetings](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/meetings.md)
- [Settings reference](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/settings-reference.md)
---
---
title: "Keyboard shortcuts"
description: "Every Bearly keyboard shortcut for macOS and for Windows and Linux, covering sending, new lines, interrupting, the / and @ picker, the command menu, search, new and deleted chats, jumping between prompts, Settings, dialogs, dictation, and the desktop app's global shortcut."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/shortcuts/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/shortcuts.md"
---
# Keyboard shortcuts
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/shortcuts/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/shortcuts/)
> Every Bearly keyboard shortcut for macOS and for Windows and Linux, covering sending, new lines, interrupting, the / and @ picker, the command menu, search, new and deleted chats, jumping between prompts, Settings, dialogs, dictation, and the desktop app's global shortcut.
These shortcuts work in the web app on a computer and in the desktop app. On macOS, ⌘ is the Command key; on Windows and Linux, the same shortcuts use Ctrl. On phones and tablets, Enter doesn't send a message: tap the send button.
## In the composer
| Action | macOS | Windows and Linux |
|---|---|---|
| Send | Enter | Enter |
| New line | Shift Enter | Shift Enter |
| Send now, stopping the current answer and skipping the queue | ⌘ Enter | Ctrl Enter |
| Bring back earlier messages, or the newest queued one (empty composer) | ↑ and ↓ | ↑ and ↓ |
| Open the tool, file, and skill picker | / at the start of a message, @ anywhere | / at the start of a message, @ anywhere |
| Remove a whole chip | Backspace | Backspace |
| Cancel editing a message | Esc | Esc |
While Bearly is still answering, Enter queues your draft instead of sending it right away. See [Send while Bearly is working](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/compose.md#send-while-bearly-is-working).
## In the / and @ picker
| Action | Keys |
|---|---|
| Move through the list | ↑ ↓ |
| Insert the highlighted item | Enter or Tab |
| Open a browsable item, such as a folder | → |
| Go back | ← |
| Close the picker | Esc |
Typing an item's exact label followed by a space or punctuation, such as `@web-search`, turns it into a chip as soon as you type the space, without choosing from the list. See [Reference tools, files, and skills](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/compose.md#reference-tools-files-and-skills).
## Anywhere in a chat
| Action | macOS | Windows and Linux |
|---|---|---|
| Put the cursor in the composer | ⌘ L | Ctrl L |
| Open or close the command menu | ⌘ K | Ctrl K |
| Search chats and files | ⌘ F | Ctrl F |
| New chat, in the current chat's project if it has one | ⌘ N or ⌘ ⇧ N | Ctrl N or Ctrl Shift N |
| Delete this chat, after you confirm | ⌘ D | Ctrl D |
| Delete this chat and start a new one, after you confirm | ⌘ ⇧ D | Ctrl Shift D |
| Jump to the previous prompt | ⌘ ⇧ ↑ | Ctrl Shift ↑ |
| Jump to the next prompt | ⌘ ⇧ ↓ | Ctrl Shift ↓ |
| Open Settings | ⌘ , | Ctrl , |
| Dictate while you hold the key, with Bearly focused (push to talk) | Right Shift | Right Shift |
Pressing the new-chat shortcut while you're already on a new chat puts the cursor in the composer and shows "You're already in a new chat". Right Shift is the default dictation key; change it in **Settings** → **Dictation** → **Keyboard shortcut**. See [Voice](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/voice.md).
Web browsers keep some key combinations for themselves. If a shortcut does something in your browser instead of in Bearly, use the matching button or the command menu, or use the desktop app.
## In menus and dialogs
| Action | Keys |
|---|---|
| Move, run, and close in the command menu | ↑ ↓, Enter, Esc |
| Save or undo a title you're editing in the chat header | Enter to save, Esc to put the old title back |
| Submit a Prompt Template form | Shift Enter |
| Confirm in a confirmation dialog | Shift Enter |
| Close search or a side panel, or stop selecting chats | Esc |
| Move and choose in the **Move to project** dialog | ↑ ↓, Enter |
## In the desktop app
| Action | macOS | Windows and Linux |
|---|---|---|
| Bring Bearly to the front from any app (default, changeable) | ⌘ ⇧ P | Ctrl Shift P |
| Reload the window | ⌘ R | Ctrl R |
| Force reload the window | ⌘ ⇧ R | Ctrl Shift R |
The global shortcut works system-wide, even when Bearly isn't the active app. To change it:
1. Open **Settings** → **Desktop** → **Keyboard shortcut** ("Global hotkey to summon Bearly.").
2. Select **Set** or **Change** — Bearly shows "Press keys..." and records the next combination you press.
3. Press the new combination, then select **Save**, or **Cancel** to keep the current one.
4. To turn the global shortcut off, select **Disable**.
With **Auto-hide** on in the same pane, Bearly hides when it loses focus, and the global shortcut brings it back.
## Related
- [Write, attach, and send](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/compose.md)
- [Work with answers](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/answers.md)
- [Organize, find, share, and export chats](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/organize.md)
- [Get Bearly](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/get-bearly.md)
---
---
title: "Research the web, papers, people, products, and places"
description: "Which Bearly research tool fits a job, and how to start, steer, and limit Web Search, Read Site, Image Search, Deep Research, Scholar, Council of Experts, Best Pick, People Search, SEO data, Domain research, Maps, Weather, and X, with plans, admin controls, Routines support, and tested combinations."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research.md"
---
# Research the web, papers, people, products, and places
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research/)
> Which Bearly research tool fits a job, and how to start, steer, and limit Web Search, Read Site, Image Search, Deep Research, Scholar, Council of Experts, Best Pick, People Search, SEO data, Domain research, Maps, Weather, and X, with plans, admin controls, Routines support, and tested combinations.
Bearly can search the web, read a page or file at a link, run a long investigation that ends in a cited report, read academic papers, put one question to several AI models, pick a product to buy, research a person, pull search-engine data, check domain names, plan routes, and read the weather. Most of these start from an ordinary request. This page says which tool fits which job, how to start each one on purpose, and what each one needs.
## Which research tool for which job
| Your job | Use | Start it | Plan |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Current facts, news, prices, or anything you want cited | [Web Search](#web-search) | Ask, or type `/web-search` | Every plan |
| Read one page, PDF, or document at a link | [Read Site](#read-site) | Paste the link, or `/read-site` | Every plan |
| See examples of a style, product, or diagram | [Image Search](#image-search) | Ask to see examples, or `/image-search` | Every plan |
| A long, cited report you plan and approve first | [Deep Research](#deep-research) | `/deep-research` | Analyst; Ultra needs Research |
| What the research literature says, cited to passages | [Scholar](#scholar) | Ask a research question, or `/scholar` | Every plan |
| Several models' answers to one hard question, plus a synthesis | [Council of Experts](#council-of-experts) | `/council` | Pro |
| One product to buy, with the evidence behind it | [Best Pick](#best-pick) | Ask what to buy, or `/bestpick` | Pro |
| Identify one person and get a cited brief | [People Search](#people-search) | `/people-search` | Analyst |
| A list of people who fit a description, their work emails, or profiles for leads you already have | [Find people, work emails, and lead enrichment](#find-people-work-emails-and-lead-enrichment) | `/find-people`, `/work-emails`, `/lead-enrichment` | Analyst |
| Keyword demand, search rankings, competitors, backlinks, or a page audit | [SEO data](#seo-data) | Ask, or `/seo` | Every plan |
| Name ideas and whether a domain is free to register | [Domain research](#domain-research) | Ask, or `/domains` | Every plan |
| Places, reviews, routes, and travel times | [Maps](#maps) | Ask, or `/maps` | Every plan |
| Forecasts, alerts, past weather, air quality, or pollen | [Weather](#weather) | Ask, or `/weather` | Every plan |
| What people are posting on X, or one post, thread, or profile | [X](#x) | Paste a post link, or `/search-x`, `/read-x`, `/x-profile` | Every plan |
"Every plan" tools use your plan allowance like any other reply. Plans are compared in [Plans and credits](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits.md). On a plan below a tool's minimum, the chat shows an upgrade card instead of running it.
These tools run in Bearly chats in the web app, phone browsers, the desktop app, and the iOS app; the sections below call that "every app platform". The browser extension's sidebar doesn't use them.
## How research tools start
- **Ask in plain words.** Bearly picks the tool that fits. Web Search, Read Site, Image Search, Scholar, Best Pick, SEO data, Domain research, Maps, Weather, and X all start from an ordinary request. People Search starts when you explicitly ask to look up or vet a named person. Deep Research prepares its setup card when you ask for an in-depth research run. Council of Experts runs only from `/council`.
- **Type a label to choose the tool.** Type `/` at the very start of a message, or `@` anywhere in it, then a label such as `deep-research`. The menu lists research tools under **Research**. Only one `/` label counts per message, but you can add several `@` labels. A label chooses a tool that is already available to you; it can't switch on a tool your plan or organization has turned off. More in [Compose messages](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/compose.md).
- **Switch web and paper search for one chat.** The sliders button in the composer opens a **Search** section with **Web** (**Off** or **Auto**) and **Scholar** (**Off** or **Auto**). Both start on **Auto**. **Auto** makes the tools available; it doesn't force a search on every message.
- **Approve paid work on cards.** Deep Research and People Search show cards and prompts. Nothing paid starts until you select the button or approve the prompt.
> **Note — Admin controls**
> In a managed organization, administrators switch these tools on or off under **Organizations** → organization name → **Policies** → policy name. Most live in the **Web & Research** group; **Council** is under **Collaboration**, and **File uploads** is under **Privacy & Security**. A control nobody has set follows the policy's default. Each section below names the controls its tool needs. See [Organizations](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations.md).
> **Note — Zero Data Retention only and research tools**
> Web and image search run on a provider that keeps nothing after it answers. **Zero Data Retention only** (**Settings** → **Privacy & Security**) is about AI models. It doesn't cover the services that Deep Research, People Search, Scholar's journal-site search, and Read Site use; those still reach their usual services. See [Privacy and security](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security.md).
## Web Search
Web Search looks things up on the public web and answers with numbered links to its sources. Reach for it for anything current or anything you want cited. With the chat's **Web** setting on **Auto**, Bearly searches when outside sources would improve the answer.
**Use it when:** you need news or recent changes, prices and stock, facts you want sourced, or a comparison across several sources.
**You need:** any plan. Admin control: **Web**. The chat's **Web** setting on **Auto**.
1. Ask for the result you want, and name the date range, place, or kind of source that matters — Bearly decides whether to search, and cites what it uses.
```text
Compare the latest quarterly revenue of the three largest US residential solar installers. Use their investor-relations releases and cite every figure.
```
2. To make sure it searches, start the message with `/web-search` — the chip tells Bearly to use Web Search for this request.
3. To keep the web out of a chat, open the sliders button in the composer, then **Search** → **Web** → **Off** — this removes Web Search, Read Site, and Image Search from that chat until you set it back to **Auto**. Scholar has its own switch, and `/deep-research` works either way.
4. To change the starting setting for chats you create later, open the sliders button → **Chat Settings** → **New Chats** → **Web Search** — chats in a project follow the project's settings instead. An organization can preset or lock this setting.
**What you get:** an answer with numbered citations in the order they're first used; select a number to open its source. A collapsible step shows the search. When pictures would help and Image Search is allowed, a gallery can appear with the results.
**Limits:** one search runs up to eight queries at once and returns at least two results per query. An answer can search at most twice. A query that fails isn't retried. For prices and stock, Bearly matches the exact model or variant, keeps price, shipping, and stock separate, states the currency, and calls a price it saw only in a search snippet unverified.
**Runs in:** every app platform. Routines: yes. Council experts: yes.
**Combines with:** [Read Site](#read-site) to read a result in full, [charts](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/data-and-code.md) to plot what it found, and [Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md) for a scheduled brief.
## Read Site
Read Site reads one address: a web page, a PDF, an Office or OpenDocument file, an EPUB or RTF, an image, or an audio or video file. Bearly uses it when you paste a link, or when search snippets aren't enough and it needs the whole page.
**Use it when:** you want the gist of an article, a table or figures from a page, a report PDF brought into the chat, or an image from the web saved so you can edit it.
**You need:** any plan. Admin control: **Web**. The chat's **Web** setting on **Auto**.
1. Paste the link and say what you want from it — Bearly reads the address and answers from it.
```text
https://example.com/2026-annual-report.pdf Pull the five-year revenue table and the three priorities the CEO lists.
```
2. To make sure Bearly reads the address with Read Site, start with `/read-site`.
3. Ask follow-ups in the same chat — a long page or document is saved to the chat, and Bearly goes back to that file with its document tools.
**What you get:** a short page is read straight into the answer. A longer page is saved to the chat as a Markdown file. PDFs, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, OpenDocument, EPUB, and RTF files are saved as chat files with a short text preview, and Bearly reads them with its [document tools](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/documents.md). Images and audio or video become chat files that other tools can use.
**Limits:** HTTPS only; an `http://` link is upgraded. Addresses can be up to 2,000 characters, can't contain a username or password, and can't point at your own machine (such as `localhost`). Read Site reads; it doesn't click, scroll, or fill anything in. For pages that need that, see [Browser and computer use](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/browser-and-computer.md). In the desktop and iOS apps, Bearly fetches the page from your device when it can; otherwise through Bearly's servers.
**Runs in:** every app platform. Routines: yes. Council experts: yes.
**Combines with:** [Scholar](#scholar) to open an open-access paper in full, and [Image Search](#image-search) to save a result for editing.
## Image Search
Image Search finds photos, illustrations, diagrams, and product images on the public web, each with its source page. Bearly adds a gallery when seeing examples clearly helps, either alone or next to web results, and leaves images out of news, people, and general facts.
**Use it when:** you need visual references for a design, want to compare styles, need to see what a product or part looks like, or want a diagram that explains a concept.
**You need:** any plan. Admin controls: **Image search**, **Web**, and **Chat web search**. The chat's **Web** setting on **Auto**.
1. Ask to see examples, and say what matters visually — Bearly searches images, and pairs them with sourced text when you ask for an explanation too.
```text
Compare brutalist and mid-century modern desk lamps. Explain what sets each style apart, cite sources, and show examples of both.
```
2. To make sure it searches images, start with `/image-search`.
3. Select an image to preview it — from the preview you can zoom, copy, download, or open the page it came from.
4. To use an image in later work, refer to it by position — Bearly saves that image into the chat first, then passes it to image editing.
```text
Use the third image as a reference and make a warmer product-photo version on a plain background.
```
**What you get:** an inline gallery that shows eight images first and expands to the rest, with preview, download, and source controls on each.
**Limits:** up to 20 images per search. Bearly chooses results from their descriptions and source pages, not by looking at each image, so ask it to save and look at an image before you rely on fine details. Editing an image needs the **Images** admin control; see [Images, video, and audio](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/images-video-audio.md).
**Runs in:** every app platform. Routines: yes. Council experts: no.
**Combines with:** [Web Search](#web-search) in the same answer, and image editing for reference-based variations.
## Deep Research
Deep Research is a long research run that ends in a cited report. You review and edit a plan first, planning is free, and nothing runs until you select **Run Research**. The report appears in the chat with its sources, and a PDF of it is emailed to you.
**Use it when:** you need a market scan, a policy or vendor comparison, background for a decision, or any question that deserves a scoped plan and a long, sourced answer rather than a quick one.
**You need:** the **Analyst** plan or higher for Standard runs, and the **Research** plan or higher for **Ultra**. Admin controls: **Deep Research**, **Web**, and **Chat web search**. It doesn't depend on the chat's **Web** setting.
1. Type `/deep-research` and your question, or ask in words for an in-depth research run — Bearly prepares a **Deep Research** card with an editable **Query** refined from your request. It doesn't start anything paid.
```text
/deep-research Assess the US market for community solar software. Focus on 2024–2026 adoption, buyers, regulation, and credible market-size estimates.
```
2. Edit the **Query** until it says exactly what you want, then select **Create Plan** — the card notes that planning is free and that you review the plan before anything runs.
3. Read the **Plan**. Edit it directly, or type guidance under **Notes** and select **Revise Plan** — edits in **Plan** are part of the run. **Revise Plan** works once you've added notes or changed the query.
4. Leave the run on Standard, or turn on **Ultra** for a run about twice as deep — the line beside the button says whether your plan covers the tier you picked.
5. Select **Run Research** — this is your confirmation. There is no cancel button once a run starts. If your plan doesn't include the tier, the button opens the upgrade instead.
6. Read the report — numbered citations and figures, a **Sources** list, and **Show research steps** to see what it did. **View PDF** opens the PDF, and **Sent to your inbox** shows when the email went out.
**What you get:** a report in the chat, a PDF saved to the chat, and the same PDF emailed to the address on your Bearly account. The finished report stays available to the chat in full, so later messages can question it, chart it, or turn it into a Page without new research.
**Limits:** one Deep Research run at a time per person, and a daily spending limit. When either applies, Bearly says it can't start another run right now. Each run uses plan allowance based on its actual usage. A run keeps going if you refresh, close the app, or switch devices; reopen the chat to see it. The email goes only to you. When a run ends with **Research failed.**, type `/deep-research` to start a new one.
**Runs in:** every app platform; outside the desktop app, a long run may suggest getting it. Routines: only when you add **Deep Research** to the routine and choose its tier; it runs at most once per routine run and emails the report. Council experts: no.
**Combines with:** [charts and Python](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/data-and-code.md) to plot the report's numbers, [Pages](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas.md) to publish a brief, and [email](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/email-and-text.md) to send its findings on.
## Scholar
Scholar searches an index of academic papers from preprint servers and the biomedical literature, reads the passages that carry a claim, maps related work, and cites claims with superscript numbers. It answers questions about what the research says; news, products, and how-to questions still go to Web Search.
**Use it when:** you want what studies found on a medical, scientific, or technical question, an exact effect size, the papers that cite or critique a paper, or the work a paper builds on.
**You need:** any plan. Admin controls: **Scholar** and **Web**. The journal-site search (below) also needs **Chat web search**.
1. Ask a research question the way you'd ask a colleague in the field — with **Scholar** on **Auto**, Bearly searches papers when they're the right source.
```text
What does the research say about whether sleep deprivation impairs working memory in adults?
```
2. Watch the steps: **Searching papers**, **Found** with a count, then **Reading paper** as Bearly pulls the passages behind its main claims.
3. Follow up on one paper — Bearly can read it for a specific claim, or find papers that are similar, that cite it, or that it cites.
```text
Find later papers that cite the first study and say whether they replicated its result.
```
4. To force Scholar for one message, start with `/scholar` — this works even when the chat's **Scholar** switch is **Off**. To keep papers out of a chat, open the sliders button → **Search** → **Scholar** → **Off**.
**What you get:** superscript citations; hover one to see the paper, and select it to open the paper. A card under each search, headed with the number of papers found, lists what came back, with each paper's source and link. Papers Bearly read are marked **Read**, with the passage it relied on.
**Limits:** a search returns 8 papers by default and up to 10, and can be narrowed by date range, up to five subject categories, and up to five author surnames. A read returns up to five passages per paper; a related-papers lookup returns up to 10. When the index returns fewer than three papers, or you ask for journal articles only or the newest work, Scholar also searches 20 journal and repository sites. Many biomedical papers are indexed by abstract only, shown as "abstract only". Scholar doesn't report citation counts. Bearly prefers peer-reviewed work over preprints, flags retractions and contradictions, and says when the literature is thin.
**Runs in:** every app platform. Routines: yes, including the journal-site search. Council experts: yes.
**Combines with:** [Read Site](#read-site) and [document tools](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/documents.md) to read an open-access paper in full (see [the recipe below](#read-a-paper-in-full-and-quote-it-with-page-citations)).
## Council of Experts
Council of Experts sends one self-contained question to two to five AI models at once. Each expert can search the web, read pages, search papers, and read documents you name, and Bearly then writes a synthesis that names where they agree and where they differ. It runs only when you type `/council`.
**Use it when:** a decision is consequential, you want to see whether models agree on a claim, or you want competing recommendations side by side.
**You need:** the **Pro** plan or higher. Admin control: **Council** (under **Collaboration**). At least two models that your plan and organization allow.
1. Type `/council` — it appears as **Ask Experts** under **Research** — then write a question that stands on its own. Experts don't see the chat history or attachments, so name any file you want them to use.
```text
/council Using the attached file "Vendor contract v3.pdf" and current public guidance, should we accept clause 7 as written? Cite sources.
```
2. Read the **Council of Experts** panel — each model has its own tab with its status (running, done, failed, or skipped) and its answer, which you can copy.
3. Read the synthesis under the panel — Bearly sees the answers labeled Expert A, B, and C in shuffled order, so it weighs arguments rather than model names.
4. To change the lineup, select the panel's **Council settings** gear → **Council models**, and choose two to five models — the choice is saved to your account, syncs across devices, and applies to the next council.
**What you get:** each model's full answer in its own tab, and a synthesis that names consensus and disagreement.
**Limits:** a council needs at least two experts to finish. Each expert can take up to eight tool steps, and each answer is cut to 4,000 characters for the synthesis. The model list follows your plan and organization; with **Zero Data Retention only** on, it offers only zero-retention models. Experts can use Web Search, Read Site, Scholar, Search Docs, Read Doc, Scan Doc, and a YouTube video's transcript and saved claims check. They can't use Image Search, Deep Research, X, Maps, Weather, SEO data, Domain research, People Search, Best Pick, or connectors. Search Docs isn't available in end-to-end encrypted chats.
**Runs in:** every app platform. Routines: no.
**Combines with:** [Scholar](#scholar) for evidence-heavy questions, and [document tools](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/documents.md) when the question names your files. To compare models one answer at a time instead, see [Models](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/models.md).
## Best Pick
Best Pick reads expert reviews, store listings, and owner reviews, then recommends exactly one product to buy, with photos, the evidence, and a plain link to the store. Bearly doesn't add affiliate links.
**Use it when:** you ask "what's the best…", "which one should I get", or "something under $80", or you want to see what a bigger or smaller budget changes.
**You need:** the **Pro** plan or higher. Admin controls: **Best Pick**, **Web**, and **Chat web search**.
1. Say what you want to buy, what must be true, and what you'd prefer — Bearly uses Best Pick on its own for shopping questions.
```text
What's the best cordless stick vacuum under $300 for pet hair?
```
2. To make sure it does, start with `/bestpick`.
3. Refine from the card — **Cheaper**, **Worth spending more**, and **Not this one** each send a follow-up, or reply in words such as "quieter" or "it has to be dishwasher-safe". Bearly keeps your earlier requirements.
4. To shop another country, say so — for example, "Show me stores in the UK instead."
**What you get:** a card with the product photos, price, **View at** the store, when the price was checked (the store's checkout price applies), a short evidence summary from experts and owners, a price-versus-quality chart of everything it weighed, cheaper and pricier alternatives, **Why this one**, **What owners say**, and its sources. **Check current price** re-checks a stale price.
**Limits:** a pick stops after 90 seconds. The country comes from what you say, then the chat's last pick, then your device's time zone, then the United States. Prices stay in that country's currency and are never converted; thin store data shows **Limited store coverage in** and the country. Best Pick doesn't pick medications, supplements, infant car seats, or firearms, and doesn't cover services, travel, cars, homes, or used items. It recommends; it doesn't buy.
**Runs in:** every app platform. Routines: no. Council experts: no.
**Combines with:** [email](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/email-and-text.md) to send yourself the pick. Full card guide: [Best Pick](https://bearly.ai/docs/features/best-pick.md).
## People Search
People Search identifies one named person, asks you to confirm the right candidate on a card, and then builds a cited brief from public sources. Bearly never picks the person for you; only your click or your explicit words confirm who it is.
**Use it when:** you're about to meet, interview, hire, or email someone and want their public work and role on one page, with a source and date on each fact.
**You need:** the **Analyst** plan or higher. Admin controls: **People Search**; **People Search contact routes** for contact details and work emails; **People Search public records** for the **On the record** section. A chat you can edit; a read-only chat can show a brief but not run one.
1. Type `/people-search` with the name and one detail that tells this person apart, such as a company, city, school, role, or profile link — with only a name, Bearly asks for a detail first.
```text
/people-search Jordan Alvarez, head of design at a fintech startup in Austin
```
2. Read the candidates on the card — up to five people, each with a match strength in words (**Strong match**, **Likely match**, or **Possible match**). **Add a detail** or **None of these** searches again.
3. Select **This is them**, check the estimated cost, and select **Build brief** — the brief researches only the person you confirmed.
4. Read the brief — tabs **Overview**, **Work & ideas**, **Public presence**, and **Sources & confidence**, with numbered citations that jump to their sources. **Reach out** appears when contact routes are allowed.
5. For US public records, open **On the record** at the bottom of the brief and select **Run records check** — it's a separate paid check with its own confirmation.
**What you get:** a candidate card, then a brief card with tabs and numbered citations, and an optional public-records band.
**Limits:** every paid step asks first, and no paid step is retried automatically. Public records cover US jurisdictions only and need a first and last name plus a city, a US state, or a date of birth. The records band carries the notice that results are for personal, informational use only, not for decisions about employment, housing, credit, or insurance. With contact routes off, there's no **Reach out** section and no work-email lookup; with public records off, there's no **On the record** band.
**Runs in:** every app platform. Routines: no. Council experts: no.
**Combines with:** [Find people](#find-people-work-emails-and-lead-enrichment) to build the list you pick from. Full guide: [People Search](https://bearly.ai/docs/features/people-search.md).
### Find people, work emails, and lead enrichment
Three companion tools work on lists rather than one person. Each needs the **Analyst** plan and the **People Search** admin control, and each asks before it spends.
| Tool | Label | What it does | Limits |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Find people** | `/find-people` | A ranked list of people who fit a description: role, company type, location, funding stage | 5 to 25 people, 15 by default; asks **Search for people?** first |
| **Find work emails** | `/work-emails` | Work emails from first name, last name, and company website; each marked verified, likely, or not found | Up to 25 people per request; only found emails are charged; needs **People Search contact routes** |
| **Lead enrichment** | `/lead-enrichment` | Structured profile data for leads you already know, from a profile link, an email, a first name and employer, or a role and company | 1 to 10 leads per batch; no citations and no personal contact details |
List searches and email lookups come back as tables in the reply. To go from a list to a brief, ask for a brief on one row; Bearly opens a People Search card for you to confirm.
## SEO data
SEO data pulls public search-engine data: keyword ideas, keyword volumes and metrics, live search results pages, a site's organic visibility, gaps against competitors, backlinks, and a single-page audit.
**Use it when:** you plan content, check demand for a product name, size up competitors, or audit one page.
**You need:** any plan. Admin control: **SEO Data**.
1. Ask for the data you need, with the market if it isn't the United States — Bearly chooses the matching tool.
```text
Find 30 keyword ideas around "dental clinic scheduling software" in the United Kingdom, with monthly search volume, and show which three competitors rank for most of them.
```
2. To choose a tool, use a label — `/seo` for any of them, or `/seo-keywords`, `/seo-measure-keywords`, `/seo-serp` (live results pages), `/seo-site`, `/seo-compare-sites`, `/seo-backlinks`, or `/seo-audit-page`.
**What you get:** data in the reply, which Bearly can turn into tables or [charts](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/data-and-code.md).
**Limits:** up to five seed terms for ideas, up to 100 keywords measured at once, up to five queries per results-page check, and up to three competitors. Depth is quick (up to 20 rows), standard (up to 50), or deep (up to 100); results-page checks return fewer at quick and standard. Location defaults to the United States and language to English; there's no worldwide option, so name a country, state, or city. One public address per page audit.
**Runs in:** every app platform. Routines: no. Council experts: no.
**Combines with:** [Domain research](#domain-research) when naming a product (see [the recipe below](#name-a-product-with-domains-and-search-demand)).
## Domain research
Domain research suggests domain names and checks whether a specific domain is available to register.
**Use it when:** you're naming a product or company, or want to know whether a domain is taken.
**You need:** any plan. Admin control: **Domain research**.
1. Describe what you're naming and the endings you want — Bearly suggests names with **Suggest domains**.
```text
Suggest 20 short names with .com or .ai domains for a scheduling app for dental clinics.
```
2. Ask it to check the ones you like — **Check domain availability** checks one domain per request and answers available, not available, or unknown.
3. To choose a tool, use `/domains`, `/domain-suggest`, or `/domain-status-precise`.
**What you get:** suggestions and availability answers in the reply.
**Limits:** a suggestion doesn't mean the domain is free; only a check says that. An unknown result means the check was inconclusive, and checks aren't retried automatically. Suggestions can take preferred endings, keywords, a two-letter country code, and a registrar. Domain research isn't trademark or name clearance.
**Runs in:** every app platform. Routines: no. Council experts: no.
## Maps
Maps searches places, reads place details and reviews, and plans routes with travel times.
**Use it when:** you're looking for somewhere nearby, comparing places by their reviews, planning a route with stops, or comparing travel times from several starting points.
**You need:** any plan. Admin control: **Maps**. For "near me", location permission on your device.
1. Ask in plain words, naming the place, area, or start point — Bearly searches places and routes and shows the final result on a map or route card.
```text
Find three quiet cafes with good reviews within a 10-minute walk of Union Square, San Francisco.
```
2. To make sure Bearly uses Maps, start with `/maps`. Labels for single tools include `/maps-search`, `/maps-nearby`, `/maps-reviews`, `/maps-route`, and `/maps-along-route`.
3. Ask follow-ups that build on the result — "Read the reviews for the second one", "How long by transit if I leave at 8:30?", or "Find a pharmacy along that route."
**What you get:** a map or route card for the final answer; intermediate lookups stay in the background. When the embedded map isn't available, a route card draws the route line instead.
**Limits:** place searches return up to 20 results and reach up to 50 km from the point you give. Routes cover driving (traffic-aware, the default), walking, bicycling, and transit, with up to three stops in between; transit routes use either an arrival or a departure time. A travel-time matrix covers up to 10 origins by 10 destinations, and a search along a route returns up to 10 places. Review reading covers up to 450 reviews across relevant, newest, and lowest-rated. A place you name wins over your location; otherwise Bearly uses your device's location, then an approximate location from your network, and says when it does.
**Runs in:** every app platform. Routines: no. Council experts: no.
**Combines with:** [Weather](#weather) for trip planning (see [the recipe below](#plan-a-day-out-with-a-route-stops-and-the-weather)).
## Weather
Weather reads current conditions, forecasts, official alerts, past weather, air quality, and pollen.
**Use it when:** you're timing an event or a trip, checking a rain window or wind, looking at last month's temperatures, or deciding about air quality or pollen.
**You need:** any plan. Admin control: **Weather**. Location works as in [Maps](#maps).
1. Ask for the place and time you care about — Bearly picks current, forecast, or history.
```text
Will it rain in Chicago between 4 and 8 pm on Saturday? Include any weather alerts and the air quality.
```
2. To choose a tool, use `/weather`, `/weather-current`, `/weather-forecast`, `/weather-alerts`, `/weather-history`, `/air-quality`, or `/pollen`.
**What you get:** a card for current conditions, forecasts, alerts, air quality, or pollen; a forecast card shows up to 24 hours and an alerts card up to five alerts. Past weather comes back as text.
**Limits:** forecasts default to the next 24 hours or 7 days; ask for a longer window when you need it. Alerts, air quality, and pollen aren't fetched with every forecast, so ask for them when you need them. Past weather covers one range (up to 366 days daily or 31 days hourly) or up to 20 separate dates. Air-quality forecasts reach 96 hours ahead and history 30 days back; pollen forecasts reach five days.
**Runs in:** every app platform. Routines: no. Council experts: no.
## X
Bearly reads public X data: it searches posts from roughly the last seven days, reads a post with its thread and quote posts, watches a video attached to a post, and reads a public profile. It's read-only; Bearly can't post, like, follow, or read DMs.
**You need:** any plan. Admin control: **X (Twitter)**. Watching an X video also needs **File uploads** and a chat you can edit.
**Runs in:** every app platform. Routines: searching and reading posts and profiles, yes. Council experts: no.
Full guide, with search operators and limits: [Posts on X](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/videos-and-posts.md#x).
## What runs in Routines and in a Council
Scheduled [Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md) run unattended and get a smaller set of tools. Council experts get only the tools marked here.
| Tool | Routines | Council experts |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web Search, Read Site | Yes | Yes |
| Image Search | Yes | No |
| Deep Research | Only when added to the routine with a tier; once per run | No |
| Scholar | Yes | Yes |
| X (search and read) | Yes | No |
| Search Docs, Read Doc, Scan Doc | Yes | Yes |
| YouTube | No | Transcript lookup and a saved claims check only |
| Council of Experts, Best Pick, People Search and its list tools, SEO data, Domain research, Maps, Weather, Get Video | No | No |
Creating routines needs the **Pro** plan and the **Routines** admin control.
## Try this
Each recipe below runs in one chat. Steps show the exact prompt and what each one does.
### Turn a Deep Research report into a chart and a shareable Page
You get a cited report, a chart of its key numbers, and a Page you can send to people.
**Why it works:** the finished Deep Research report stays in the chat's context in full, so later messages can pull its figures without new research. Charts draw from a prepared table that Bearly builds with Python, and sharing turns the substance of the chat into a Page you review before publishing.
**You need:** the **Analyst** plan or higher (**Research** for Ultra). Admin controls **Deep Research**, **Web**, **Chat web search**, **Charts**, **Run Python**, and **Sharing** (plus **Public links** for a link anyone can open). A chat you can edit.
1. Start the research and approve the plan — select **Create Plan**, review the **Plan**, then **Run Research**.
```text
/deep-research Size the global market for home heat pumps from 2020 to 2030. Use credible market-size estimates, name each source, and separate actuals from forecasts.
```
2. When the report finishes, ask for the numbers as a table — Bearly reads them from the report already in the chat.
```text
From the report, put the market-size estimates by year into a table with the source for each figure. Mark which years are forecasts.
```
3. Chart them — Bearly prepares the table as a CSV with Python and draws the chart.
```text
Chart those estimates as a line chart, one line per source.
```
4. Type `/share`, or select **Share** in the chat header and then **Prepare share** — Bearly turns the substance of the chat into a Page and opens it, marked **Ready to share**. Review it, then select **Publish** in its header, choose the **Audience**, and select **Publish**.
**Swap in:** turn on **Ultra** for a deeper run; ask Bearly to email the report's key findings to you or a teammate instead of sharing a Page ([email](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/email-and-text.md)); use Scholar instead of Deep Research when the question is about published studies; add Deep Research to a [routine](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md) to rerun the report on a schedule.
**If it stalls:** a chart reads a CSV of at most 10 columns and 2 MB, and a line chart shows at most 12 series, so ask for fewer series if the chart is refused. If **Share** is missing, the chat is read-only or your organization has turned off sharing.
### Read a paper in full and quote it with page citations
You get the strongest study on a question, read in full, with its exact methods and numbers cited to pages.
**Why it works:** Scholar finds and ranks papers and, for open-access papers, returns a link to the PDF. Read Site saves that PDF into the chat as a document, and the document tools read it page by page, so citations open the document at the right page.
**You need:** any plan. Admin controls **Scholar** and **Web**. The chat's **Web** setting on **Auto**. A paper with an open-access PDF.
1. Ask Scholar for the evidence — Bearly searches papers, reads the key passages, and lists the papers on a card under the search.
```text
/scholar What do randomized trials say about creatine supplementation and cognition in older adults?
```
2. Open the best paper in full — Bearly fetches the PDF with Read Site and saves it to the chat.
```text
Open the strongest open-access trial in full and quote its exact methods, sample size, and effect sizes with page citations.
```
3. Check how it held up — Scholar looks for papers that cite it.
```text
Find later papers that cite this trial and say whether they replicated the effect.
```
**Swap in:** attach your own PDF instead of step 2; put the question to `/council` for a second opinion on the evidence; ask Deep Research when you need the wider picture beyond papers.
**If it stalls:** if a paper has no open-access PDF, Scholar may only have its abstract; attach the PDF if you have it. In an end-to-end encrypted chat, Search Docs isn't available, but Bearly can still read and scan the document by page.
### Build a prospect list, get emails, and brief one person
You get a ranked list of people who fit a description, work emails for the top rows, and a cited brief on the one you'll contact first.
**Why it works:** Find people's rows carry each person's name and, for people from its profile database, the company website, which is what Find work emails needs. Asking for a brief on a row opens People Search, which confirms the person with you before it builds anything.
**You need:** the **Analyst** plan or higher. Admin controls **People Search** and **People Search contact routes**. A chat you can edit. You approve each paid step.
1. Describe the people — approve **Search for people?** to run the search.
```text
Find heads of platform engineering at Series B AI infrastructure companies in New York.
```
2. Get emails for the rows you want — approve the prompt; each address comes back verified, likely, or not found, and only found emails are charged.
```text
Get work emails for the top 3.
```
3. Ask for a brief on one person — on the card, select **This is them**, check the estimate, and select **Build brief**.
```text
Build a brief on the second one.
```
**Swap in:** paste up to 10 rows from your CRM and use `/lead-enrichment` instead of step 1; run **On the record** on the brief for US public records; ask for a brief on a second row when you have two people to meet.
**If it stalls:** if the list comes back thin, add a more specific requirement, such as a city, a company type, or named companies, and search again. If **Reach out** and work emails are missing, contact routes are off for your organization.
### Name a product with domains and search demand
You get a shortlist of names with available domains and how often people search for each.
**Why it works:** Domain research suggests names and checks availability one domain at a time, SEO data measures search volume for many names in one batch, and Web Search checks whether a name is already in use. All three answer in the same chat, so each step works from the last one's shortlist.
**You need:** any plan. Admin controls **Domain research**, **SEO Data**, and **Web**.
1. Get candidates — Bearly suggests names with matching domains.
```text
Suggest 20 names with .com or .ai domains for a scheduling app for dental clinics.
```
2. Check the best ones — each check answers available, not available, or unknown.
```text
Check availability for your best 5.
```
3. Measure demand and look for clashes — SEO data measures volume, and Web Search looks for existing products with those names.
```text
For the available ones, show monthly US search volume for each name and any existing products already using it.
```
4. Rank the shortlist.
```text
Rank the shortlist by availability, search volume, and how clear the name is. Put it in a table.
```
**Swap in:** name another market in step 3 (SEO data defaults to the United States and English); type `/share` to publish the shortlist as a Page.
**If it stalls:** an unknown availability result means the check was inconclusive; ask again later. This isn't trademark clearance; check that separately before you commit.
### Plan a day out with a route, stops, and the weather
You get a route with a stop along the way and a forecast for when you'll be out.
**Why it works:** Maps plans routes for bicycling, walking, driving, or transit and searches along the route for stops, and Weather reads the hourly forecast for the same place. Both answer in one chat, so the second question can use the first answer's places and times.
**You need:** any plan. Admin controls **Maps** and **Weather**. A named start point, or location permission on your device.
1. Plan the route and the stop — Bearly plans a bicycling route and searches for a cafe along it.
```text
Plan a Saturday bike ride from Golden Gate Park to Sausalito with a coffee stop along the way.
```
2. Check the weather for that window — Weather reads the hourly forecast; ask for air quality too, since it isn't included with a forecast unless you ask.
```text
Will it rain or be windy along that route on Saturday between noon and 5 pm? Include air quality.
```
3. Plan the way back — transit routes use a departure or arrival time.
```text
Compare riding back with taking transit if I leave Sausalito at 4 pm.
```
**Swap in:** use walking or driving instead of bicycling; ask Maps to read reviews for the cafes before you choose; swap the ride for a list of venues and compare travel times from several friends' addresses with a travel-time matrix.
**If it stalls:** if Bearly guesses the wrong start, name the address; it says when it's using an approximate location from your network. Maps and Weather don't run in Routines.
## Related
- [Learn from YouTube, online video, and posts on X](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/videos-and-posts.md)
- [Work with documents](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/documents.md)
- [Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md)
- [Research recipes](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/research-recipes.md)
---
---
title: "Learn from YouTube, online video, and posts on X"
description: "How to open, summarize, cut, quote, and fact-check YouTube videos in Bearly, save videos from YouTube and other sites into a chat with Get Video, and search and read public posts, threads, videos, and profiles on X."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/videos-and-posts/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/videos-and-posts.md"
---
# Learn from YouTube, online video, and posts on X
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/videos-and-posts/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/videos-and-posts/)
> How to open, summarize, cut, quote, and fact-check YouTube videos in Bearly, save videos from YouTube and other sites into a chat with Get Video, and search and read public posts, threads, videos, and profiles on X.
Paste a YouTube link and Bearly opens the video in a card with a verdict, a summary, chapters, shorter cuts, and a transcript it can quote. Get Video saves videos from YouTube and other sites into the chat as files, and the X tools search and read public posts. None of these post, comment, or like anything for you.
## Which tool for which job
| Your job | Use | Start it |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Decide whether a video is worth your time, or get its substance | [YouTube viewer](#youtube-viewer) | Paste a YouTube link, or `/youtube` |
| Quote exactly what was said, with the time | [Transcript lookup](#ask-about-the-video) | Ask after the video opens |
| Watch only the part that matters | [Cuts](#watch-a-shorter-cut) | **2 min**, **5 min**, **10 min**, or ask for "just the part about…" |
| Look up the papers, books, and tools a video names | [Mentioned and Find](#look-up-what-a-video-mentions) | **Mentioned** tab → **Find** |
| Check the figures a video states against the web | [Check claims](#check-the-figures-a-video-states) | **Insights** tab → **Check claims** |
| Save a video file to the chat | [Get Video](#get-video) | Ask to download it, or `/download-video` |
| See what people on X are saying | [Search X](#search-x) | Ask, or `/search-x` |
| Read one post with its replies and quote posts | [Read X Post](#read-x-post) | Paste the post link, or `/read-x` |
| Understand a video attached to a post | [View X Video](#view-x-video) | Ask Bearly to watch it |
| Learn who is behind an account | [Read X Profile](#read-x-profile) | Ask, or `/x-profile` |
## YouTube viewer
A YouTube link in a message opens a video card in Bearly's reply: the player, a verdict (**Watch**, **Skim**, or **Skip**), the summary and chapters, takeaways, what the video names, what the comments add, the transcript, and shorter cuts. Bearly's reply starts with the answer to your question. Send only the link and the reply says in one sentence whether the video is worth watching.
**Use it when:** you want to know whether to watch something, need the argument of a long talk in a few minutes, want exact quotes with timestamps, or want to check a video's numbers.
**You need:** any plan; opening a video uses your plan allowance like any reply. Admin controls: **YouTube** and **Web**. **Find** and **Check claims** also need **Chat web search**; without it, **Find** can still look up papers when Scholar is on. The saved transcript, a saved video, and a claims check are chat files, so they need **File uploads** and a chat you can edit.
1. Paste a YouTube link, alone or with a question — the card appears as soon as Bearly starts reading, so you can play the video while the tabs fill in.
```text
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIDEO_ID What are the three strongest arguments, and when are they made?
```
2. To make sure Bearly opens the video, start with `/youtube` — it's under **Tools** in the menu.
3. Ask follow-ups in the same chat — Bearly answers from what it already read and doesn't open the video again unless you ask for a refresh.
Watch pages, `youtu.be` links, Shorts, live streams, and embed links work, and a link with a start time plays from that time. Playlists, channels, and clips aren't supported. Bearly opens up to three videos from one message. Only one video plays at a time in a chat; starting another returns the first to its thumbnail.
**What you get:** a full-width card. **Key moments** marks the parts worth watching, and the tabs hold the rest. A tab with nothing to show is left out.
| Tab | What it holds |
| --- | --- |
| **Summary** | The substance in a few sentences, and the chapters |
| **Insights** | Takeaways with the moment each is said, quoted when the captions were read; **Check claims** starts here |
| **Claims** | The figures the video states and how many sites give the same or a different figure, after you run **Check claims** |
| **Mentioned** | Papers, books, code repositories, and tools the video names |
| **Community** | What the comment section agrees on, pushes back on, corrects, or adds |
| **Transcript** | The full transcript, with **Copy transcript** |
| **Steps** | For how-to videos, the steps to follow |
**Limits:** when Bearly can't read a video's captions, it watches the video instead, covers the first 90 minutes only, gives approximate times, and has no quotes. When your plan allowance is used up, **Find** and **Check claims** are off. **Download to play here** and **Get transcript** need the desktop app.
**Runs in:** the web app, phone browsers, and the desktop app. Routines: no. Council experts: they can look up the transcript and read a saved claims check of a video already opened in the chat.
**Combines with:** [Scholar](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research.md#scholar) to test a video's claims against papers, and [Read Aloud](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/images-video-audio.md) to hear a recap. The full card guide: [YouTube](https://bearly.ai/docs/features/youtube.md).
### Ask about the video
Once the card is in the chat, Bearly looks up what was said by time range, by words, or both, from the saved transcript. Use it for exact quotes and for finding where a section starts and ends.
```text
What exactly does she say about pricing, and at what time?
```
The transcript is saved to the chat's files as a text file, so it's there on your other devices too. Search Docs doesn't index it; transcript lookup reads it.
### Watch a shorter cut
When a video is long enough, the card offers **2 min**, **5 min**, and **10 min** beside **Full video**. A shorter length plays the essential parts back to back inside the same player.
For a cut of your own, ask for it. Bearly adds a cut card for the parts you asked for, and **Play cut** plays them in order.
```text
Make a cut of just the parts about hiring.
```
A cut is a set of time ranges in the original video, never a new file. A custom cut can hold up to 24 ranges, each at least five seconds long.
### Look up what a video mentions
**Mentioned** lists up to 15 papers, books, code repositories, and tools the video names, each with the moment it's named. Anything named only in a sponsor read or an ad is left out.
Select **Find** beside a row to look it up: papers in the paper index first and then on the web, everything else on the web. Find only accepts a page that names the item, so it says **No match found.** rather than guess. A **Find** that searches the web uses your plan allowance.
### Check the figures a video states
**Check claims** lists the figures the video states, such as statistics, amounts, counts, and dates, and searches the web for each one. It needs the video's transcript.
1. Open the **Insights** tab and select **Check claims** — the **Claims** tab opens and fills in as each figure is checked. **Cancel** stops it.
2. Read the labels — each one counts sites in the search results: matched by several sites, found on one site, split, sites giving a different figure, or not found.
3. Select a label to see the sources — the words from the video, then each site's figure, its words, and a link.
4. If there are more figures, select **Check _N_ more** — each press checks up to 12 figures, and one check covers up to 40.
Check claims never says a figure is true or false. As the card puts it, "Not found doesn't mean wrong." The check is saved to the chat as a file, so it's still there after a reload and on your other devices. In later messages Bearly can read the saved check and explain it, but it can't run a check itself; only you can, from the card.
### When the captions or the player don't work
- **No captions read:** in the desktop app, open the card's **Transcript** tab (it shows **No transcript yet.**) and select **Get transcript**. Once saved, the transcript shows on your other devices and **Check claims** becomes available. If the video has no captions at all, the tab then says **This video has no captions.**
- **Video can't play in the card:** select **Open on YouTube**. In the desktop app, **Download to play here** saves a copy to the chat and plays it there; a chat file can be up to 300 MB.
## Get Video
Get Video saves videos from a link into the chat as MP4 files you can play and download. It works with YouTube (desktop app only), X, TikTok, Vimeo, Reddit, Twitch, and similar sites. Bearly uses it only when you ask for a download.
**Use it when:** you want a copy of a clip you have the right to keep, or you want to transcribe or analyze a video from a site other than YouTube.
**You need:** any plan. There's no admin control of its own; it needs **File uploads** and a chat you can edit. YouTube links need the desktop app and a chat that isn't end-to-end encrypted.
1. Type `/download-video` (it shows as **Get Video** under **Tools**) and paste the link to the video's own page, or ask in words — Bearly downloads the video and adds the file to the chat.
```text
/download-video https://www.tiktok.com/@creator/video/1234567890
```
2. For several videos, paste up to three links — Bearly handles them one at a time, and the **Downloading video** step shows progress. In the desktop app it shows percentages.
3. Play the file in the chat, or download it from the chat's files.
4. Use it in the next message — for example, ask Bearly to transcribe it or to describe what happens in it.
**What you get:** a playable video file for each link that worked. When some links fail, the files that worked stay in the chat.
**Limits:** YouTube downloads need the desktop app and don't work in end-to-end encrypted chats. In an end-to-end encrypted chat, each saved video can be up to 100 MB. In the desktop app, downloads outside end-to-end encrypted chats run on your own connection, and most failures fall back to Bearly's servers. A site can refuse a download; paste the link to a single video page, and try one link at a time.
**Runs in:** the web app, phone browsers, the desktop app, and the iOS app; YouTube only in the desktop app. Routines: no. Council experts: no.
**Combines with:** **Transcribe** (`/transcribe`) and **View Media** (`/analyze-media`) in [Images, video, and audio](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/images-video-audio.md).
> **Caution — Download only what you may keep**
> Save a video only when you own it or have the right to keep a copy, and follow the site's terms.
## X
Bearly reads public X data. It can search recent posts, read a post with its thread and quote posts, watch a video attached to a post, and read a public profile. It's read-only: Bearly can't post, reply, like, follow, or bookmark, and can't read DMs or protected posts.
**Use it when:** you want to know what people are saying about a launch or an event, whether a viral post holds up, what a long thread says, or who is behind an account.
**You need:** any plan; X lookups use your plan allowance. Admin control: **X (Twitter)**. **View X Video** also needs **File uploads** and a chat you can edit.
1. Paste a post link, or ask about reactions in plain words — Bearly picks the X tool that fits.
```text
What are people on X saying about the new Postgres release this week? Link the most-liked posts.
```
2. To choose a tool, use a label — `/search-x` (**Search X**), `/read-x` (**Read X Post**), or `/x-profile` (**Read X Profile**). **View X Video** has no label; ask Bearly to watch the video in a post.
**What you get:** a written answer that links the posts it uses. There's no card.
**Runs in:** the web app, phone browsers, the desktop app, and the iOS app. Routines: Search X, Read X Post, and Read X Profile, yes; View X Video, no. Council experts: no.
**Combines with:** [Web Search](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research.md#web-search) to corroborate a post, and [Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md) for a weekly scan.
### Search X
Search X covers posts from roughly the last seven days. It accepts X search operators, such as `from:username`, `"exact phrase"`, `lang:en`, and `-is:retweet`. It returns 20 posts by default and up to 100, sorted by most recent or most relevant, and can narrow to a time window inside that week and page for more.
```text
/search-x from:nasa "Artemis" -is:retweet — what did they announce this week?
```
### Read X Post
Read X Post brings in the post, its attached photos (Bearly looks at them), preview frames of any video, the text of an X article, its metrics, and the posts it references. It also fetches replies (up to 100 by default) and quote posts (20 by default). Top replies are ranked by likes among the replies Bearly fetched, not across all of X.
### View X Video
When motion, sequence, or sound matters, Bearly imports the video attached to a post into the chat as a file and watches it, analyzing up to 10 minutes per pass from frames and audio. For longer videos it works through successive ranges. It reads the post's preview frames first and imports only when they aren't enough.
### Read X Profile
Read X Profile returns an account's identity, public metrics such as follower counts, verification, profile links, and recent posts, plus recent mentions when you ask for them.
## Try this
Each recipe below runs in one chat. Steps show the exact prompt and what each one does.
### Pull a talk's best arguments, cut them, and hear a recap
You get the strongest points of a long talk with exact quotes, a short cut of just those parts, and a spoken recap.
**Why it works:** the YouTube viewer saves the transcript to the chat, so transcript lookup can quote exact words with their times. A cut plays chosen time ranges inside the same player, and **Read Aloud** (`/say`) turns the recap text into speech.
**You need:** any plan. Admin controls **YouTube**, **Web**, **File uploads**, and **Text to speech**. A video whose captions Bearly can read, or a transcript saved from the desktop app.
1. Open the video with your question — the card opens, and Bearly quotes from the transcript.
```text
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIDEO_ID Give me the three strongest arguments, each with an exact quote and timestamp.
```
2. Cut to those parts — Bearly adds a cut card; select **Play cut** to watch them back to back.
```text
Make a 5-minute cut of just those three parts.
```
3. Get the recap as audio — Bearly writes the recap and generates speech from it.
```text
Write a 60-second spoken recap of those arguments and read it aloud.
```
**Swap in:** run **Check claims** before you share the recap; ask `/scholar` what the research says about the second argument; ask Bearly to email you the recap ([email](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/email-and-text.md)).
**If it stalls:** if the answer has no quotes, Bearly watched the video because it couldn't read the captions; in the desktop app, use **Get transcript** in the **Transcript** tab, then ask again. If the video can't play in the card, select **Open on YouTube**, or **Download to play here** in the desktop app.
### Check a video's figures against the web, then the research
You get every figure a video states, how many sites agree with each, and what papers say about the disputed ones.
**Why it works:** **Check claims** saves its result to the chat, and Bearly can read that saved check in later messages. Scholar then searches papers about exactly the figures sites disagreed on.
**You need:** any plan with allowance left. Admin controls **YouTube**, **Web**, **Chat web search**, **File uploads**, and **Scholar**. A video with a transcript.
1. Open the video, then select **Insights** → **Check claims** — the **Claims** tab fills in; select **Check _N_ more** if the video states more than 12 figures.
```text
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIDEO_ID
```
2. Ask Scholar about the figures sites disagreed on — Bearly reads the saved check, then searches papers.
```text
/scholar For the figures where sites disagreed or gave a different figure, what does the research literature say? Cite papers.
```
**Swap in:** ask Web Search for the official statistics instead of papers; select **Copy** in the **Claims** tab to keep the report; use `/deep-research` for a full investigation of the video's main claim (Analyst plan).
**If it stalls:** **Check claims** appears only when the video has a transcript, you have allowance, the chat is editable, and the admin controls above are on. "Not found" means no search result gave the figure, not that it's wrong.
### Turn a TikTok into a transcript and a priced product list
You get what a short video says, every product it mentions, and current prices for each.
**Why it works:** Get Video saves the video as a chat file, **Transcribe** turns its audio into text, and Web Search looks up each product from that text. Each step reads the file or text the step before it left in the chat.
**You need:** any plan. Admin controls **File uploads**, **Transcription**, and **Web**. A chat you can edit.
1. Save the video — Bearly downloads it as an MP4 into the chat.
```text
Download this video: https://www.tiktok.com/@creator/video/1234567890
```
2. Transcribe it and pull out the products — Bearly transcribes the audio and lists what it names.
```text
Transcribe it, then list every product it mentions with the time it's mentioned.
```
3. Price them — Web Search looks up each product and states the currency and where each price came from.
```text
Find the current price of each product at a major US store, with links.
```
**Swap in:** for an X video, skip the download and ask Bearly to watch the video in the post; for a YouTube link, paste it for the viewer instead; ask `/bestpick` which of the products to buy (Pro plan).
**If it stalls:** if the download fails, paste the link to the video's own page rather than a profile or feed, one link at a time. YouTube downloads need the desktop app.
### Check whether a viral X post is real
You get the post's context, what its video shows, and whether news sources back up its claim.
**Why it works:** Read X Post brings the thread, quote posts, and photos into the chat; View X Video watches the attached clip; Web Search then corroborates the claim with sources outside X.
**You need:** any plan. Admin controls **X (Twitter)**, **Web**, and **File uploads**. The chat's **Web** setting on **Auto**.
1. Read the post in context — Bearly reads the post, its replies, and quote posts.
```text
Is this real? https://x.com/username/status/1234567890 Check the thread and the quote posts first.
```
2. Watch the video — Bearly imports and watches the attached clip.
```text
Watch the attached video. Describe what happens and anything that shows where or when it was filmed.
```
3. Corroborate outside X — Web Search looks for news coverage and cites it.
```text
Corroborate the main claim with news sources from the last 48 hours and cite them.
```
**Swap in:** use `/x-profile` to check the account that posted it; use `/deep-research` for a longer investigation (Analyst plan); turn the check into a weekly scan of posts about your product with a [routine](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md), since Search X runs in Routines.
**If it stalls:** search reaches back about seven days, so paste the link to read a specific post. If Bearly can't watch the video, **File uploads** is off or the chat is read-only.
## Related
- [Research the web, papers, people, products, and places](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research.md)
- [Images, video, and audio](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/images-video-audio.md)
- [Research recipes](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/research-recipes.md)
---
---
title: "Work with files and documents"
description: "How Bearly opens, previews, searches, cites, summarizes, edits, converts, and proofreads files in a chat or project, including supported file types, size limits, password-protected PDFs, Always Search Documents, the Document editor, and what changes in end-to-end encrypted chats."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/documents/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/documents.md"
---
# Work with files and documents
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/documents/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/documents/)
> How Bearly opens, previews, searches, cites, summarizes, edits, converts, and proofreads files in a chat or project, including supported file types, size limits, password-protected PDFs, Always Search Documents, the Document editor, and what changes in end-to-end encrypted chats.
Attach a file and Bearly can show it, read it, search it, quote it with page citations, summarize it, or hand back a new edited copy. This page covers every file and document tool in a chat: adding files, what each file type looks like, finding files again, the document research tools, the Document editor, and Fix Grammar.
## Add files to a chat
You can attach files in four ways. All of them need uploads to be allowed.
- Select **+** → **Attach files** under **Add**, and pick one or more files of any type.
- Drag files onto the chat. A drop zone appears while you drag.
- Paste files or screenshots into the message box. Pasting more than 200,000 characters of text attaches it as `pasted.txt` instead.
- On a phone or tablet, tap **Take photo** in the composer toolbar to open the camera.
**You need:** any plan. Admin control: **File uploads** (under **Privacy & Security**). When it's off, attaching, dropping, pasting files, and the camera are all hidden.
**Limits:** 300 MB per file; a larger file isn't attached. While a file is being prepared, its chip shows a spinner (hover it for "Checking PDF.", "Uploading" with progress, or "Analyzing."), and you can't send until it finishes. If a chip shows a warning icon with "Unable to upload and process.", remove it with its **×** and attach the file again; you can't send while it's there.
For everything else about the message box, see [Write, attach, and send](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/compose.md).
## Password-protected PDFs
Bearly detects a locked PDF when you attach it and asks for the password before adding it.
**Use it when:** you have a bank statement, contract, or report that opens only with a password.
**You need:** the same as attaching any file.
1. Attach the PDF — the upload chip shows a lock, and the message "Enter the PDF password. Bearly uses it once to unlock this file." appears.
2. Type the password in **PDF password** — a show/hide toggle lets you check what you typed.
3. Select **Unlock and add** — Bearly unlocks the file and adds the unlocked copy to the chat.
**What you get:** an ordinary PDF in the chat that Bearly can read, search, and cite.
**Limits:** a wrong password shows "That password didn't work." and you can try again. If the file can't be unlocked at all you'll see "Unable to unlock this PDF." Cancelling removes the file from the message.
## What Bearly can open and read
Every file appears as a card in the chat. Select **Open** on a card to see it full size in the side panel.
| File type | In the chat | In the side panel | What Bearly does with it |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| PDF | PDF preview | Full PDF viewer with page controls | Reads, searches, and cites it by page |
| Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OpenDocument, `.pages`, `.numbers`, `.key`, `.epub` | Converted to PDF for the preview | PDF view; **Download** offers **PDF** or **Original** | Reads and searches the text; the Document editor edits Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files |
| CSV, TSV, and pipe-separated (`.csv`, `.tsv`, `.tab`, `.psv`) | Spreadsheet grid showing rows × columns, with **Copy table** and **Open** | Editable grid | Searches it as text; Run Python can analyze it; Charts can draw from it |
| Markdown | Rendered, with **Copy** and **Open** | Rendered | Reads and searches it |
| Images | Image | Full-size image | Looks at it with View Media; Touch Up can edit it |
| Audio | Compact player | Full player | Transcribe turns speech into text |
| Video | Video player | Video player | View Media watches it; Transcribe turns speech into text |
| HTML | Live [Page](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas.md) preview | The live Page | Reads it |
| JSON, plain text (`.txt`), logs | Text preview | Text | Reads it |
| Code (about 60 file types, such as `.py`, `.ts`, `.go`, `.sql`, `.yaml`, `.xml`, `.jsonl`, Dockerfile, and Makefile) | Syntax-highlighted preview | Syntax-highlighted | Reads it |
| Calendar (`.ics`) and anything else | Name card | Panel with **Download** | Can pass it to Run Python |
Word covers `.doc`, `.docx`, `.docm`, `.dot`, `.dotx`, and `.dotm`. Excel covers `.xls`, `.xlsx`, `.xlsm`, `.xlt`, `.xltx`, and `.xltm`. PowerPoint covers `.ppt`, `.pptx`, `.pptm`, `.pot`, `.potx`, `.potm`, and `.pps`. OpenDocument covers `.odt`, `.ods`, `.odp`, and `.odg`.
Bearly pulls the text out of documents up to 200 MB so the document tools can search and read them. Images, audio, and video skip this step: use [Transcribe](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/images-video-audio.md#transcribe) for what was said and [View Media](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/images-video-audio.md#view-media) for what's on screen.
## Find files again with Browse files
When a chat has files, its header shows **Browse files** (a Files icon with a count). It opens a list of the chat's files, newest first, with filters:
- **All** — every file.
- **Project** — files in the chat's project (shown only in a project chat).
- **Uploaded** — files you attached.
- **Generated** — files Bearly made, such as Pages, Python outputs, and images.
On iOS, a PDF's main action in the list is **Open PDF**. You can also ask in chat with `/files` (**Browse Files**) and Bearly lists them.
To find a file in any chat, press ⌘ F (Ctrl F on Windows and Linux), type in **Search chats and files...**, and switch to the **Files** tab. Results are labelled **Uploaded**, **Generated**, or **Saved by Bearly**. End-to-end encrypted chats aren't searched. See [Organize, find, and share](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/organize.md).
## Point Bearly at one file with @
When a chat has several files, name the one you mean. Type `@` and part of the file name, then pick it under **Assets**. Every chat and project file is listed; a generated file appears once, at its latest version.
You can combine a file with a tool in one message. Only one `/` command counts and it must come first, but you can add several `@` references anywhere:
```text
Compare @q3-board-deck.pptx with @q2-board-deck.pptx and list every number that changed.
```
These file tools are in the `/` menu under **Tools**:
| Type | Menu shows | What it does |
| --- | --- | --- |
| `/files` | Browse Files | Lists the chat's files |
| `/read-file` | Read Asset | Reads a file |
| `/create-file` | Create Asset | Writes a new file: a Page (HTML), Markdown, plain text, CSV, or JSON |
| `/edit-file` | Edit Asset | Edits a file Bearly wrote; each edit saves a new version |
| `/rename-file` | Rename File | Renames a file without making a new version |
| `/analyze-media` | View Media | Looks at an image or video |
## Preview, edit a table, and download
Open any file in the side panel to get its controls: a version dropdown for files Bearly has edited, **Copy** where the content can be copied, **Share file** (when sharing is allowed and you can edit the chat), **Download**, and **Close**. For documents previewed as PDF, **Download** offers **PDF** or **Original**; choose **Original** for the editable file.
CSV files are editable in the side panel:
1. Open the CSV — the bar above the grid shows rows × columns, the separator when it isn't a comma, and how many parse issues Bearly found.
2. Edit cells, or add **+ Row** and **+ Column** — **Revert** throws away your edits.
3. Select **Save** — for a file Bearly generated this saves a new version ("Saved as v2"). For a file you uploaded, the button is **Save copy** and saves a new generated copy instead ("Saved as a new copy"). In a read-only chat the grid is marked **Read only** and can't be edited.
If you try to leave with unsaved edits, Bearly asks "Discard your unsaved CSV changes?"
## Research your documents: Search Docs, Read Doc, Scan Doc
Bearly has four document tools. They appear once the chat or its project has at least one file, and Bearly picks one on its own when you ask about your files. Type the label to force one.
| Type | Menu shows | What it does | Good for |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| `/search-docs` | Search Docs | Searches every attached and project document by meaning and returns cited passages | "Where do our contracts mention auto-renewal?" |
| `/read-document` | Read Doc | Reads a document page by page | Reading a section in full before quoting it |
| `/find-in-document` | Scan Doc | Finds exact words or a pattern in one document, with page, line, and surrounding text | Every mention of a name, clause number, or figure |
| `/summarize` | Summarize Doc | Writes a structured summary of a long document | An overview before you dig in |
**Use it when:** comparing terms across several agreements, pulling every figure from a report with its page, checking a claim against the source, or answering questions from a folder of policies.
**You need:** any plan. The document tools have no admin control of their own; attaching files needs **File uploads**, and adding files to a project needs **Project documents and data**.
1. Attach the documents, or open a chat in a project that has them — wait until each file finishes "Analyzing."
2. Ask a focused question and say what form the answer should take — Bearly searches the documents and can read further around what it finds before answering.
```text
Compare the renewal, termination, and price-increase terms in these three agreements. Make a table with one row per agreement and cite the page for every cell.
```
3. Select a citation in the answer — the document opens near the cited page so you can check the surrounding text.
**What you get:** an answer with clickable citations, and sometimes a strip of matching document sources above it.
**Limits:** one search returns up to 10 sources. Spreadsheets and CSV files are searched as text, not as tables; for sums, filters, or pivots, use [Run Python](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/data-and-code.md#run-python). Search Docs doesn't cover audio, video, or images. Scan Doc returns 10 matches at a time and pages through the rest.
**Combines with:** [Run Python](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/data-and-code.md) for numbers in a spreadsheet, the [Document editor](#document-editor) to turn findings into a Word or PDF file, and [Research](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research.md) to check your documents against public sources.
### Summarize Doc and Deep Summary
Summarize Doc condenses one long document into a structured overview. When Bearly shows the summary itself, it's headed **Deep Summary**. Bearly reaches for it when you ask for a summary or when a document is very long.
1. Attach the document and type `/summarize` — the menu shows **Summarize Doc**.
2. Name the document and the reader — say what matters most.
```text
/summarize Summarize @annual-report.pdf for a board member. Keep the central argument, the major risks, and every explicit recommendation.
```
3. Read the summary, then ask follow-ups in the same chat — expand a section, or check a claim against the source.
**Limits:** for a very long document, Deep Summary reads up to 30 evenly spaced sections rather than every word. When completeness matters, ask Bearly to read the specific section with Read Doc or find every mention with Scan Doc.
## Always Search Documents (projects)
In a project, you can make Bearly search the project's documents before every answer, so replies stay grounded in your material without asking each time.
**Use it when:** a project is a knowledge base, such as a policy library, a client file, or course readings, and every answer should cite it.
**You need:** a project with documents, and permission to edit its settings. An organization policy can also set and lock this switch.
1. In the sidebar, expand the project and select **Settings**.
2. In **Project Chat Settings** (**Shared Project Settings** in a shared project), turn the card on with its switch if it shows **Disabled**.
3. Turn on **Always Search Documents** ("Always search project documents before responding") — the lock toggle beside it decides whether people can change it in their own chats.
**What you get:** Bearly runs Search Docs before answering each message in the project's chats.
**Limits:** it has no effect in end-to-end encrypted chats, which don't support Search Docs. See [Projects](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects.md) for the other project settings.
## Document editor
The Document editor creates new office documents and edits or converts the ones you attach. It works by running Python in Bearly's cloud sandbox with helpers for each format, so a Run Python step appears while it works.
**Use it when:** you need a real file back, such as a Word draft with tracked changes, a filled PDF form, a slide deck from your notes, or a spreadsheet with working formulas.
**You need:** any plan; each run counts as usage. Admin control: **Run Python** (under **Code & Automation**). Turning it off removes both `/python` and `/document`.
What it can do, by format:
- **PDF:** extract text and tables, merge, split, rotate, create, read scanned pages with text recognition, add a watermark or password, pull out images, and fill forms, including forms with no fillable fields.
- **Word:** create documents, edit with tracked changes and comments, accept all changes, and convert `.doc` to `.docx`.
- **PowerPoint:** create decks, or build from a template you attach.
- **Excel:** build workbooks that use formulas rather than pasted values, recalculate them, and format financial models.
- **Checking:** render pages or slides as images to check the layout before handing the file back.
1. Type `/document` — the menu shows **Document editor** under **Tools**.
2. Attach every source file — skip this when starting from scratch.
3. Describe the finished file: format, reader, what changes, and what must stay the same.
```text
/document Revise the attached contract for plain language and return a new DOCX with tracked changes. Keep the clause numbering, defined terms, and existing comments.
```
4. Watch the **Run Python** step — select it to see **Input** and **Result**, or **Error** if the run failed.
5. Open the new file and select **Download** — for Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files the preview is a PDF, so choose **Original** to get the editable file.
**What you get:** one or more new files in the chat. Your original stays unchanged, so you can compare them or ask for another pass.
**Limits:** up to five new files per run. Runs are short and resource-limited, so split a big batch into a few named requests. Check the downloaded file in the app where it will be used before you send or sign it; conversion can shift layout, fonts, or page breaks.
**Combines with:** the [document research tools](#research-your-documents-search-docs-read-doc-scan-doc) to gather facts first, [Share file](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas.md#share-and-publish-a-page) to give the result a Page and link, and [Run Python](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/data-and-code.md) for analysis that doesn't need a polished file.
## Fix Grammar
Fix Grammar marks problems in a passage and lets you accept each fix one at a time. It flags grammar, spelling, punctuation, style, vocabulary, and clarity, and colors each mark by severity.
**Use it when:** proofreading an email, report, cover letter, or announcement where you want to keep your own wording and approve each change.
**You need:** any plan. No admin control.
1. Type `/grammar` — the menu shows **Fix Grammar** under **Tools**. You can also just ask Bearly to proofread.
2. Paste the passage and send — Bearly returns it in an editor card with each issue highlighted.
3. Select a highlighted passage — a card shows the kind of issue, an explanation, and the before and after text. Select **Accept** to apply that one change.
4. Use **Accept All** for every remaining suggestion, **Check Again** for a fresh pass on the current text, and **Copy corrected text** to copy the result.
**What you get:** a summary line that counts what's left, then "All issues resolved" or "No issues found".
**Limits:** not available in Routines. Suggestions you don't accept are never applied, so names, quotes, and house style stay as written unless you choose otherwise.
## End-to-end encrypted chats
Files work in end-to-end encrypted chats, with these differences:
- **Search Docs** isn't available, and **Always Search Documents** has no effect. Read Doc, Scan Doc, and Summarize Doc still work.
- Files from encrypted chats don't appear in **Search chats and files...**.
- Run Python and the Document editor still work. The files you give a run are sent to the cloud sandbox to process, up to 50 MB in total per run.
> **Note — Encryption**
> Chats and files are encrypted at rest, each with its own key. Turn on end-to-end encryption and your new chats are encrypted on your devices. Bearly stores and syncs only the locked copies. Each message and any file a tool needs still goes to the model or service doing the work. See [Privacy and security](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security.md).
## Try this
Each recipe runs in one chat.
### Compare a stack of contracts, then return a redlined copy
You get a cited comparison table and a Word file with your proposed changes as tracked edits.
**Why it works:** Search Docs finds the matching clauses across every attached agreement and the answer cites pages, so the comparison stays checkable. The table stays in the chat, so the Document editor can apply its conclusions to one agreement as tracked changes.
**You need:** any plan. Admin controls **File uploads** and **Run Python**. A chat that isn't end-to-end encrypted, for Search Docs.
1. Attach the agreements and ask for the comparison — check a few citations against the pages they open.
```text
Compare the limitation-of-liability, indemnity, and termination clauses across these agreements. One row per agreement, cite the page for every cell, and flag anything unusual.
```
2. Turn the findings into a redline — the Document editor writes a new DOCX and leaves the original untouched.
```text
/document Using the table above, edit @vendor-msa.docx so its liability cap and termination notice match our other agreements. Return a new DOCX with tracked changes and a comment explaining each change.
```
3. Download **Original** and open it in your word processor — review each tracked change before you send it.
**Swap in:** Scan Doc for the first step when you need every exact mention of a term; a project with **Always Search Documents** instead of attaching the files each time; a filled PDF instead of a DOCX for a form.
**If it stalls:** if citations point to the wrong file, name the files with `@`. If the run fails, select the **Run Python** step, read **Error**, and ask Bearly to retry with one file.
### Fill a PDF form from your own documents
You get a completed PDF built from facts in files you already have.
**Why it works:** the document tools read the facts from your attached files, and the Document editor can fill a form even when it has no fillable fields. Both run in the same chat, so the facts carry straight into the form.
**You need:** any plan. Admin controls **File uploads** and **Run Python**.
1. Attach the blank form and the documents with the details.
```text
/document Fill in the attached supplier onboarding form using the company details in @company-profile.pdf and the bank letter. Leave any field you can't source blank and list those fields for me.
```
2. Open the filled PDF and compare it with the sources — ask for corrections by field name.
3. Optional: select **Share file** on the result to give it a Page of its own that you can publish.
**Swap in:** a scanned form (Bearly reads it with text recognition first); a Word template instead of a PDF; several forms in one request, up to five output files.
**If it stalls:** if text lands in the wrong place on a form without fields, tell Bearly which field moved and ask it to render the page and check before returning it.
### Proofread a report, then publish it as Word and PDF
You get a corrected report as both an editable Word file and a PDF.
**Why it works:** Fix Grammar keeps your wording and applies only the changes you accept. The corrected text stays in the chat, so the Document editor can lay it out as files in one run.
**You need:** any plan. Admin control **Run Python** for the files.
1. Proofread first.
```text
/grammar Paste your report text here.
```
2. Accept the changes you want, then select **Copy corrected text** and paste it into a new message with the next request.
```text
/document Lay out this text as a two-page report with a title, headings, and page numbers. Return a DOCX and a PDF.
```
3. Download both files — choose **Original** for the DOCX.
**Swap in:** a slide deck instead of a report; [Edit in Canvas](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas.md#canvas) for a longer rewrite before proofreading; [email the files](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/email-and-text.md) to yourself.
**If it stalls:** for a long report, proofread one section per message so each passage keeps its context.
## Related
- [Analyze data and run code](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/data-and-code.md)
- [Make Pages and edit in Canvas](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas.md)
- [Projects](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects.md)
- [Privacy and security](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security.md)
---
---
title: "Analyze data and run code"
description: "How to analyze spreadsheets and files with Run Python, draw KPI, bar, and line charts with Charts, and pick the right visual with Visualize in Bearly, including what the Python sandbox includes, file inputs and outputs, chart limits, and how these combine with documents and Pages."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/data-and-code/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/data-and-code.md"
---
# Analyze data and run code
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/data-and-code/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/data-and-code/)
> How to analyze spreadsheets and files with Run Python, draw KPI, bar, and line charts with Charts, and pick the right visual with Visualize in Bearly, including what the Python sandbox includes, file inputs and outputs, chart limits, and how these combine with documents and Pages.
Bearly can run Python on your files in a cloud sandbox, turn the result into a chart, and build it into an interactive Page. Ask in plain words; Bearly writes and runs the code, and you see the code, the result, and any files it made.
## Which tool for which job
| You want | Use | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Numbers worked out from a spreadsheet, a cleaned file, a plot, a converted file | [Run Python](#run-python) | `/python` |
| A finished Word, PowerPoint, Excel, or PDF file | [Document editor](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/documents.md#document-editor) | `/document` |
| A KPI, bar, or line chart you can hover and download | [Charts](#charts) | `/chart` |
| An interactive calculator, planner, or dashboard you keep | [Page](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas.md) | Ask for it |
| Bearly to choose the smallest useful visual | [Visualize](#visualize) | `/visualize` |
| Code that runs on files on your own computer | [Work locally](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/browser-and-computer.md) (desktop app) | Turn it on in the composer |
As a rule of thumb, Bearly uses Python for calculation, cleaning, and one-off charts, and a Page for interactive tools you'll come back to.
## Run Python
Run Python executes a complete Python script in a fresh cloud sandbox and returns what it printed and any files it saved. It's the engine behind data analysis, file conversion, and the Document editor.
**Use it when:** summarizing a spreadsheet by region and month, cleaning a messy export, running a statistical test, converting between file formats, resizing or processing images, or trimming and merging audio and video.
**You need:** any plan; each run counts as usage. Admin control: **Run Python** (under **Code & Automation**). It works on every platform because it runs in the cloud.
1. Attach the data files, or point to files already in the chat or project with `@` — the sandbox only gets the files Bearly hands to that run.
2. Ask for the result you want, or start with `/python` to make Bearly use it — the menu shows **Run Python** under **Tools**.
```text
/python From the attached sales.xlsx, total revenue by region and quarter, show the top three regions by growth, and save the summary as a CSV.
```
3. Watch the **Run Python** step — select it to see **Input** (the code), **Result** (what it printed), and **Error** if something failed. Bearly often runs a quick look at the columns first, then the full analysis.
4. Open the output files — they appear as file cards in the chat, and saved plots show inline.
**What you get:** the answer in the chat, plus up to five new files per run, such as CSVs, spreadsheets, images, PDFs, or videos. Each file has **Download**, and later turns can use it.
**Limits:**
- Each run starts from scratch. Nothing carries over between runs unless Bearly passes a file from an earlier run back in.
- Runs are short and resource-limited. Long jobs, endless loops, and heavy processing of large media may not finish; split the work.
- Up to five output files per run; extras are dropped.
- The sandbox has internet access for small public downloads, but it can't reach your computer, your local files, or your apps. For that, use [Work locally](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/browser-and-computer.md) in the desktop app.
- Not available in [Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md).
**Combines with:** [Charts](#charts), which draw from a CSV that Python prepares; [Pages](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas.md), which can carry Python's results; [Text to speech](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/images-video-audio.md#text-to-speech) and [Make Video](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/images-video-audio.md#make-video), whose files Python can merge.
### What the sandbox includes
The sandbox comes with common Python libraries, and Bearly can install a missing package for a run.
- **Data and statistics:** pandas, NumPy, SciPy, statsmodels, scikit-learn, SymPy.
- **Charts:** matplotlib, seaborn, Plotly, Altair.
- **Office files:** openpyxl, xlrd, pyxlsb, python-docx, python-pptx.
- **PDFs and text recognition:** pypdf, pdfplumber, pdfminer.six, pdf2image, ReportLab, pytesseract.
- **Images:** Pillow, OpenCV.
- **Web:** requests, httpx, Beautiful Soup, lxml.
Command-line tools are available to scripts too: ffmpeg for audio and video, ImageMagick and image optimizers, Poppler, Ghostscript, and qpdf for PDFs, Tesseract for text recognition, and pandoc and LibreOffice for document conversion.
For office documents, the sandbox also has helpers that the [Document editor](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/documents.md#document-editor) uses: filling PDF forms, editing Word files with tracked changes, building decks from PowerPoint templates, and writing Excel workbooks with real formulas.
### In end-to-end encrypted chats
Run Python works in end-to-end encrypted chats. The files you give a run are sent to the cloud sandbox so it can process them, up to 50 MB in total per run, and each output file can be up to 100 MB. See [Privacy and security](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security.md).
## Charts
Charts draws a **KPI**, **bar** (single, grouped, or stacked), or **line** (single or multi-series) chart from a small, prepared CSV file. The chart card is interactive and you can download both the picture and the data.
**Use it when:** showing monthly revenue as a line, comparing regions as grouped bars, or putting one headline number with its goal on screen.
**You need:** any plan. Admin control: **Charts** (under **Media & Creativity**). To prepare the data, Bearly needs **Run Python**, or **Work locally** in the desktop app; without either, it can chart only a CSV that's already in chart-ready shape.
1. Attach the data, or use a table already in the chat.
2. Ask for the chart, or start with `/chart` — the menu shows **Create chart**.
```text
/chart Show monthly revenue for 2026 as a line chart, one line per product, in USD.
```
3. Bearly prepares a chart-ready CSV first, usually with Run Python, then draws the chart from that file — the rows never pass through the chart request itself.
4. Use the card — point or tap to read the nearest value, select **View data** to see the CSV grid and **View chart** to go back, and use **Download CSV** or **Download PNG**.
**What you get:** a **Chart** card in the chat. Bar and line charts download as a PNG at twice screen resolution.
Chart options you can ask for:
- **Bar:** sort by category or by value.
- **Line:** dates or ordered labels along the bottom.
- **Values:** plain numbers, currency (AUD, CAD, CHF, CNY, EUR, GBP, INR, JPY, KRW, or USD), or percentages from either fractions or whole numbers.
- **KPI:** an optional goal with a progress indicator.
- **Text:** a title up to 160 characters and a description up to 500.
**Limits:**
| Chart | Rows | Other limits |
| --- | --- | --- |
| KPI | Exactly 1 | — |
| Bar | Up to 100 | Up to 30 categories |
| Line | Up to 2,000 | Up to 12 series |
| Every CSV | — | At most 10 columns, 2 MB, and 2,000 characters per cell |
Duplicate keys are rejected, and a chart never quietly samples or cuts rows, so data over the limits needs aggregating first. If a chart fails to draw, the card says "The chart could not load. The data is available below." Turning the **Charts** control off stops new charts but leaves existing ones visible. Charts aren't drawn in [Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md).
**Combines with:** [Run Python](#run-python) to aggregate data down to chart size, [Research](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research.md) to chart figures from a report, and [Pages](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas.md) for a dashboard with filters.
## Visualize
Visualize is a built-in skill that turns an idea, layout, process, or dataset into the smallest visual that makes it clearer. You don't pick the format; Bearly does.
**Use it when:** planning a room layout, comparing loan options side by side, mapping a process, or exploring a dataset where adjusting inputs helps you decide.
**You need:** any plan, on every platform. Admin control: **Skills**.
1. Type `/visualize` — it's listed under **Skills**.
2. Describe the decision and give real numbers, dimensions, or examples.
```text
/visualize Compare a 15-year and a 30-year mortgage on $450,000 at 6.1% and 6.6%. Let me change the rate and down payment and see total interest.
```
3. Review what Bearly made — an interactive Page when controls help, or a static chart, table, or diagram when they wouldn't.
**What you get:** a focused visual with units and assumptions shown. When you change the brief in chat, Bearly edits the existing Page instead of making a new one when it can.
**Limits:** Visualize makes an image only when you explicitly ask for a realistic render or illustration. Bearly can't see what you select or type inside a Page, so if a follow-up depends on a value you picked there, tell Bearly the value.
> **Tip — Diagrams**
> Answers don't render diagram code blocks as pictures. For a flowchart, org chart, or timeline, ask for it as a Page or as an image made with Run Python.
## Python, Charts, and Pages together
The three tools hand work to each other inside one chat:
- **Python → Chart.** Python reads your upload and writes a summary CSV; the chart draws from that file.
- **Python → Page.** For a data-backed Page, Bearly cleans and aggregates with Python, then bakes the results into the Page as data, so the Page doesn't need the original file.
- **Documents → Python.** Spreadsheets attached to a chat are searchable as text, but for sums, filters, and pivots, Bearly passes the file to Python. See [Work with files and documents](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/documents.md).
- **Page → link.** Prepare and publish the Page to share it. See [Share and publish a Page](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas.md#share-and-publish-a-page).
## Try this
Each recipe runs in one chat.
### Turn a spreadsheet into a published dashboard
You get a summary table, a chart, and an interactive dashboard Page at a link your team can open.
**Why it works:** Python reads the upload and writes a chart-sized CSV, Charts draws from that file, and Bearly bakes the same aggregates into a Page as data. Sharing then prepares the Page with artwork and a link preview for you to review and publish.
**You need:** any plan. Admin controls **File uploads**, **Run Python**, **Charts**, and **Sharing**, plus **Public links** or **Share with people and teams** for the audience.
1. Attach the spreadsheet and ask for the analysis — check the **Run Python** step's **Result** for the totals.
```text
Analyze the attached sales.xlsx by region and quarter. Save a summary CSV with revenue per region per quarter.
```
2. Chart it.
```text
Chart quarterly revenue by region as a grouped bar chart in USD.
```
3. Build the dashboard — the Page opens in the chat; select **Open** to use it full size.
```text
Build an interactive dashboard Page from that summary with filters for region and quarter, the grouped bar chart, and the three biggest changes called out at the top.
```
4. Open the Page and select **Share file**, then **Prepare share** — when it's ready, the prepared Page opens marked **Ready to share**. Select **Publish** in its header, choose the **Audience**, and select **Publish**.
**Swap in:** a CSV export instead of a workbook; a line chart of monthly revenue instead of bars; **People and teams** to restrict the link to named colleagues; [Deep Research](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research.md) figures instead of your own data.
**If it stalls:** if the chart is refused for size, ask Bearly to aggregate to fewer rows or categories first. If the publish popover says "Your team policy does not allow a publishing audience.", ask an admin to turn on **Public links** or **Share with people and teams**.
### Get a spoken KPI briefing from a CSV
You get last month's key numbers as KPI charts and a 30-second audio briefing.
**Why it works:** Python computes the figures and writes one-row CSVs that KPI charts can draw. The numbers stay in the chat, so text to speech can read a short script built from them.
**You need:** any plan. Admin controls **Run Python**, **Charts**, and **Text to speech**.
1. Attach the export and ask for the figures.
```text
From the attached orders.csv, compute last month's revenue, order count, and average order value, with the change from the month before.
```
2. Chart the headline number.
```text
Show last month's revenue as a KPI with a goal of $250,000.
```
3. Record the briefing — the take appears in Voice Studio, where you can play and download it.
```text
/say Write and record a 30-second briefing on these numbers, calm and clear, leading with the biggest change.
```
**Swap in:** a bar chart of revenue by channel instead of a KPI; [email](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/email-and-text.md) the audio file to yourself; a Page that shows the numbers with the audio.
**If it stalls:** if the KPI is refused, ask for the figure as a single-row CSV first. If audio fails with "The audio could not be created.", ask again; Bearly doesn't retry a failed recording on its own.
### Rebuild a messy export as a working Excel model
You get a clean workbook whose totals are live formulas, not pasted numbers.
**Why it works:** Python cleans the data, and the sandbox's Excel helpers write formulas and recalculate them, so the file keeps working when you change an input.
**You need:** any plan. Admin control **Run Python**.
1. Attach the export.
```text
/document Clean the attached transactions.csv: fix dates, split the category column, and remove duplicates. Build an Excel workbook with a Data sheet and a Summary sheet whose monthly totals and growth rates are formulas. Format it like a financial model.
```
2. Open the workbook and select **Download** → **Original** — the preview is a PDF, so download the original to check the formulas.
3. Ask for changes by sheet and cell — Bearly writes a new file each time.
**Swap in:** a PowerPoint summary from your template instead of a workbook; a CSV for a [chart](#charts) instead of formulas.
**If it stalls:** if the run times out on a large file, ask Bearly to process it in two passes or to sample the first rows to fix the cleaning rules first.
## Related
- [Work with files and documents](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/documents.md)
- [Make Pages and edit in Canvas](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas.md)
- [Browser and computer](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/browser-and-computer.md)
- [Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md)
---
---
title: "Make Pages and edit in Canvas"
description: "How to build interactive Pages in Bearly, refine them through versions, prepare and publish them to a stable bearly.sh link with the right audience, share a conversation's key takeaways, and edit an answer as a document in Canvas, with every limit that applies."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas.md"
---
# Make Pages and edit in Canvas
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas/)
> How to build interactive Pages in Bearly, refine them through versions, prepare and publish them to a stable bearly.sh link with the right audience, share a conversation's key takeaways, and edit an answer as a document in Canvas, with every limit that applies.
A Page is something Bearly builds for you to use, not just read: a calculator, dashboard, planner, game, prototype, or interactive chart. Canvas is a document editor for revising an answer's text with Bearly's help. This page covers both, plus publishing a Page to a link.
## What a Page is
A Page is a single, self-contained web file that Bearly writes into the chat. It runs live inside the chat in a sandboxed frame, picks up the colors of your Bearly theme, and can load common script libraries from a short list of public sources. Because it's one file, it suits a focused tool better than a multi-page site.
Bearly makes a Page when you ask it to build, make, or create an app, game, calculator, dashboard, prototype, simulator, planner, editor, widget, or interactive visualization.
## Make a Page
**Use it when:** you want a loan calculator with your numbers, a trip planner, a quiz for a class, a pricing simulator, a clickable product prototype, or a dashboard of your data.
**You need:** any plan. A chat you can edit. Works on the web app, phone browsers, the desktop app, and the iOS app.
1. Describe what someone should be able to enter, choose, or see, and the calculations that matter.
```text
Build a mortgage calculator with fields for loan amount, interest rate, and term. Show the monthly payment, total interest, and an amortization chart, with an optional annual overpayment.
```
2. Try the preview in the chat — hover it for **Download** and **Open**.
3. Select **Open** to use the Page full size in the side panel.
4. Ask for changes in the chat, naming the Page if the chat has several — each change saves a new version.
```text
In the mortgage calculator, show how many months the overpayment removes and add a toggle for biweekly payments.
```
**What you get:** a live Page in the chat, saved as an `.html` file you can download and open in a browser. Reopen it later from **Browse files** → **Generated**.
**Limits:**
- Bearly can't see what you type or pick inside a Page. If a follow-up depends on a value you chose there, tell Bearly the value.
- A Page may remember what you entered when you reopen it in the side panel, but this isn't guaranteed, and the in-chat preview doesn't keep it. To keep a change, ask Bearly to revise the Page.
- When a Page uses files from the chat, such as images, saving embeds copies of them. Each file can be up to 10 MB and all embedded files together up to 25 MB; links to larger or unavailable files are removed and Bearly is told which.
- A Page is saved to the chat. To save it into the chat's project, ask for that explicitly; you need write access to the project.
- In a read-only chat you can view and download Pages but not change them.
**Combines with:** [Run Python](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/data-and-code.md#run-python), which cleans and aggregates data that Bearly then bakes into the Page; [Charts](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/data-and-code.md#charts) for a quick chart without a full Page; [Visualize](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/data-and-code.md#visualize) to let Bearly choose between a Page and a static visual.
> **Tip — Diagrams**
> For a flowchart, org chart, or process map, ask for a Page that draws the diagram, or an image made with Run Python. Diagram code in an answer shows as plain code.
## Versions and editing
Every edit Bearly makes to a Page saves a new version (v1, v2, and so on). Once a Page has two or more versions, a version dropdown appears; select a version to view it. A label beside the dropdown says whether you're looking at the **Latest** version, the one **At this point** (the version from the message you opened it from), or an **Earlier** one.
Edits always build on the latest version, even if you were looking at an older one. There's no restore button; to bring back part of an earlier design, describe what you want back.
The side panel header also has **Copy**, **Share file** (when sharing is allowed and you can edit the chat), **Download**, and **Close**. Once a Page is prepared for sharing, **Publish** appears there too.
You can force the file tools with `/create-file` (**Create Asset**) to write a new Page and `/edit-file` (**Edit Asset**) to change one.
## Share and publish a Page
Publishing gives a Page its own link on bearly.sh. It happens in two stages: **prepare** (Bearly adds artwork, a link preview, and a short brief) and **publish** (you pick the audience and make it live). Nothing goes out until you select **Publish**.
**Use it when:** sending a dashboard to your team, sharing a calculator with a client, or posting a finished write-up that people can open in a browser.
**You need:** any plan; preparing uses text and image generation, which counts as usage. Admin controls **Sharing**, plus **Public links** for a link anyone can open or **Share with people and teams** for a restricted link (all under **Collaboration**). A chat you can edit.
1. Open the Page and select **Share file** — the popover reads "Share this file" ("Give your file a Page of its own, with artwork and a link preview.").
2. Select **Prepare share** — a progress screen shows "Writing the Page", "Reading the source", "Content ready", "Saving the artwork", and "Saving the Page".
3. Wait for it to finish — the prepared Page opens in the side panel, marked **Ready to share**.
4. Select **Publish** in the side panel header — the popover reads **Ready to share** ("Publish this Page to a link people can open.") and previews the link card: artwork, title, description, and bearly.sh.
5. Choose the **Audience** — **Anyone with the link** or **People and teams**. Only the audiences your organization allows are listed.
6. Select **Publish** — the popover changes to **Share** ("This Page is available at a stable link."). Use **Copy link**, or **Share…** for your device's share sheet where available.
7. For a **People and teams** link, select **Manage viewers** to search teammates by name or email (type at least 2 characters) and pick teams.
To share the whole conversation instead of one file, select the **Share** icon in the chat header. The popover reads "Share conversation" ("Turn the substance of this conversation into a Page, with artwork and a link preview.") with **Prepare share**. Your full conversation isn't shared: Bearly writes a Page with the substance itself, such as the answer, plan, findings, or the finished version of a creative piece, and you review it before publishing. If you close the prepared Page, select the **Share** icon again: **Review and publish** reopens it, and **Create another** prepares a fresh version.
**While it prepares:** **Stop building** cancels ("Building stopped. Nothing was published."). Closing the screen with its **×** returns you to the chat without cancelling. If the artwork can't be made, the popover says "The image model could not make artwork. Review the simple preview before publishing."
**After publishing:**
- **Publish update** sends your latest changes to the same link. If the popover says "Use Share to add a preview image and conversation brief before publishing an update.", select **Share file** and prepare the Page again first.
- **Unpublish** takes the link down. **Retry cleanup** appears if an unpublish didn't finish.
- The link stays the same when you republish, rename the file, or change the audience. The address is built from the file name on the first publish, for example `mortgage-calculator-` followed by a short code, on bearly.sh.
- Updates to a public link can take up to a minute to reach people who already opened it.
- People on a **People and teams** link sign in to Bearly to open it.
- Images, video, audio, and PDFs in a published Page show inline; other included files download.
- Published Pages carry **Continue conversation in Bearly**. It opens a new draft chat with the Page's brief and a link to the source, ready for the reader to send. It never imports your original chat and never sends or spends anything on its own.
**Limits:**
- 500 published links per person.
- A Page you prepare must be under 9 MB; a file you share must be under 300 MB ("Choose a Page under 9 MB or a file under 300 MB.").
- Link previews use a title up to 90 characters, a description up to 220, and artwork cropped to 1200 × 630.
- With neither audience allowed by your organization, the popover says "Your team policy does not allow a publishing audience." You can still preview and unpublish.
- Not available in read-only chats. [Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md) can write Pages but can't publish them.
### Publishing from an end-to-end encrypted chat
A published Page is a readable copy, so Bearly asks first: "Publish a readable copy?" — "The published Page isn't end-to-end encrypted. People you share it with can read it, and Bearly stores this copy on its servers. The rest of this chat stays encrypted." Select **Publish copy** to go ahead.
From an encrypted chat, a file included with the Page can be up to 25 MB ("Files over 25 MB can't be shared from an encrypted chat yet.").
## Share the key takeaways
`/share` (**Share the key takeaways**) asks Bearly to prepare the conversation as a Page, the same as the header **Share** button. You can also ask in plain words, such as "make this shareable". Preparing doesn't publish or send anything; you still review and select **Publish**.
```text
/share Focus on the final recommendation and the cost table, for a finance audience.
```
It appears only when sharing is allowed and the chat is writable.
## Canvas
Canvas turns an answer into a document you can edit side by side with Bearly. Select text, say what to change, and Bearly rewrites just that part.
**Use it when:** polishing a long draft, an essay, a cover letter, a policy, or a script, where you want to work on sections rather than regenerate the whole answer.
**You need:** any plan. No admin control. A chat you can edit.
1. Under an answer that has text, select **Edit in Canvas** (the notebook-and-pencil icon) — Bearly opens the text as a Canvas and gives it a short title.
2. Switch between **Preview** ("Show the formatted document") and **Edit** ("Edit the Markdown") — on wide screens, **Edit** shows the editor beside the preview.
3. Select some text, type in "Ask AI about this text...", and select **Submit** — Bearly runs a chat turn titled "Canvas Edit" that rewrites the selection. On a narrow screen, use the "How can I edit this for you?" box.
4. Or ask in the chat — once a Canvas exists, Bearly can edit it directly from an ordinary message.
```text
In the Canvas, tighten the introduction to three sentences and make the closing paragraph more direct.
```
5. Use **Copy** in the toolbar, **Undo** and **Redo** while in **Edit**, and **Close Canvas** or Esc to close it.
**What you get:** a live document inside the chat. Its card reads "Canvas", or "Editing in Canvas" while open.
**Limits:** a Canvas has no version history and no download. **Copy** copies the Markdown; paste it wherever you need it, or ask Bearly to turn it into a file. A Canvas isn't a file, so it doesn't appear in **Browse files**. Not available in [Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md).
**Combines with:** [Fix Grammar](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/documents.md#fix-grammar) for a final proofread, the [Document editor](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/documents.md#document-editor) for a Word or PDF version, and Pages for a styled version you can publish.
## Try this
Each recipe runs in one chat.
### Draft in Canvas, then publish it as a styled Page
You get a polished document and a published, printable Page with the same text.
**Why it works:** Canvas edits stay in the chat, and Bearly writes a Page from the conversation, which includes the Canvas. Sharing then adds artwork and a link preview for review before anything goes live.
**You need:** any plan. Admin controls **Sharing** and an audience control (**Public links** or **Share with people and teams**).
1. Ask for a first draft, then select **Edit in Canvas** under it.
```text
Draft a one-page onboarding guide for new support hires: first week schedule, tools to set up, and who to ask for what.
```
2. Revise it with selections — select a section, type the change in "Ask AI about this text...", and select **Submit**.
3. Turn the final text into a Page.
```text
Turn the final Canvas into a styled, printable one-page Page with a clear heading hierarchy and a checklist for the first week.
```
4. Open the Page and select **Share file** → **Prepare share**. When the prepared Page opens, select **Publish**, choose the **Audience**, and select **Publish**.
**Swap in:** a DOCX with `/document` instead of a Page; `/share` to publish the substance of the whole chat; **People and teams** to limit the link to your team.
**If it stalls:** if the Page leaves out your last edits, copy the Canvas with **Copy** and paste it into the message that asks for the Page.
### Build an image gallery Page
You get a single Page that shows a set of images from the chat, with the images inside the file.
**Why it works:** Run Python takes image files from the chat as inputs and can write one HTML file with the images embedded. Any HTML file in a chat renders as a live Page, whatever made it.
**You need:** any plan. Admin control **Run Python**; **Images** if you generate the images first.
1. Get the images into the chat — attach them, or make them with `/image`.
2. Ask Python to build the Page.
```text
/python Build a single HTML gallery Page from the images in this chat, with captions from the file names and a lightbox when I click one. Embed the images in the file.
```
3. Open the result — it renders as a Page; download it or prepare it for sharing.
**Swap in:** ask Bearly to write the Page directly and link the chat's files, which embeds each one up to 10 MB and 25 MB in total; a slideshow instead of a grid.
**If it stalls:** if the Page is too big to prepare for sharing (over 9 MB), ask Python to shrink the images first.
### Share a research chat's conclusion without the back-and-forth
You get a clean Page with just the findings, and a link that lets readers ask their own follow-ups.
**Why it works:** sharing writes the substance of the conversation, not the transcript, and published Pages carry **Continue conversation in Bearly**, which starts a reader's own draft chat from the Page's brief.
**You need:** any plan. Admin controls **Sharing** and **Public links**.
1. Finish the research in the chat.
2. Prepare the Page.
```text
/share Lead with the recommendation, then the three reasons, then the sources.
```
3. When the prepared Page opens, check it, then select **Publish**, set **Audience** to **Anyone with the link**, select **Publish**, and use **Copy link**.
**Swap in:** **People and teams** for internal findings; a single file's **Share file** instead of the whole chat.
**If it stalls:** if the Page isn't what you wanted, select the header **Share** icon again and choose **Create another**, or add direction in a new `/share` message.
## Related
- [Analyze data and run code](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/data-and-code.md)
- [Work with files and documents](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/documents.md)
- [Organize, find, and share](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/organize.md)
- [Organizations](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations.md)
---
---
title: "Make images, video, and audio"
description: "How to generate and edit images, make and edit short videos, turn text into speech with Read aloud and Voice Studio, transcribe audio and video, and have Bearly look at images and video, with each tool's options, limits, and admin controls."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/images-video-audio/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/images-video-audio.md"
---
# Make images, video, and audio
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/images-video-audio/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/images-video-audio/)
> How to generate and edit images, make and edit short videos, turn text into speech with Read aloud and Voice Studio, transcribe audio and video, and have Bearly look at images and video, with each tool's options, limits, and admin controls.
Bearly can make an image, animate it into a video, record a voiceover, transcribe a recording, and watch a clip to check it, all in one chat. Every result is a file in the chat, so the next step can use it. Bearly makes images and speech only when you ask for them.
To point a tool at a file that's already in the chat, type `@` and pick the file under **Assets**; typing the file name yourself doesn't select it. See [Compose messages](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/compose.md).
| You want | Tool | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| A new image from a description | [Imagine](#imagine) | `/image` |
| A change to an image, an edited area, wider edges, or a combined image | [The image editor](#the-image-editor) and Touch Up | `/edit-image` |
| A short video from text or an image | [Make Video](#make-video) | `/video` |
| A change to a short clip | [Edit Video](#edit-video) | `/edit-video` |
| Spoken audio from text | [Text to speech](#text-to-speech) | `/say` |
| Text from speech in a recording | [Transcribe](#transcribe) | `/transcribe` |
| Bearly to look at an image or watch a video | [View Media](#view-media) | `/analyze-media` |
## Imagine
Imagine generates an image from your description. The result opens in an image editor inside the answer, where you can keep iterating.
**Use it when:** you need a product shot, an illustration for a post, a mockup, a mood board image, or a starting frame for a video.
**You need:** any plan; every image run counts as usage. Admin control: **Images** (under **Media & Creativity**). Works in the web app, phone browsers, the desktop app, and the iOS app.
1. Describe the image — name the subject, composition, setting, medium, colors, and light.
```text
/image A matte black water bottle on wet slate, soft overcast light, shallow depth of field, studio product photo.
```
2. Review the result in the editor — Bearly picks a model unless you name one.
3. Iterate in the editor or in the chat — see [The image editor](#the-image-editor).
**What you get:** an image in the chat with **Copy image**, **Download**, and **View full size**. In full view, zoom with + and -, reset the zoom with 0, move between images with the arrow keys, and close with Esc.
**Limits:** there's no size or aspect-ratio setting; the output shape depends on the model. When Bearly runs an image request from the chat and the model's service fails, it switches to a backup model.
## The image editor
The latest image answer in the chat holds the image editor, and its thumbnail strip shows the chat's images. Earlier image answers show **Go to latest image edit** so you can jump to it.
**Use it when:** you want to compare models on one prompt, change part of an image, widen a shot, or merge a product into a scene.
**You need:** the same as Imagine. In a read-only chat the editor is visible but disabled.
Choose an action at the top of the editor:
| Action | What it does |
| --- | --- |
| **Create image** | Makes a new image from the prompt |
| **Edit image** | Changes the selected image as you describe |
| **Change area** | Changes only a part you select: drag a rectangle over the image, or use **Select center**. The × clears the selection |
| **Extend edges** | Widens the image by 25% of its width or height on every side and fills the new space |
| **Combine images** | Blends two or more source images, such as a room and a product |
1. Pick an action and type in the prompt box — it reads "Describe the image you want to create…" or "What would you like to change?". For edits, say what changes and what stays.
2. Optional: select **Refine** for a better-worded prompt, then **Use this** or **Dismiss** — Refine reads only your text, not the images.
3. Add sources with **Upload** ("Upload images") in the thumbnail strip, or select a result in the strip to work on it.
4. Run it — select a featured model (**Good**, **Fast**, or the third suggestion; **Fast** isn't offered for **Change area** or **Extend edges**), pick any model from **All models** ("Run with a model", "One image per click"), or reuse one under **Recent**.
Each click starts its own run, so you can start several models at once and compare. Unfinished thumbnails show **Running**, **Pending**, **Failed**, or **Canceled**; select one for **Cancel run**, **Try again**, or **Dismiss**. **Re-run** repeats a result's original instructions and inputs. A click runs exactly the model you chose, with no automatic retry.
**Limits:** only some models support **Change area** and **Extend edges**, and the editor marks the others with "No area edits". Models are also marked "Edits only", "Create only", "One input image", or "Up to N input images" when they can't do the current action. For area edits, the model uses your selection as a guide; it isn't guaranteed to leave every other pixel untouched.
To edit from the chat instead, type `/edit-image` (**Touch Up**) and describe the change. If the chat has several images, type `@` and pick the one you mean under **Assets**.
```text
/edit-image Make the background of the bottle photo a warm sunset and keep the bottle exactly as it is.
```
**Combines with:** [Make Video](#make-video), which can use any image in the chat as its first or last frame, and [Pages](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas.md) for a gallery.
## Make Video
Make Video generates a short video with sound, from a description alone or by animating an image.
**Use it when:** you need a short social clip, a product teaser, an animated version of an image, or a moving background for a presentation.
**You need:** any plan; usage is counted by the second of video, and higher resolution costs more. Admin control: **Video** (under **Media & Creativity**).
1. Describe the shot, motion, and sound — put any dialogue in quotes.
```text
/video An 8-second vertical video of a lighthouse at dusk, slow push-in, waves and gulls in the background.
```
2. Optional: pick an image in the chat with `@` as the start frame, and another as the end frame — an end frame needs a start frame.
```text
/video Animate the bottle photo: rain starts falling and the camera slowly circles the bottle. 6 seconds.
```
3. Watch the result in the player.
**What you get:** a video card with your prompt in italics, followed by the model name, length, resolution, and **Audio**. The player has **Play video** / **Pause video**, **Mute video** / **Unmute video**, and **Download video**, which saves an MP4.
**Options:**
- **Length:** 4 to 15 seconds. The default is 5.
- **Resolution:** standard 768p by default, or 2K, which costs more.
- **Shape:** 16:9 by default, 9:16, or 1:1. With a start image, the video keeps the image's shape.
- **Sound:** every video includes generated sound.
**Limits:** each attempt counts separately, and a failed attempt isn't retried on another model. On failure you'll see "The video model could not finish this request. Try again later."
## Edit Video
Edit Video changes a short clip you attach or one Bearly made, and saves the result as a new clip.
**Use it when:** you want to change an existing short clip by describing the edit, instead of generating a new video.
**You need:** any plan; usage is counted by the second. Admin control: **Video**.
1. Attach the clip, or pick one already in the chat with `@`.
```text
/edit-video Turn the harbor clip into a snowy winter morning. Keep the boats and camera move the same.
```
2. Watch the new clip — it's badged **Edited**, and your source stays unchanged.
**Options:** the original sound is kept by default. Resolution is 1080p by default, or 720p or 4K.
**Limits:** use a source clip 3 to 10 seconds long. Files over 50 MB are refused.
## Text to speech
Bearly can read any text answer aloud and make downloadable voice recordings in Voice Studio.
### Read aloud
Under any answer that's all text, select the speaker icon (**Read aloud**) to hear it in a standard voice. To use your own choice of voice and delivery instead, turn on **Use for Read Aloud** in Voice Studio.
### Voice Studio
Voice Studio is where you write a script, pick a voice, direct the delivery, and record takes. It appears in the chat as a panel headed **Voice** ("Make audio from this chat").
**Use it when:** recording a video voiceover, a podcast intro, an audiobook passage, an announcement, a calm wind-down script, or listening to your own draft to catch problems.
**You need:** any plan; samples, takes, and comparisons all count as usage. Admin control: **Text to speech** (under **Media & Creativity**). The same control turns off **Read aloud**.
1. Type `/say` with the text, or ask Bearly to read something aloud — Bearly records a first take and opens the studio. Ask for the studio without giving any text and it opens without recording. `/tts` and `/texttospeech` work too.
```text
/say Welcome to the quarterly update. Three things changed this quarter, and all three are good news.
```
2. Pick what you're making under "What are you making?": **Video voiceover**, **Podcast intro**, **Audiobook**, **Proofread by ear**, **Announcement**, or **Wind-down** — each preset picks an engine, three suggested voices, and a delivery.
3. Edit the script — the box reads "Write a script, or start from the conversation above…". **Use reply** and **Use my message** fill it from the chat. A counter shows the characters and an estimated length.
4. Choose a voice under **Cast** — select ▶ on a card to hear it read your opening line. Suggested voices are marked with a dot.
5. Direct the delivery — type it ("Direct the delivery, e.g. warm and unhurried") or pick "Warm and calm", "Bright and upbeat", "Clear and measured", "Dramatic", or "Whispered".
6. Select **Generate** (or press ⌘ Enter in the script box, Ctrl Enter on Windows and Linux) for one take, or **Compare 3** to record the script in your chosen voice and two others at once; after you pick a preset, those are its three suggested voices. When the studio is collapsed, **Hear this reply** records the latest answer.
**What you get:** takes in a player that highlights words as they play, with **Download audio**. Older takes are under **Earlier takes**. Each take is also saved as an audio file in the chat (`.wav` or `.mp3`), so later steps can use it.
**Limits:** Voice Studio appears on the latest text-to-speech result in the chat; earlier results show a plain player. The word highlighting uses estimated timing. A failed recording isn't retried automatically; when a recording you asked for in the chat fails, you'll see "The audio could not be created." In read-only chats you get plain players only. The studio's model switch picks the voice engine, such as **Fast** or **Studio**.
## Transcribe
Transcribe turns speech in audio and video files into text with speaker labels and timestamps, and saves a subtitle file you can reuse.
**Use it when:** you have an interview, lecture, podcast, voice memo, or recorded call as a file and want quotes, a summary, action items, or subtitles.
**You need:** any plan. Admin control: **Transcription** (under **Media & Creativity**).
1. Attach one or more audio or video files — Bearly can transcribe several in one request.
2. Type `/transcribe`, or just ask about what was said — Bearly transcribes before it summarizes or answers questions about a recording.
```text
/transcribe Transcribe the attached interview and name the speakers if you can tell who they are.
```
3. Read the transcript in the viewer — switch between **Captions** and **Table**, adjust **Density**, and type names for the speakers in the boxes under the transcript. Press play to follow along ("Play to begin").
**What you get:** a transcript viewer, with previous and next buttons when you sent several files, and **Download subtitles**, which saves `AudioSubtitles.srt`. Bearly also saves each transcript in the chat as a subtitle file named after the original, such as `interview transcript.srt` for `interview.mp3`, so later messages and tools can read it. Bearly suggests speaker names from what's said in the recording, and you can change them.
**Limits:** each file can be up to 300 MB, the limit for any chat file. There's no language picker. If some files fail you'll see "Some assets could not be transcribed". Asking about the same file again reuses its transcript.
For live recording with a running transcript, use [Meetings and Recordings](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/meetings.md).
## View Media
View Media lets Bearly look at images and watch video files in the chat, including images from much earlier in a long conversation.
**Use it when:** checking a generated video for mistakes, describing a chart screenshot, reading a whiteboard photo, or comparing two product images.
**You need:** any plan.
1. Type `/analyze-media` (**View Media**) and say which file, picking it with `@` if the chat has several, or just ask Bearly to look.
```text
/analyze-media Watch the demo video and list every moment where the on-screen text doesn't match the voiceover, with timestamps.
```
**What you get:** a written answer about what's in the image or video.
**Limits:** Bearly watches up to 10 minutes of video per look and takes longer videos in sections. When it can't watch a video directly, it samples timestamped frames and pairs them with a transcript.
## Controls and model settings
- Organization admins turn these tools on or off with **Images**, **Video**, **Text to speech**, and **Transcription** under **Media & Creativity**. See [Organizations](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations.md).
- **Zero Data Retention only** applies to chat models. It doesn't filter the image, video, transcription, or text-to-speech models, and organization model allow-lists don't apply to them either. With it on, text to speech starts from a different default voice engine. See [Privacy and security](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security.md).
- [Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md) can't generate images or video, run text to speech, or transcribe.
## Try this
Each recipe runs in one chat.
### Product shot to a narrated video in one MP4
You get a product image, an animated clip made from it, a recorded voiceover, and one MP4 with both.
**Why it works:** every result is a file in the chat. Make Video takes the generated image as its start frame, Voice Studio saves the narration as an audio file, and Run Python can merge the two with ffmpeg, which the sandbox includes.
**You need:** any plan. Admin controls **Images**, **Video**, **Text to speech**, and **Run Python**.
1. Make the image.
```text
/image A matte black water bottle on wet stone, rain in the air, moody product photography.
```
2. Animate it — check the video's length badge before you write the script.
```text
/video Animate the bottle image into an 8-second video with a slow push-in and rain sounds.
```
3. Record the voiceover — pick **Video voiceover** in Voice Studio and **Generate** until a take fits.
```text
/say Rain or shine, it keeps your water cold for twenty-four hours.
```
4. Merge them.
```text
/python Put the latest voiceover onto the video as one MP4. Lower the video's own sound under the voice. Keep the length of the video.
```
**Swap in:** skip the image and describe the whole shot in `/video` when you need a set shape, such as 16:9 for a presentation (an animated image keeps the image's shape); **Combine images** to place the product in a room before animating; **Edit Video** to change the scene before merging.
**If it stalls:** Python runs are short and resource-limited, so keep the clip short and the resolution standard. If the voice runs longer than the video, shorten the script and record a new take.
### Burn subtitles into a video
You get your video with captions drawn onto the picture, ready for platforms that play muted.
**Why it works:** Transcribe saves the transcript as an `.srt` subtitle file in the chat, and Run Python can pass both the video and that file to ffmpeg.
**You need:** any plan. Admin controls **Transcription** and **Run Python**.
1. Attach the video and transcribe it — Bearly saves the transcript as an `.srt` file in the chat.
```text
/transcribe Transcribe the attached clip.
```
2. Burn in the captions.
```text
/python Burn the transcript .srt for this clip into the video as white captions with a dark outline at the bottom. Return an MP4.
```
**Swap in:** a clip from Make Video instead of your own; **Download subtitles** to upload captions to a video platform separately instead of burning them in.
**If it stalls:** long or high-resolution videos may be too heavy for one Python run; trim the clip first or split it into parts.
### Turn a podcast episode into a 60-second spoken recap
You get a short summary of the episode's main points, recorded in a voice you choose.
**Why it works:** Transcribe saves the episode's text in the chat, Bearly summarizes from it, and text to speech records the summary as a take.
**You need:** any plan. Admin controls **Transcription** and **Text to speech**.
1. Attach the episode and ask.
```text
Transcribe the attached episode, write a 60-second summary of the three main arguments, and read it aloud in a warm podcast-host voice.
```
2. Adjust in Voice Studio — pick **Podcast intro**, then **Compare 3** to record the summary in its three suggested voices, and **Download audio** on the take you like.
**Swap in:** a meeting from [Meetings and Recordings](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/meetings.md), where **Add to chat** brings its transcript into the chat so you can skip transcribing; [email](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/email-and-text.md) the audio to yourself.
**If it stalls:** attached files can be up to 300 MB; for a longer episode, export a smaller audio-only copy first.
### Watch a generated clip and fix what's wrong
You get a corrected clip after Bearly reviews its own video.
**Why it works:** View Media lets Bearly watch any video in the chat, and Edit Video works on clips of 3 to 10 seconds under 50 MB, which covers generated clips of 10 seconds or less.
**You need:** any plan. Admin control **Video**.
1. Make the clip with `/video`.
2. Ask for a review and a fix.
```text
Watch the clip and list anything inconsistent, such as objects that change or appear from nowhere. Then fix the worst one with Edit Video.
```
3. Compare the original and the clip badged **Edited**.
**Swap in:** your own phone video, as long as it's 3 to 10 seconds and under 50 MB; ask for a new clip with `/video` when the problem is the whole shot.
**If it stalls:** if the clip is longer than 10 seconds, trim it to 10 seconds or less with Run Python first.
## Related
- [Record and use meetings](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/meetings.md)
- [Talk to Bearly: dictation and voice calls](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/voice.md)
- [Analyze data and run code](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/data-and-code.md)
- [Creative recipes](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/creative-recipes.md)
---
---
title: "Record and use meetings"
description: "How to record online meetings, in-person conversations, and voice notes in Bearly's Meetings and Recordings page, follow the live transcript, get the final transcript and speaker names, summarize, export, and hand a transcript to a chat or project to draft follow-ups."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/meetings/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/meetings.md"
---
# Record and use meetings
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/meetings/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/meetings/)
> How to record online meetings, in-person conversations, and voice notes in Bearly's Meetings and Recordings page, follow the live transcript, get the final transcript and speaker names, summarize, export, and hand a transcript to a chat or project to draft follow-ups.
**Meetings and Recordings** records a call, a meeting in the room, or a voice note and transcribes it while people speak. When you stop, the audio and transcript are saved to your account, and you can name speakers, summarize, export, or hand the transcript to a chat to draft follow-ups.
**You need:** any plan; live transcription uses your plan allowance. Admin control: **Meetings** (under **Collaboration**).
## Choose what to record
Select **Meetings and Recordings** in the sidebar, then pick a source card:
| Card | What it records | Where it works |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Online meeting** | The call's audio from your computer and your microphone together, for video calls in any app | The desktop app on Windows, or on a Mac with macOS 13 or later; on Linux and older macOS versions the desktop app records your microphone only. On the web app, phone browsers, and the iOS app the card shows **Get desktop app** |
| **In person or voice note** | The room, through this device's microphone ("Use this device's microphone to record the room.") | Every platform |
On a Mac, recording computer audio uses the system's Screen Recording permission. If that access is off, Bearly records your microphone only and shows **Open Screen Recording settings**; if the microphone is blocked in the desktop app, you'll see **Open microphone settings**.
## Record
**Use it when:** taking notes in a client call, capturing a lecture, recording an interview, or dictating a long voice note you want turned into text later.
1. Choose **Online meeting** or **In person or voice note** — allow microphone access if your device asks.
2. Select **Start recording** — the live, speaker-labelled transcript appears as people talk.
3. Pause if you need to — **Pause recording** stops both the audio and the live transcript, and **Resume recording** picks up again. Pausing appears where your device supports it.
4. Select **Stop recording** (it shows the elapsed time) — the recording uploads, and Bearly starts the final transcript.
While you record, you can keep working anywhere in Bearly. With the sidebar open, a compact recording card shows **Pause**, **Resume**, and **Stop**; with it closed, a floating bar shows the same controls on every page. Bearly suggests a title at 30 seconds and again at 3 minutes, unless you've typed your own.
The footer of the recorder sums up how it works: "Saved continuously on this device", "Recording uploads after you stop", "Up to 1 hr 15 min", and "Only record people with their permission."
**Limits:**
- A recording can run up to 1 hour 15 minutes. At the limit Bearly stops and keeps everything ("Recording stopped at the 1 hr 15 min limit.").
- Bearly needs at least 250 MB of free storage on the device before it starts.
- If your allowance runs out mid-meeting, the audio keeps recording and the transcript pauses: "Live transcript paused at the account limit. Audio recording continues."
- In the desktop app, recording continues while you move around Bearly or the window reloads. In a browser, keep the tab open: a refresh stops the capture, but audio already saved survives.
> **Caution — Consent**
> Only record people with their permission. Recording laws vary by place, and getting consent is your responsibility.
## The final transcript and speakers
After the upload is checked, Bearly transcribes the whole recording again with speaker separation and replaces the live transcript. You'll see "Improving speaker labels…" and then "Speaker labels improved". Older recordings that never had this pass show **Improve speaker labels**.
- The transcript header shows how many speakers were identified, or "Voice memo" for a single voice.
- To name speakers, type each name once ("Name each speaker once. Every matching turn updates."). Names carry through to exports and to what you add to a chat.
- If the final transcript fails, the recording shows **Needs attention** and "The final transcript could not be completed." with **Retry**. The audio stays saved.
## Summarize, copy, and download
Select a recording in the list to open it.
- **Create summary** writes a **Quick summary** with Overview, Key points, Decisions, Action items, and Open questions. Owners and due dates appear only if someone said them. **Copy** copies it and **Refresh** rewrites it. Decisions, Action items, or Open questions with nothing to report say "None captured."
- **Copy** next to the transcript opens an export dialog: **Text only**, **Speaker names**, or **Names and timestamps** (a voice memo offers **Text only** or **Timestamps**). Then **Copy**, or **Download .txt**.
- The audio player plays the original at 0.75× to 2× speed, with a download button for the original audio file (`.m4a` or `.webm`).
- **Delete recording** asks "Delete this recording?" and then permanently deletes the audio, transcript, speaker names, and summary.
Completed recordings and transcripts are saved to your account, so they're on your other devices when you sign in.
## Hand the transcript to a chat or project
This is where a recording turns into work. The transcript becomes a file that Bearly can read, quote, and build on.
1. Open the recording and select **Add to chat** — choose **New chat** ("Attach the transcript to a new draft"), or search with "Find a chat..." and pick an existing one.
2. Bearly attaches the transcript as a Markdown file and focuses the message box — nothing is sent until you send it.
3. Type what you want done with it and send.
The file has the title, when it was recorded, its length, and every turn with its timestamp, plus the speaker's name when more than one person spoke. The summary isn't included; ask Bearly for one in the chat if you want it there.
**Add to project** uploads the same file to a project's files ("Transcript added"), so every chat in that project can search it. It needs write access to the project and the **File uploads** and **Project documents and data** controls. If you have no projects yet, the button is unavailable and its tooltip says "Create a Project before adding this transcript".
### What you can ask once the transcript is in a chat
```text
List every action item with its owner and due date, only where someone said them. Then draft a follow-up email to the attendees.
```
```text
Quote the three moments where the client pushed back on pricing, with timestamps.
```
```text
Turn this interview into a 600-word profile in the third person. Keep every direct quote word for word.
```
```text
What did we decide, what's still open, and who needs to hear about each decision?
```
Bearly reads the attached transcript with its [document tools](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/documents.md#research-your-documents-search-docs-read-doc-scan-doc), so it can cite and quote specific turns.
## Recovery
- If an upload can't finish, the recording stays on the device that made it, marked **Saved on device**, with **Retry upload** and **Discard**. **Discard** asks "Discard this saved recording?" and then permanently removes the audio and transcript stored on that device.
- Bearly deletes the local copy only after it confirms the uploaded file is complete.
For an audio or video file you already have, use [Transcribe](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/images-video-audio.md#transcribe) in a chat instead.
## Try this
Each recipe starts from a finished recording.
### Turn a meeting into action items and a follow-up email
You get a list of action items with stated owners, a drafted follow-up, and the email sent.
**Why it works:** **Add to chat** puts the full transcript in the chat as a file, so Bearly can pull out what each person agreed to. Send Email can then send the draft to you, or to teammates Bearly can find on your team, from the same chat.
**You need:** any plan. Admin controls **Meetings** and **Email notifications**.
1. Open the recording, select **Add to chat** → **New chat**.
2. Ask for the actions and the draft — check names and dates against the transcript.
```text
List every action item with its owner and due date, only where someone said them. Then draft a short follow-up email that thanks the group and lists the actions.
```
3. Send it.
```text
Email that follow-up to me with the action list.
```
**Swap in:** a text message to yourself instead of email; a [Page](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas.md) instead of an email for a longer recap; [Fix Grammar](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/documents.md#fix-grammar) on the draft before sending. See [Email and text](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/email-and-text.md) for recipients and limits.
**If it stalls:** if the transcript shows generic speaker labels instead of names, name the speakers on the recording first, then add it to the chat again.
### Publish the decisions to your team as a restricted Page
You get a one-page summary of decisions at a link only named colleagues can open.
**Why it works:** the transcript in the chat feeds a Page, and a **People and teams** audience limits the published link to the people and teams you choose.
**You need:** any plan. Admin controls **Meetings**, **Sharing**, and **Share with people and teams**.
1. Select **Add to chat** → **New chat** on the recording.
2. Build the Page.
```text
Turn the decisions from this meeting into a one-page Page: decision, reason, owner, and date, with open questions at the end.
```
3. Open the Page and select **Share file** → **Prepare share**. When the prepared Page opens, select **Publish**, set **Audience** to **People and teams**, and select **Publish**. Then use **Manage viewers** to add the people and teams who can open it.
**Swap in:** **Anyone with the link** for a client recap (needs the **Public links** control); `/share` to publish the substance of the whole chat.
**If it stalls:** if **People and teams** isn't offered, your organization hasn't allowed restricted links; ask an admin.
### Build a searchable library of your meetings
You get a project where you can ask questions across every meeting you've added, with citations.
**Why it works:** **Add to project** saves each transcript to the project's files, and with **Always Search Documents** on, every chat in the project searches those files before answering.
**You need:** any plan. Admin controls **Meetings**, **File uploads**, and **Project documents and data**. Write access to the project.
1. After each meeting, open the recording and select **Add to project**, then pick the project.
2. In the project's settings, turn on **Always Search Documents** — see [Work with files and documents](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/documents.md#always-search-documents-projects).
3. Ask across meetings in any chat in the project.
```text
Across our weekly syncs this quarter, how did the launch date change and who raised each concern? Cite the meeting for each point.
```
**Swap in:** one project per client or per course; lecture recordings instead of meetings.
**If it stalls:** search doesn't run in end-to-end encrypted chats, so use a standard chat in the project.
### Turn a voice note into a draft you can edit
You get a structured draft from a spoken idea, ready to polish.
**Why it works:** **In person or voice note** works on any device, the transcript goes to a chat as a file, and Canvas lets you revise the draft section by section.
**You need:** any plan. Admin control **Meetings**.
1. Record with **In person or voice note** while you talk the idea through, then **Stop recording**.
2. Select **Add to chat** → **New chat** and ask for the draft.
```text
Turn this voice note into a blog post outline and a first draft. Keep my examples and phrasing where they're strong.
```
3. Select **Edit in Canvas** under the draft and revise it.
**Swap in:** a project plan, a talk outline, or a list of tasks instead of a post.
**If it stalls:** a recording with one speaker shows as a "Voice memo" without speaker names; that's expected.
## Related
- [Make images, video, and audio](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/images-video-audio.md)
- [Talk to Bearly: dictation and voice calls](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/voice.md)
- [Projects](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects.md)
- [Email and text](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/email-and-text.md)
---
---
title: "Let Bearly use a browser, your files, and your computer"
description: "How a Bearly desktop chat browses sites in Bearly Browser, works in your signed-in Chrome tabs, reads and edits files and runs commands with Work locally, and operates apps with Computer Use, including the approvals each asks for and how to choose between them."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/browser-and-computer/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/browser-and-computer.md"
---
# Let Bearly use a browser, your files, and your computer
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/browser-and-computer/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/browser-and-computer/)
> How a Bearly desktop chat browses sites in Bearly Browser, works in your signed-in Chrome tabs, reads and edits files and runs commands with Work locally, and operates apps with Computer Use, including the approvals each asks for and how to choose between them.
In the desktop app, a chat can do more than answer: it can open and use websites, work in the Chrome you already use, read and change files in a folder you pick, run commands, and click and type in the apps on your screen. Each tool asks before it acts unless you've turned on [Full access](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/permissions.md), and each one can be turned off by your organization.
All four tools need the desktop app for Mac, Windows, or Linux. On the web and on phones, chats that used them stay readable, but Bearly can't look at or change anything on your computer until you return to that chat in the desktop app. See [Get Bearly on every device](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/get-bearly.md).
## Which one to use
| You want Bearly to | Use | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Read or act on websites that don't need your everyday sign-ins | [Bearly Browser](#bearly-browser) | It's a separate browser with its own sign-ins, and routines can use it too |
| Work in a site you're already signed in to in Chrome, or inspect a page's console and network activity | [Control Chrome](#control-chrome) | It uses your real Chrome profile and its sessions |
| Read, create, or change files, run commands, or process a folder | [Work locally](#work-locally) | Direct file and command access is faster and more reliable than clicking through apps |
| Use a native app that has no other route in, such as a desktop accounting or design app | [Computer Use](#computer-use) | It sees the screen and controls the mouse and keyboard |
| Summarize the page you're reading, without the desktop app | The browser extension's side panel | See [Browser extension](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/get-bearly.md#browser-extension) |
| | Bearly Browser | Control Chrome | Work locally | Computer Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Works in | The desktop app | The desktop app plus Chrome with the Bearly Companion extension | The desktop app | The desktop app |
| Uses your sign-ins | Only ones you sign in to or import into Bearly Browser | Yes, your Chrome profile | Whatever your computer account can reach | Whatever is on screen |
| Standard asks before | Each new site, submissions, visual clicks, downloads, website tools | Reading tabs, controlling tabs, or using DevTools | Each read, write, edit, file transfer, and command | The task, then consequential actions |
| In routines | Yes, with browser access on listed sites | No | Yes, with unattended local access | No |
| Organization control | **Browser** | **Chrome extension browser** | **Work locally** | **Computer Use** |
Bearly picks the tool from your request. Name the one you want ("in Chrome", "in Bearly Browser", "in this folder") when it matters.
## Bearly Browser
Bearly Browser is a browser built into the desktop app. Chats work in their own tabs in the background; you can open the panel to watch, browse yourself, or take over a tab. Its sign-ins belong to this Bearly account on this device and are separate from your everyday browser.
**Use it when:** comparing public pages, checking a site you've signed in to inside Bearly Browser, testing a site running on your computer (`http://localhost`) or local network, or giving a routine a browser.
**You need:** the desktop app; your organization allows **Browser**.
1. Open **App Settings** → **Desktop** → **Browser** and turn on **Enable Browser** and **Allow chats to use Browser** — the first makes the browser available, the second lets chats drive it. Both are on by default.
2. Optional: under **Import browser cookies**, choose a **Browser profile** and select **Import** — this copies current site sign-ins from Chrome or Edge into Bearly Browser. Only cookies are copied, never passwords, history, bookmarks, or autofill.
3. Ask in a chat, naming the site and the boundary:
```text
In Bearly Browser, open the pricing pages for these three tools and compare their plans in a table. Don't sign in, start a trial, or submit anything.
```
4. At **Let this chat use this site?**, check the site, pick an **Approval duration**, and select the Allow button — approval covers that one site for this chat. Another site asks separately.
5. To watch, select the **Open Browser** globe in the title bar. Tabs a chat opened show a robot icon, and their tooltip reads **Agent-owned tab**; tabs you opened show a globe. Select **Take over this tab** to pause the agent while you work on the page, and **Resume this tab's agent** to hand it back.
**What you get:** the answer in the chat, plus open tabs you can inspect. Bearly can open, read, screenshot, click, type, choose options, scroll, press keys, and save a download into the chat.
**Limits:** up to eight tabs across your chats. In Standard, these also ask first: **Confirm this Browser action** before a form submission or other consequential action, **Allow this visual Browser action?** for clicks on canvases and embedded frames, and **Save this website file to chat?** for downloads (one file up to 50 MiB, never opened or run). Passwords, payment details, file uploads, CAPTCHAs, and system permission prompts stay with you. Only you can decide on a certificate warning; neither an approval nor Full access can skip it. A page load Bearly started that takes more than 10 seconds is stopped.
**Combines with:** [Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md#browser-access) for scheduled site checks on exact sites; [Work locally](#work-locally) to fix a site you're building.
To point at part of a page, select **Capture and annotate page**, click an element or drag over a region, answer **What should Bearly change or inspect?**, and select **Attach** (⌘ Enter or Ctrl Enter). The capture goes into your message.
Two reset actions sit at the bottom of the Browser settings. **Reset open tabs** → **Reset tabs** closes tabs and clears their history and site approvals; sign-ins stay. **Delete browser data** → **Delete data** signs this account out of sites in Bearly Browser and deletes its cookies, cache, and site storage on this device.
## Control Chrome
With the Bearly Companion extension installed, a desktop chat can work in your everyday Chrome: list and switch tabs, open pages, read them and their console output, take screenshots, click, type, scroll, and, with the highest approval, inspect network activity and run DevTools commands. It uses your Chrome profile, so sites you're signed in to stay signed in.
**Use it when:** the work is in a site you're already signed in to, you want to point at a tab you have open, or you're debugging a page with the console and network log.
**You need:** the desktop app, Chrome itself (not another browser) with the Bearly Companion extension, and your organization allows **Chrome extension browser**. The extension doesn't need to be signed in to Bearly for this.
1. In the desktop app, open **App Settings** → **Desktop** → **Chrome Extension** — the pane is titled **Control Chrome from chat** and shows the connection status.
2. If it says **Chrome extension not connected**, select **Install Chrome extension** and add it to Chrome — or turn the extension back on if it's off.
3. Keep Chrome and the desktop app open until the status reads **Connected to Chrome** — pairing happens on its own, and it survives restarting either app.
4. Ask in a chat and name Chrome:
```text
In Chrome, read the pull request tab I have open and list what changed and what still needs review. Don't post anything.
```
5. Approve the level Bearly asks for — a higher level covers the lower ones.
| Prompt | What it allows |
|---|---|
| **Read your Chrome tabs** | The tab list, page text, screenshots, console output, and page events |
| **Control Chrome** | Everything above, plus opening and closing tabs, navigating, clicking, typing, scrolling, and key presses |
| **Use Chrome DevTools** | Everything above, plus network requests and responses, storage, running JavaScript, debugging, profiling, and request interception |
**What you get:** results in the chat, from the tabs you see. While Bearly is attached to a tab, Chrome shows its own debugging banner.
**Limits:** page reads blank out password and payment-card field values, and Bearly can never open other extensions' pages. Tabs Bearly opened stay open when the chat finishes. Finishing, stopping, or closing a chat doesn't detach Bearly from your tabs; quitting the desktop app or Chrome does. Routines can't use Chrome. To use Chrome with Full access, keep the extension up to date; an older one shows "Update the Bearly browser extension to use Chrome with Full access, or switch this chat to Standard."
**Combines with:** Deep Research, by having the chat read an internal page first and then research the public web about it (see [Research](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research.md)); [Work locally](#work-locally) for debugging with DevTools.
> **Caution — This is your real browser**
> Bearly acts in your signed-in Chrome profile and sees whatever those tabs show. At the DevTools level that includes request contents and stored session data. Page text can contain instructions written to mislead an assistant. State limits in your request, and use Bearly Browser when the task doesn't need your own sign-ins.
## Work locally
**Work locally** lets a chat read, write, and edit files and run commands on your computer. You pick a working folder; Bearly shows each action and asks before it runs.
**Use it when:** cleaning or combining a folder of spreadsheets, converting or renaming files, editing a code project, or producing a file you want saved on your computer.
**You need:** the desktop app; your organization allows **Work locally**.
1. In a desktop chat, select the **Work locally** chip next to the message box, then **Choose folder…** and pick the folder — the chip then shows the folder's name. Recent folders appear in the same menu.
2. Describe the result and what must not change:
```text
Read the CSV files in this folder and make one monthly summary workbook. Don't change the source files. Add the finished workbook to this chat.
```
3. Review each card: it shows the command or the file. Open **Details** for the working folder, the timeout, or whether a write overwrites a file, then pick an **Approval duration**. For reads, the Allow button then reads **Allow reads for this response**, **Allow reads for now**, or **Allow reads this chat**; an approval for writes, edits, or commands also covers reads.
4. Check the result. Ask Bearly to reopen a file it made, or to run a check. Ask it to "add it to this chat" to keep a file with the conversation.
5. Select **Stop** to stop the response; a running command stops with it.
**What you get:** files changed or created on your computer, and chat files when you ask for them. The tools appear in the chat as **Shell**, **Read File**, **Write File**, **Edit File**, **Attach File** (a local file into the chat), and **Save Locally** (a chat file onto your computer).
**Limits:** a command times out after 2 minutes unless Bearly sets a longer limit, up to 10 minutes. Bearly won't start servers, watchers, or anything meant to keep running; start those yourself. **Attach File** and **Save Locally** handle files up to 50 MB. If you deny a request, Bearly doesn't retry the same one. Bearly installs the runtimes it needs for scripts the first time a task uses them; you can see them under **App Settings** → **Desktop** → **Runtime**.
**Combines with:** [Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md#unattended-local-access) with unattended local access; [skills](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/connectors-and-skills.md#skills) whose scripts run on your computer; [Pages](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas.md) built from what it computes.
The chip's menu also has **Clear folder** (go back to a private folder for this chat), **Off for this chat**, and **Turn on for this chat**. Without a chosen folder, Bearly works in a private folder of its own for that chat. The folder and any chat-length approvals belong to this chat on this device.
> **Caution — The folder is not a sandbox**
> The working folder is where Bearly starts, not a boundary. An approved command can reach any file your computer account can. Use a folder that holds only what the task needs, and keep backups of anything important.
## Computer Use
Computer Use lets Bearly complete a task in the apps on your screen. It takes screenshots, reads the apps' accessibility text, and clicks, types, scrolls, drags, and uses keyboard shortcuts. Computer use runs on your device; the screenshots it takes while working go to the model you picked.
**Use it when:** the task lives in a desktop app with no file or web route, such as reading figures from an open report window, changing a setting in an app, or moving data between two apps.
**You need:** the desktop app on Mac, Windows, or Linux; your organization allows **Computer Use** and at least one of the models Computer Use supports. On a Mac, Bearly needs **Accessibility** and **Screen Recording** permission in **System Settings** → **Privacy & Security**.
1. Open the app and window involved and leave it visible — there's no mode to switch on.
2. Ask for the whole task and where to stop:
```text
In the spreadsheet that's open, sort the Budget tab by due date. Stop before saving.
```
3. At **Use your computer**, open **Details** to see the goal, the model, the data that goes to it (relevant conversation context, attachments, screenshots, and app text captured while working), and the access (the full desktop: screenshots, focus, mouse, and keyboard). Pick an **Approval duration** and allow.
4. Watch the **Computer** chip by the message box: it shows the status, such as **Looking** or **Working** in an app. Select **Stop** on the chip to end the task.
5. Read the **Computer Use** step in the answer: it lists the screen, the apps, and the actions taken.
**What you get:** the task done in the app, with a record of each action.
**Limits:** one Computer Use task at a time per chat. Bearly's own windows are never a target. Routines never see or control your screen. Before a consequential action your request didn't already authorize, such as sending, publishing, buying, deleting, or changing account or security settings, Bearly asks **Confirm this computer action**; Full access covers this one. A safety check raised during the task also shows **Confirm this computer action**, and that one always asks, even with Full access.
**Combines with:** [Run Python and charts](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/data-and-code.md) after it reports what it read; [email](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/email-and-text.md) to send the result.
On a Mac, if a permission is missing, Bearly says "Computer Use needs Accessibility and Screen Recording access." Turn on **Bearly** under both in **System Settings** → **Privacy & Security**, then send the request again. On Windows, Bearly may offer **Finish setting up Computer Use** for a small helper that controls protected and background windows more reliably; select **Finish setup** and approve the administrator prompt. Its status lives at **App Settings** → **Desktop** → **Runtime** → **Windows Computer Use helper**.
If your organization's model policy blocks every model Computer Use supports, Bearly says so instead of starting.
> **Caution — Computer Use sees the whole screen**
> Close or hide anything you don't want in a screenshot before you approve the task, and stay nearby while it works.
## Website tools
Some websites publish their own tools for assistants. When the page you're on offers them, Bearly can list and run them in Bearly Browser or in Chrome. Running one asks **Run this website tool?** and shows the site, the tool, and whether the site says the tool only reads or may change data. The site controls what its tool actually does, so treat the label as the site's claim.
## Try this
### Chart a table from a dashboard you're signed in to
A chart and a CSV of the table, built from a page only your Chrome sign-in can see.
**Why it works:** Control Chrome reads the page in your own signed-in profile, so the table's text lands in the chat. Bearly saves it as a CSV file, and charts work from CSV files in the chat, so the next step can plot it or compute with Run Python.
**You need:** the desktop app with Chrome showing **Connected to Chrome**; your organization allows **Chrome extension browser** and **Charts** or **Run Python**.
1. Open the dashboard in Chrome and set the filters and date range you want — Bearly reads what the tab shows.
2. In a desktop chat, ask:
```text
In Chrome, read the monthly revenue table on the analytics tab I have open. Save it as a CSV in this chat, chart revenue by month, and point out the two biggest changes. Don't click anything.
```
Bearly lists your tabs and asks **Read your Chrome tabs**.
3. Choose **This response** and allow — one approval covers the tab list, the page read, and a screenshot if it takes one.
4. Check the chart against the dashboard, then ask follow-ups in the same chat; the CSV stays in the chat's files.
**Swap in:** allow **Control Chrome** and say "click Next until the last page" for paginated tables; use Bearly Browser when the site doesn't need your everyday sign-in; ask for an interactive Page with `/visualize` instead of a chart.
**If it stalls:** if the table loads as you scroll, scroll it fully into view yourself or allow **Control Chrome**. If you see "Chrome extension control could not complete that action", ask Bearly to list your Chrome tabs again.
### Turn a folder of CSV exports into a one-page summary
A combined `summary.csv` in the folder and a one-page summary in the chat, without uploading the exports one by one.
**Why it works:** Work locally runs commands in your folder, so Bearly can combine the files with command-line tools or a short script it writes and runs. What the commands print comes back into the chat, where Bearly can build a Page from it.
**You need:** the desktop app; your organization allows **Work locally**.
1. Select **Work locally** → **Choose folder…** and pick the folder of exports — the chip shows its name.
2. Ask:
```text
Combine every CSV in this folder by month and region without changing the source files. Write the totals to summary.csv in this folder, then make a one-page summary with a table and the three biggest month-over-month changes, and add it to this chat.
```
3. For the reads, choose **This response** and select **Allow reads for this response**. When the command and the write appear, open **Details**, confirm the path is `summary.csv` and nothing is overwritten, then allow.
4. Open the summary in the chat; `summary.csv` is in your folder.
**Swap in:** ask Bearly to **Save Locally** the summary Page into the folder too; put the same request in a routine with [unattended local access](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md#unattended-local-access) to refresh it every Monday; use `/visualize` for a chart you can filter.
**If it stalls:** a command that runs past its time limit stops; ask Bearly to work one file at a time. For very large files, ask it to read only the header and the first 100 rows before deciding on a plan.
### Find and fix a bug in a site running on your computer
A fixed page, confirmed in the same browser tab Bearly used to find the problem.
**Why it works:** Bearly Browser can open `http://localhost`, so Bearly can see the bug, and Work locally can edit the project, so it can fix it. Reloading the same tab confirms the change.
**You need:** the desktop app; your organization allows **Browser** and **Work locally**; your development server already running.
1. Start your development server yourself — Bearly won't start long-running processes.
2. Select **Work locally** → **Choose folder…** and pick the project folder.
3. Ask:
```text
Open http://localhost:3000/settings in Bearly Browser and find out why the Save button does nothing. Then fix it in this folder and reload the page to confirm. Don't start any servers.
```
4. Approve the site, then the reads and edits Bearly shows.
5. Ask for a short summary of what changed and why.
**Swap in:** use Chrome with **Use Chrome DevTools** when you need console errors and failed network requests; select **Capture and annotate page** to point at the broken element.
**If it stalls:** if the page doesn't load, check the server is still running. If Bearly proposes starting the server, deny it and start it yourself.
### Read figures from a desktop app and chart them
A chart of numbers that only exist in a native app's window.
**Why it works:** Computer Use reads what's on screen and reports it back to the chat. Computer Use can't run Python itself, but the chat can, so the next step charts the figures it returned.
**You need:** the desktop app; your organization allows **Computer Use** and **Run Python** or **Charts**; on a Mac, Accessibility and Screen Recording permission.
1. Open the app and the report window with the figures.
2. Ask:
```text
In the accounting app that's open, read the twelve monthly totals from the Reports window. Don't change anything. Then chart them and tell me which months stand out.
```
3. At **Use your computer**, check **Details** and allow **Once** — the task is short.
4. Watch the **Computer** chip; select **Stop** if it heads somewhere unexpected.
**Swap in:** if the app can export a CSV, use Work locally on the export instead; it's faster and exact. Add "then email me the chart" to send it (see [Send email and texts](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/email-and-text.md)).
**If it stalls:** bring the window into view and ask Bearly to continue. On a Mac, grant the permissions Bearly names and resend.
## Related
- [Approvals, permissions, and Full access](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/permissions.md) — every approval card and what Full access covers.
- [Automate with Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md) — what a scheduled run can do in Bearly Browser and on your computer.
- [Bearly Browser](https://bearly.ai/docs/features/browser.md), [Control Chrome](https://bearly.ai/docs/features/chrome-control.md), [Work locally](https://bearly.ai/docs/features/work-locally.md), and [Computer Use](https://bearly.ai/docs/features/computer-use.md) in the feature guides.
---
---
title: "Connect apps and add skills"
description: "How to connect services and your own MCP servers to Bearly, turn a connector on for a chat or a routine, sign in on each device, and install and run skills, including the built-in Visualize and Bearly AI Models skills, with platform limits and approvals."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/connectors-and-skills/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/connectors-and-skills.md"
---
# Connect apps and add skills
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/connectors-and-skills/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/connectors-and-skills/)
> How to connect services and your own MCP servers to Bearly, turn a connector on for a chat or a routine, sign in on each device, and install and run skills, including the built-in Visualize and Bearly AI Models skills, with platform limits and approvals.
Connectors give a chat another app's own tools: find a page in your workspace, read an issue, check a deployment. Skills give Bearly a reusable method for a kind of work, with instructions and, sometimes, scripts it can run on your computer. Both are set up once in **App Settings** and then used by name in chats and routines.
## Connectors
A connector is an MCP server: a service that offers tools Bearly can call. Bearly comes with presets for common services, and you can add any server you trust.
**Use it when:** you want answers from your own work apps, such as open issues, recent deployments, or a workspace page, or you want Bearly to make a change there that you've asked for.
**You need:** your organization allows **MCP Connectors**; to add your own servers, it also allows **Personal MCP servers**. Connectors that need a service sign-in can't be connected in the iOS app (see [Where connectors work](#where-connectors-work)).
A connector goes through three states:
- **Installed** — it's in your list under **Your connectors**, but not signed in or checked yet.
- **Connected** — Bearly reached it; a green dot appears by its name.
- **Active** — you turned it on in a chat. A connected connector does nothing in a chat until you do.
### Add a built-in connector
The **Built-in connectors** list offers Notion, Linear, Calendly, Vercel, Cloudflare, GitHub, Stripe, Webflow, Atlassian, Sentry, and Intercom.
1. Open the account menu at the bottom of the sidebar, select **App Settings**, then **Connectors**.
2. Under **Built-in connectors**, select **Add** beside the service — it moves to **Your connectors**, not yet signed in.
3. Select **Connect** and finish the service's own sign-in in the window that opens — read the permissions it asks for before approving.
4. Back in Bearly, the green dot shows it's connected.
### Add your own MCP server
1. Open **App Settings** → **Connectors** and select **Add custom MCP server**.
2. Choose a **Transport**: **HTTPS** for a server on the web, or **npm package** to run a package on your computer (desktop app only). Give it a **Name**.
3. For HTTPS, enter the **Server URL** (a Streamable HTTP server over HTTPS) and pick **Authentication**: **OAuth (automatic)** for servers with MCP sign-in (optionally with **OAuth scopes**), **Bearer token**, **Custom headers**, or **No authentication**. For npm, enter the **npm package**, any **Arguments**, and **Environment variables**.
4. Select **Add and check** — Bearly saves the server, contacts it, and lists the tools it found. If it can't connect, the reason appears under the row.
Tokens and header values you enter are stored in this Bearly profile on this device. An npm server runs on your computer as you, so it can reach your files.
> **Caution — Only add servers you trust**
> A remote server sees what each tool call sends it and can return instructions along with its results. An npm package runs on your computer with your access. Add a server because you know who publishes it.
### Turn a connector on in a chat
1. In the chat, select **Connectors** next to the message box — rows show **Active**, **Off**, **Connect**, **Retry**, or **Web browser required**.
2. Select a connected service to make it **Active** — the chip then shows its name, or the number of active connectors.
3. Ask for a specific result and say what must not change:
```text
Using Linear, list the issues assigned to me that changed this week, grouped by project. Don't edit anything.
```
4. At **Allow Linear?** (the card names your connector), pick an **Approval duration** and allow — the card warns that "This connected server controls what its tools do." One approval covers that server's tools, including ones that change data.
**What you get:** answers built from the service's own data, and changes made there when you ask for them. Bearly can do only what the server's tools and your account in that service allow.
**Limits:** a tool image over 20 MB is rejected. Approvals reset when you disconnect, sign in again, or change the server's settings. A server's own "read-only" labels don't limit an approval.
**Combines with:** [Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md#tools-and-skills) for scheduled digests; [Pages](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas.md) and `/visualize` to turn results into a page; [email](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/email-and-text.md) to send them.
You can also ask Bearly to find and connect a service for you, in a typed chat or a voice call: "connect Linear and show my open issues". Bearly asks with a card such as **Connect Linear?**, and that card always asks, even in Full access. If the service needs a sign-in, Bearly then shows **Continue sign-in**.
### Sign in on each device
A connection belongs to the Bearly profile where you set it up: this browser, the desktop app, or the iOS app. It isn't copied to your other devices. Connect the service again on each one you use. Routines use the connections on the device that runs them; if a selected connector isn't connected there, the run says so.
**Disconnect** drops the sign-in but keeps the connector in your list. The pencil (**Edit**) changes a server you added. The **Remove** X takes it out of your list. None of these delete anything in the service itself; to revoke Bearly's access there, use the service's own connected-apps settings.
### Servers from your organization
An organization administrator can add servers to a policy under **Team MCP servers**. They appear in your list with **Managed by your team policy**. You still sign in with your own account: select **Connect**, or the pencil (**Set up authentication**) to enter your own token or header value.
### Where connectors work
| Where | Servers with a token, headers, or no sign-in | Servers with a service sign-in | npm servers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Desktop app | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Web app and phone browsers | Yes | Yes | No |
| iOS app | Yes | No, shows **Web browser required** | No |
| A browser opened inside another app on Android | Yes | No | No |
npm servers off the desktop app show **Desktop required** and "npm MCP servers require the Bearly desktop app."
## Skills
A skill is a folder with an instruction file and, often, supporting files and scripts. When you ask for it, or when your request clearly matches what it's for, Bearly opens the skill and follows its method. Scripts in a skill run on your computer, with your approval.
**Use it when:** you want the same method every time, such as a house style for documents, a review checklist, a report built the same way each week, or a workflow your team shares.
**You need:** the desktop app to install skills and run their scripts; your organization allows **Skills**, and **Add Skills** to install them. Built-in skills work on every platform.
### Built-in skills
- **Visualize** — type `/visualize` and describe what you want to see. It turns an idea, layout, process, or dataset into a focused visual: an interactive planner or simulation when controls help, and a generated picture only when you ask for one.
- **Bearly AI Models** — lets scripts Bearly writes call Bearly's models with a short-lived token: chat models, image generation, document text recognition, web search, HTML-to-PDF, and audio transcription. In Work locally and skill scripts, the token is supplied to each run automatically and lasts about five minutes. See the recipe [Classify a folder of files with Bearly's models](#classify-a-folder-of-files-with-bearlys-models).
### Install a skill
1. In the desktop app, open **App Settings** → **Skills** — the **Skill Store** opens.
2. Under **Skill repositories**, expand a repository to see its skills, and select **Install** beside one.
3. Read **Install third-party skill?** — it shows the source and warns that a skill "can include instructions and scripts. It may be wrong or malicious, and local execution can modify or delete data". Select **I understand the risks** only for a source you trust.
4. The skill appears under **Installed** as **Enabled**.
To install from somewhere else, use **Install from source**: **Git** with **Add Repository**, an HTTPS **URL ZIP** with its **SHA-256** and **Install**, or a **Folder** with **Import Folder** (copies it) or **Link Folder** (uses it in place). Under **Installed**, **Pause** hides a skill from chats, **Enable** brings it back, **Uninstall** removes a copied skill, and **Unlink** disconnects a linked folder without deleting it.
If your organization limits who adds skills, the pane says "Admins can add and remove Skills. You can browse repositories and pause Skills already available here."
### Use a skill in a chat
1. Type `/skill` in the message box — enabled skills appear in the list, each as `/skill-` followed by its name.
2. Pick one and describe the job — Bearly opens that skill before answering.
3. If the skill needs a script, a card titled with the skill and the script's path appears, showing the command. Open **Details** for the file, runtime, any packages it installs, and the timeout. Pick an **Approval duration** and allow, or **Deny**.
**What you get:** work done the skill's way. A longer approval is saved as "Run" plus the skill's name plus "scripts" and covers that skill's scripts.
**Limits:** scripts run as you on your computer; it isn't a sandbox. Installed skills and their files are on this desktop only; on the web and phones, chats that used one stay readable, but Bearly can't open its files there.
**Combines with:** [Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md#tools-and-skills), where a skill's **Allow scripts** switch lets its scripts run unattended; [Work locally](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/browser-and-computer.md#work-locally); [Projects](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects.md), where owners and writers can attach skills to every chat in the project.
Your organization can also turn off **Skill scripts** separately from **Work locally**.
## Try this
### Get a weekly issue digest by email
Every Friday afternoon, an email listing what closed and what's still open in your tracker.
**Why it works:** a routine pins the connectors you pick, with **Read-only** keeping the run to tools that only look things up. The run's answer becomes the email, because **Email each result** sends each finished result to you.
**You need:** Pro or higher; the desktop app open on the device that runs the routine; Linear (or another tracker) connected on that device; your organization allows **MCP Connectors**, **Routines**, and **Email notifications**.
1. Connect Linear in **App Settings** → **Connectors** in the desktop app — routines use that device's connections.
2. Open **Routines** and type into **Create a routine**, then select **Draft routine**:
```text
Every Friday at 4 PM, list the Linear issues closed this week and the ones still open in the current cycle, grouped by project, with owners.
```
3. In the editor, open **Tools and skills** → **Plugin** → **Connectors**, pick Linear, and set its **Tools** to **Read-only**.
4. Turn on **Email each result** and select **Create routine**. To see the first digest now, open the routine again from **Your routines** and select **Run now**.
**Swap in:** GitHub instead of Linear for pull requests; **Text each result** for a two-line summary instead of an email; a **Notification filter** such as "only if something is overdue".
**If it stalls:** if the run says the connector isn't connected, connect it on the device shown in **Run location**. If **Read-only** leaves no tools for the job, set **Tools** to **All** and keep "don't change anything" in the instructions.
### Turn open pull requests into a status page
A one-page view of open pull requests, grouped by reviewer and age, that you can share.
**Why it works:** the connector returns the pull requests as data in the chat, and `/visualize` turns data already in the chat into a Page.
**You need:** GitHub connected and turned on in the chat; your organization allows **MCP Connectors**.
1. Select **Connectors** by the message box and make GitHub **Active**.
2. Ask:
```text
Using GitHub, list the open pull requests in our main repository with author, reviewers, and days open. Don't comment or change anything.
```
Approve **Allow GitHub?** for **This response**.
3. Type `/visualize` and ask:
```text
Make a status page from these pull requests: group them by reviewer, flag anything open more than 7 days, and add a filter by author.
```
4. Open the Page in the chat, and publish it if you want a link (see [Pages and canvas](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas.md)).
**Swap in:** Sentry issues or Vercel deployments instead of pull requests; email the page to yourself afterward.
**If it stalls:** the connector's tools decide what Bearly can list. If it can't filter the way you asked, ask for everything first and filter in the next turn.
### Classify a folder of files with Bearly's models
A `labels.csv` that tags hundreds of text files, made by a script that calls Bearly's models for each one.
**Why it works:** Work locally runs a script Bearly writes in your folder, and the built-in Bearly AI Models skill gives that script a short-lived token for Bearly's models, so each file gets its own model call. You don't create or paste an API key, and usage counts on your Bearly account.
**You need:** the desktop app; your organization allows **Work locally** and **Skills**.
1. Select **Work locally** → **Choose folder…** and pick the folder of files.
2. Ask:
```text
Use the Bearly AI Models skill. Write a script that reads every .txt file in this folder, asks a fast model to label each as bug, billing, or how-to, and writes filename and label to labels.csv. Try it on 5 files first, show me the results, then run it on the rest.
```
3. Review the script and the command in **Details**, then allow — the trial run on 5 files shows the labels before the full run.
4. Open `labels.csv`, or ask Bearly to add it to the chat.
**Swap in:** summaries instead of labels; image generation or transcription for a folder of prompts or recordings; a [routine with unattended local access](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md#unattended-local-access) to label new files every morning.
**If it stalls:** a script that runs longer than its time limit stops; ask Bearly to process the files in batches. If calls start failing after a few minutes, the token expired; ask Bearly to get a fresh one and continue.
## Related
- [Approvals, permissions, and Full access](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/permissions.md) — what each connector and script approval covers.
- [Use Bearly from scripts and agents](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/api-and-agents.md) — API keys for code that runs outside Bearly.
- [Connectors](https://bearly.ai/docs/features/connectors.md) and [Skills](https://bearly.ai/docs/features/skills.md) in the feature guides.
---
---
title: "Automate with Routines"
description: "How to create, schedule, equip, and deliver Bearly routines, including the Pro requirement, where routines run, exactly which tools a scheduled run can use, connectors, skills, Deep Research, permission mode, unattended local access, browser access, the notification filter, email and text delivery, and run history."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md"
---
# Automate with Routines
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines/)
> How to create, schedule, equip, and deliver Bearly routines, including the Pro requirement, where routines run, exactly which tools a scheduled run can use, connectors, skills, Deep Research, permission mode, unattended local access, browser access, the notification filter, email and text delivery, and run history.
A routine is a prompt Bearly runs for you on a schedule: a weekday news brief, a Friday roundup, a month-end recap. Each routine has its own chat, and every run is added to it. You can also have each result emailed or texted to you, or only the results that clear a bar you set.
**You need:** Pro or higher to create, edit, or run routines; the desktop app, open, on the device that runs them; your organization allows **Routines**. Below Pro, the Routines page shows "Routines are a Pro feature." with **Go Pro**, and existing routines are read-only.
> **Note — Routines run in the desktop app**
> Routines run in the desktop app, on the one device they're installed on, while the app is open. You can create and edit them on the web, a phone, or the iOS app; install them from the desktop app to run them. See [Run location](#run-location-run-now-and-recent-runs).
## How routines work
- **One chat per routine.** Every run is added to the routine's chat and marks it unread. While the app is open, a **Routine ran** notice with **Open** appears.
- **Synced everywhere, run in one place.** Your routines appear on every device you sign in on, but only the installed device runs them.
- **Schedules.** Each routine runs at one time on its scheduled days: **Daily**, **Weekdays**, **Weekends**, **Weekly** on the days you pick, or **Monthly** on a day from the 1st to the 28th. Times use your current timezone. For several checks a day, make several routines.
- **Up to 10 active routines.** Paused routines don't count.
- **One run at a time per device.** Routines due at the same time run one after another.
- **Up to 25 minutes per run.** A run that takes longer is stopped.
- **Catch-up.** If the app was closed or the computer was asleep at the scheduled time, the routine runs once for the most recent missed time when the app is back. Older missed times are recorded as "Skipped — device was away".
- **Auto-pause.** After two failed runs in a row, the routine pauses and shows **Routine paused**: "failed twice in a row. Open Routines to resume it."
- **Encryption.** A routine's chat uses Bearly's standard encryption, not end-to-end encryption, even if you encrypt your new chats end-to-end. An end-to-end encrypted chat can't be a routine's chat.
## Create a routine
There's no slash command for routines. Start one in any of three ways.
1. Open **Routines** in the sidebar, or press ⌘ K (Ctrl K on Windows and Linux) and choose **New Routine**.
2. In **Create a routine**, describe the result and when you want it, then select **Draft routine** or press Enter — Bearly drafts the name, instructions, schedule, and, if you wrote "only tell me if…", a notification filter. The **Try** chips show examples. **Start from scratch** opens an empty editor instead.
```text
Send me a concise AI news brief every weekday at 8 AM. Only tell me if there's a major model release.
```
3. Review the draft under **New routine** and change anything that's off — if drafting fails, the editor still opens with your text as the instructions and a weekday 8 AM schedule.
4. Select **Create routine** — the routine gets its own chat, and if you're in the desktop app, it's installed on this device. To see a first result without waiting for the schedule, open the routine again from **Your routines** and select **Run now**.
You can also ask in any chat, including the chat that just did the job well:
```text
Do this every weekday at 8 and email me the result.
```
Bearly sets up the routine and shows a card with its name, schedule, and instructions, plus which device runs it or a note to open the desktop app to choose one. It asks one short question when the task or the time is unclear. It doesn't turn on email, texts, connectors, skills, scripts, conditions, or paid research unless you ask for them. It turns on unattended local access or browser access only when the task clearly needs them, and then only through a warning card you approve. It can't turn on Full access; that happens only in the editor.
## The editor
Open a routine from **Your routines** to edit it. Changes take effect when you select **Save**.
### Routine
- **Name** — how the routine appears in lists and notices.
- **Instructions** — what to do each time. Make the first run self-contained; later runs can see earlier ones if **Build on previous runs** is on.
- **Model** — the model that runs the routine. It starts on Bearly's default for your plan, and the list follows your plan and your organization's model policy. See [Choose and compare models](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/models.md).
### Schedule
Pick the cadence, the days, and the time. The preview line shows the next run times and your timezone, such as "Next: Mon Oct 27 · 8:00 AM, then Tue, Wed".
### Tools and skills
Give each routine only what it needs. Under **Tools**, select **Plugin**:
- **Bearly** → **Deep Research** ("Uses plan allowance") — each run does one full Deep Research report on the instructions and emails you the PDF. Choose the **Tier**: **Standard** needs the Analyst plan or higher, **Ultra** needs Research. The plan is checked when the run starts. See [Research](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research.md).
- **Connectors** — pick connected services. Each has a **Tools** setting: **All**, or **Read-only** to keep the run to tools that only look things up. Selected connectors are used without asking during runs. Connect them on the device that runs the routine; a run notes when one isn't connected there.
- **Skills** — pick installed skills. A skill with scripts has **Allow scripts** ("Runs this skill's scripts unattended, with your Bearly token."). Leave it off unless you trust the skill to run without you.
- **Manage connectors…** and **Manage skills…** open their settings. See [Connect apps and add skills](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/connectors-and-skills.md).
### What a scheduled run can use
A run works with nobody watching, so it gets a fixed, smaller set of tools than a chat. Your organization's policy still applies to each one.
| Always available in runs | Only when you turn it on for the routine |
|---|---|
| Web search, image search, and reading web pages | Connectors you select |
| Reading public posts on X | Skills you select; their scripts only with **Allow scripts** or unattended local access |
| Scholar paper search | Deep Research, through the plugin |
| Reading and searching the routine chat's files | Local files and commands, with **Unattended local access** |
| Writing files, including CSV files and HTML Pages | Bearly Browser on listed sites, with **Browser access** |
| Sending you email and texts | |
Never available in runs: Computer Use, Chrome, Run Python (the cloud interpreter) and the document editor that uses it, image generation, video generation, transcription, text to speech, voice, Council, watching and cutting videos, Best Pick, People Search, maps, weather, SEO data, domain research, chart authoring, canvas, prompt templates, memory recall, chat management, video downloads, grammar fixes, Browse Files, and remote modules.
To get numbers, tables, or visuals from a routine, ask it to write a CSV file or an HTML Page, then open the routine's chat and keep going there: it's an ordinary chat with every tool you normally have. With unattended local access, a run can also compute with commands on your computer.
### Permission mode
**Permission mode** sets how a routine's selected tools get approval while you're away.
- **Standard** — the default. Of the tools that would ask for approval in a chat, a run can use only the ones you turned on for this routine: selected connectors, skill scripts you allowed, local files and commands with unattended local access, and Bearly Browser within its approved sites. Anything else that needs approval is denied, and the run continues without it.
- **Full access** — "Selected tools can act without additional approval" on the device that runs the routine, "including scheduled runs while you're away. This stays on across app restarts."
1. Create the routine in Standard and save it.
2. On the desktop device shown in **Run location**, open it and select **Enable full access** under **Permission mode**.
3. Review the tools it lists and confirm — enabling it stops any current run and leaves the schedule unchanged.
Full access in a routine doesn't add Computer Use, Chrome, or DevTools, and never widens the sites or actions in browser access. Saving a material change, such as the instructions, schedule, model, delivery, or tools, sets the routine to **Full access needs review**; select **Review full access**, or **Use Standard**. Copied and moved routines start in Standard. Full access in a chat never carries over to a routine. See [Approvals, permissions, and Full access](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/permissions.md).
### Unattended local access
**Unattended local access** "Lets scheduled runs use Local Exec and approved skill scripts without waiting for you." Local Exec is Work locally's tools: shell commands, and reading, writing, and editing files.
1. In the desktop app, turn on **Unattended local access** in the routine's **Tools** section.
2. Read **Make sure you know what this allows** — it lists every risk.
3. Select **Allow unattended access**, then **Save** (or **Create routine** for a new one).
The risks it lists: the routine "can permanently delete production data if this machine has access to it", "can permanently delete or overwrite your files", can be steered by "prompt injection hidden in websites, documents, email, or connector data", and "can expose credentials, secrets, and private files to the model or this chat." The safer setup: "Use a dedicated working folder with the least access possible, keep current backups, and do not enable this on a machine with production access unless you accept that risk."
If you ask a chat to turn this on, or to rewrite the instructions of a routine that has it, the same warning appears in the chat as a card you must approve before anything is saved. You can't approve it by voice.
> **Danger — Unattended means no one checks each command**
> With this on, a run can run commands and change or delete any file your computer account can reach, without asking. Use it only when the routine needs local work, and test with **Run now** first.
### Browser access
**Browser access** "Lets scheduled runs use a browser on the sites you list while you're away." Routines use Bearly Browser only; they can't use your Chrome.
| Switch or field | What it does |
|---|---|
| **Bearly Browser** | Turns browser access on. "Uses the sign-ins you imported into Bearly Browser. The Browser panel stays closed." |
| **Sites** | "Only these exact sites. A subdomain, like pay.example.com, is a separate site." Type a site and select **Add**; `www.` is optional. Sites named in your instructions appear under **From the instructions:** for one-click adding. Up to 20 sites. |
| **Click, type, and submit** | "Click buttons, type, choose options, and submit forms on these sites. When off, it only reads pages and follows links." |
| **Download files** | "Save files from these sites into this routine's chat." Available only with **Click, type, and submit** on. |
1. Sign in to the sites in Bearly Browser on the device that runs the routine, or import your sign-ins under **App Settings** → **Desktop** → **Browser** → **Import browser cookies** — a run never types into password or payment fields.
2. In the routine's **Tools** section, turn on **Bearly Browser** under **Browser access** and add the sites.
3. Leave **Click, type, and submit** off unless the routine has to change something.
4. Select **Save** (or **Create routine** for a new one), read **Make sure you know what this allows** (it lists what's new since you last approved), and select **Allow browser access and save**.
5. Open the saved routine, select **Run now**, and check the result before relying on the schedule.
**What a run can do there:** open up to 3 tabs of its own, in the background, closed when the run ends; read pages and follow links on the listed sites; with **Click, type, and submit**, take the actions its instructions ask for, including submitting forms, without asking again.
**Limits:** the desktop app stops any request to another site before it's sent, including link clicks, redirects, pop-ups, and form posts. A run never touches password or payment fields, never uploads files, closes a tab with an invalid certificate, and stops at a CAPTCHA. The approval is tied to the instructions: if the instructions or these settings change without a new approval, runs go without a browser until you save and approve again. Narrowing access saves without asking.
**You also need:** the desktop app; **Enable Browser** and **Allow chats to use Browser** on in **App Settings** → **Desktop** → **Browser**; your organization allows **Routines**, **Browser in Routines**, and **Browser**.
The approval warns that on these sites the routine "acts as you", can be tricked by "instructions hidden in a web page, email, or document", and "can read private pages on these sites and copy what it finds into this routine's chat, email, or texts."
When a run couldn't use the browser, its note says why, for example: "It stopped at … because that site isn't approved for this routine. To allow more, edit the routine's browser access." or "Bearly Browser is off in this device's settings, so this run didn't use it."
### Results and delivery
- **Notification filter** — "Every run stays in its chat. Add a condition when you only want alerts for meaningful changes," such as "a competitor ships something new". Each run still happens and lands in the chat. When the result doesn't meet your bar, the run stays quiet: no unread mark, no notice, no email, no text. **Recent runs** marks it **quiet** and says why it stayed quiet. Bearly compares each result with the previous one, and delivers whenever it's unsure, when a tool failed, or when the result is empty. Every seventh quiet run in a row checks in anyway, so silence never means a broken routine.
- **Build on previous runs** — on by default for new routines. Each run sees the earlier runs in the chat, so instructions like "tell me what changed since yesterday" work. Turn it off when every run should start fresh.
- **Email each result** — "Send the completed result to your Bearly account email." Only to your own address. Files the run created, such as a Page or a CSV, can be attached; attachments are limited to 20 MB in total.
- **Text each result** — "Send a short AI summary to your verified phone number." Needs a verified US or Canadian mobile number in **App Settings** → **Phone & SMS**; turning it on without one opens that pane. Routine texts are capped at 3 per 24 hours across all your routines, arrive at the scheduled time, and leave end-to-end encryption, as the switch notes. See [Send email and texts](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/email-and-text.md).
### Run location, Run now, and recent runs
**Run location** appears once the routine is saved and shows "Runs on this device.", another device's name, or "Not installed anywhere — it won't run." A routine you create in the desktop app is installed on that device. In the desktop app, **Install on this device** claims a routine created elsewhere, and **Move to this device** takes one over from another computer. On the web and phones it reads "Runs in the desktop app." with **Get it**.
**Run now**, in the desktop app once the routine is saved, runs the last saved version right away on the device you're using, even if another device owns the schedule. While a run is going, the button becomes **Stop run**, which stops that run and keeps the schedule.
**Recent runs** lists each run as "Ran on schedule", "Catch-up run", or "Manual run", with skips and failures and why, and **Open run** to jump to that result in the chat. Bearly keeps the last 30 runs of each routine.
## Manage your routines
The Routines page lists **Your routines** and a **Next seven days** strip of what your active routines will do next. Each routine's menu has **Run now** (or **Stop run**), **Open chat**, **Pause** or **Resume**, **Install on this device** or **Move to this device**, and **Delete**. Badges show **Paused**, **Failing**, **Not installed**, and **Overdue**.
- **Pause** stops the schedule and keeps the settings and history. **Resume** starts it again.
- **Delete** asks to confirm: "The schedule stops everywhere. Its chat and past runs stay in your history." Select **Delete routine**.
- If you delete a routine's chat, its next run starts a new chat with the routine's name. If that fails, the routine pauses with "Paused — its chat was deleted."
A skipped run says why: "Skipped — previous run was still going", "Skipped — device was away", "Skipped — another device took this routine over", "Skipped — the chat is locked on this device", "Skipped — the chat was deleted", "Skipped — turned off by your team's policy", "Skipped — plan no longer covers routines", "Skipped — device was offline", or "Skipped — signed out".
## Try this
### Get a weekday page of what changed on two sites you're signed in to
Every weekday morning, an email with a one-page summary of yesterday's numbers from two sites that need your sign-in.
**Why it works:** browser access lets the run read signed-in pages in Bearly Browser on exactly the sites you list. Runs can write HTML Pages, and the email a run sends can attach files the run created, so asking for the Page by email puts it in your inbox. **Build on previous runs** gives each run yesterday's result to compare against.
**You need:** Pro or higher; the desktop app open on the installed device; signed in to both sites in Bearly Browser; your organization allows **Routines**, **Browser in Routines**, **Browser**, and **Email notifications**.
1. In the desktop app, sign in to both sites in Bearly Browser, or import your sign-ins under **Import browser cookies**.
2. On the Routines page, draft it:
```text
Every weekday at 7:30 AM, open dashboard.example.com and partners.example.com, collect yesterday's signups and open support tickets, and build a one-page HTML summary comparing them with the previous run. Email it to me.
```
3. In **Browser access**, turn on **Bearly Browser** and add both sites from **From the instructions:** — leave **Click, type, and submit** off, since it only reads.
4. Turn on **Email each result**, select **Create routine**, and approve **Allow browser access and save**.
5. Open the routine again from **Your routines**, select **Run now**, and open the email.
**Swap in:** **Text each result** for a two-line summary instead of the Page; a **Notification filter** like "only if signups dropped more than 20%"; a connector instead of a site when the service has one.
**If it stalls:** if a note says a site isn't approved, add the exact host it stopped at, such as a separate sign-in subdomain. If the page asks you to sign in, sign in again in Bearly Browser on that device.
### Get a text only when something changes
A text when an order ships or a status page changes, and silence the rest of the time.
**Why it works:** the **Notification filter** lets each run decide whether the result meets your bar, compared with the previous run, and the text goes out only when it does. Each run still lands in the chat, so you can look any time.
**You need:** Pro or higher; the desktop app open on the installed device; a verified US or Canadian mobile number; your organization allows **Routines** and **Text messages**, plus **Browser in Routines** and **Browser** for a signed-in page.
1. Verify your phone in **App Settings** → **Phone & SMS** if you haven't.
2. Draft the routine:
```text
Every weekday at 9 AM, check my order status page on store.example.com. Only tell me if anything shipped or was delayed.
```
"Only tell me if…" becomes the **Notification filter**.
3. Add `store.example.com` under **Browser access** if the page needs your sign-in, turn on **Text each result**, keep **Build on previous runs** on, and select **Create routine**.
4. Open the routine again and select **Run now**; **Recent runs** shows whether it ran and delivered, or stayed **quiet** and why.
**Swap in:** a public page with no browser access; **Email each result** instead of a text; several routines at different times for more checks a day.
**If it stalls:** texts stop at 3 per 24 hours across all routines, so a chatty filter can use them up; tighten the condition.
### Get a research report every Monday
A full Deep Research report on a topic you follow, as a PDF in your inbox each week.
**Why it works:** the **Deep Research** plugin lets a run do one paid Deep Research report on the instructions, and the run emails you the PDF.
**You need:** the Analyst plan or higher for **Standard**, Research for **Ultra**; the desktop app open on the installed device; your organization allows **Routines** and **Deep Research**.
1. Draft the routine:
```text
Every Monday at 8 AM, research new regulations affecting telehealth in the US from the past week and what they mean for small clinics.
```
2. Select **Plugin** → **Deep Research** and choose the **Tier** — "Each run uses your plan allowance and emails you the PDF report."
3. Select **Create routine**, then open the routine again and select **Run now** to check the first report.
**Swap in:** a weekly competitor scan; add a connector so the run checks your own tracker against the findings.
**If it stalls:** a plan below the tier's requirement stops the research with an upgrade message in the chat. Each run uses your allowance, so weigh that before a daily schedule.
### Turn a chat that worked into a routine
A routine that repeats a job you just did by hand, with the same instructions.
**Why it works:** the chat already holds the instructions that worked, and Bearly can save them as a routine from that same chat.
**You need:** Pro or higher; your organization allows **Routines**; the desktop app to run it.
1. In the chat that did the job, ask:
```text
Do this every weekday at 8 AM and email me the result.
```
2. Read the card Bearly shows — it gives the schedule and instructions, and says which device runs the routine or that you need to open the desktop app to choose one.
3. In the desktop app, open **Routines**, open the new routine, and select **Install on this device** if it shows **Not installed**.
4. Select **Run now** to confirm the instructions work without the chat's earlier context.
**Swap in:** "only tell me if…" to add a filter; "text me" instead of email.
**If it stalls:** if the first run misses context the chat had, edit **Instructions** so the job is self-contained.
## Related
- [Approvals, permissions, and Full access](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/permissions.md) — how routine approvals differ from chat approvals.
- [Let Bearly use a browser, your files, and your computer](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/browser-and-computer.md) — Bearly Browser and Work locally in chats.
- [Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/features/routines.md) in the feature guides.
---
---
title: "Send email and texts"
description: "How Bearly emails you or your teammates and texts your verified phone from a chat or a routine, how to set up Phone & SMS, who can receive messages, attachment and rate limits, and what to do when a send fails."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/email-and-text/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/email-and-text.md"
---
# Send email and texts
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/email-and-text/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/email-and-text/)
> How Bearly emails you or your teammates and texts your verified phone from a chat or a routine, how to set up Phone & SMS, who can receive messages, attachment and rate limits, and what to do when a send fails.
Ask Bearly to email or text you from any chat, and it sends the message as part of its answer. Email can go to you or to teammates in your organization, with files from the chat attached. Texts go only to your own verified phone. Routines use the same tools to deliver their results.
**You need:** your organization allows **Email notifications** and **Text messages**. Both work in the web app, phone browsers, the desktop app, and the iOS app.
There's no approval card for these: asking is the go-ahead. Bearly sends when that step of the answer runs, and a sent message can't be edited or recalled from Bearly. Check the recipient and the contents in your request.
## Send Email
**Send Email** writes a formatted email and sends it to your account address, or to teammates you name.
**Use it when:** you want a summary, checklist, or file from a chat in your inbox; you want to hand action items to colleagues; or a routine should deliver its result.
**You need:** to email teammates, a managed organization whose members share your work email domain.
1. Get the content ready in the chat first: the summary, the draft, or the files to attach — Bearly can attach files that are in the chat, including Pages and files it created.
2. Ask for the email, naming the recipient, subject, and attachments. Typing `/email` and choosing **Send Email** makes the intent explicit, but a plain request works too:
```text
Email me the decision summary from this chat with the subject "Launch review". Attach the budget CSV.
```
3. Check the **Send Email** step in the answer — it reads "Email sent to" followed by the recipient (or the number of recipients) and the subject.
4. Open the email to check the formatting and attachments.
**What you get:** an email with Markdown formatting (headings, lists, tables, links) and up to 10 attachments from the chat. It comes from "User message via Bearly", and the subject starts with "[User message via Bearly from" followed by your name. Replies go to your address.
**Limits:** each attachment and all attachments together can total at most 20 MB. Up to 25 recipients per email, and up to 20 emails an hour from your account. If every attachment fails to prepare, nothing is sent.
**Combines with:** [Pages](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas.md) and data files to attach; [Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md#results-and-delivery) with **Email each result**; [Meetings](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/meetings.md) for follow-ups.
### Who can receive your email
- **You.** With no recipient named, Bearly sends to your account email.
- **Teammates.** On a managed organization, Bearly uses **Find Contacts** to search your organization's members by name or email (give it at least two characters), then sends only to exact matches. It can't email outside addresses. When you email teammates, you're copied and replies come to you.
- If your organization's administrator turned off the member directory for members, you can email only yourself.
```text
Email Maya Chen and Sam Ortiz their action items from this meeting, one list each, subject "Thursday follow-ups". Keep it under 150 words.
```
## Send SMS
**Send SMS** texts a short, plain-text message to the verified phone on your account. Bearly can't text any other number, and it won't take a number you type in the chat.
**Use it when:** you want a result on your phone when you're away from your desk, or a routine should ping you only when something matters.
**You need:** a verified US or Canadian mobile number in **Phone & SMS**.
1. Ask for the text, or type `/sms` and choose **Send SMS**:
```text
Text me the three launch decisions from this chat. Keep it under 250 characters.
```
2. If your phone isn't ready, the chat shows a **Set up text messages** card; select **Open Phone & SMS** and finish setup (below), then ask Bearly to send it again.
3. The **Send SMS** step reports the text was sent to your verified phone. Check that it arrived before asking again, so you don't get a duplicate.
**What you get:** a plain-text message, with no formatting or attachments.
**Limits:** US and Canadian numbers only. Texts you ask for in chats are limited to 20 a day. Texts from routines are capped at 3 per 24 hours across all your routines. Long messages can be rejected; ask for a shorter one without emoji.
**Combines with:** [Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md#results-and-delivery) with **Text each result** and a notification filter; any long task you want to hear about when it's done.
### Set up Phone & SMS
1. Open **App Settings** → **Phone & SMS**. **Set up text messages** reads "Add a US or Canadian mobile number for verification codes and notifications."
2. Choose **US +1** or **Canada +1**, enter your **Phone number**, read the texting terms, and select **Agree & send code**.
3. Under **Check your phone**, enter the code Bearly texted and select **Verify code** — the pane shows **Phone verified** and a confirmation text arrives.
Once verified, the pane reads **Texts are on** with your masked number. **Send test text** checks delivery, **Change number** verifies a different one, **Turn off text messages** "Stops codes and notifications. Same as replying STOP.", and **Remove phone number** "Deletes the number from your Bearly account." After you turn texts off, **Turn texts back on** verifies your number again.
## When a send fails
| What you see | What to do |
|---|---|
| The **Send Email** or **Send SMS** step reports a failure | Read the message in the step. Retry once; if it fails again, wait a few minutes. |
| The step's error mentions "managed-domain team" or "not an eligible team contact" | Bearly can email only exact members of your managed organization. Check the name, or send it to yourself and forward it. |
| The step's error mentions "total attachment size" | Keep attachments under 20 MB in total. Ask for a smaller export, or split it across emails. |
| The step's error mentions "max 20 emails per hour" | Wait, then try again. |
| **Set up text messages** appears | Select **Open Phone & SMS**, verify your number, then ask again. |
| A text doesn't arrive | Use **Send test text** in **Phone & SMS**. If texts are off, select **Turn texts back on**. |
| You don't see the email | Check spam for "User message via Bearly". Confirm the step shows the address you expected before asking again; a retry sends a second copy. |
Once the step says sent, the message is out. Send a corrected follow-up if something was wrong.
## Try this
### Email yourself a finished report with its data
A formatted summary in your inbox, with the Page and the CSV it was built from attached.
**Why it works:** files Bearly creates in a chat, such as a Page or a CSV, are chat files, and Send Email can attach any chat file. The email body is written in Markdown, so tables and headings survive.
**You need:** your organization allows **Email notifications**.
1. Build the report in the chat — for example, ask for a one-page summary of an attached spreadsheet and a cleaned CSV.
2. Ask:
```text
Email me a short summary of these findings with a table of the top five rows, subject "Q3 numbers". Attach the Page and the cleaned CSV.
```
3. Check the **Send Email** step, then open the email.
**Swap in:** teammates instead of yourself (managed organizations); a routine with **Email each result** to get it weekly.
**If it stalls:** if the attachments total more than 20 MB, ask for a smaller CSV (for example, only the columns you need).
### Send each teammate their own action items
Separate, short emails to each person with only their tasks from a meeting.
**Why it works:** Find Contacts turns names into exact work addresses in your organization, and Send Email sends to those addresses with you copied, so replies come back to you.
**You need:** a managed organization with the member directory available; a meeting transcript or notes in the chat; your organization allows **Email notifications**.
1. Open the chat with the meeting notes or transcript (see [Meetings](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/meetings.md)).
2. Ask:
```text
List the action items by owner. Then email each owner only their items, subject "From Thursday's meeting", one email per person.
```
3. Check the **Send Email** steps — each shows who it went to.
**Swap in:** one combined email to everyone; a text to yourself listing what you own.
**If it stalls:** if a name matches several people, Bearly can't pick; give the work email instead.
### Get a text when a long task finishes
A text on your phone when a long research or file job is done, so you can walk away.
**Why it works:** Send SMS is a step Bearly can run at the end of an answer, so the text goes out after the work earlier in the same answer finishes. This covers work Bearly does inside its answer, such as web searches or file processing. Deep Research is different: its report runs only after you select **Run Research** on its card, and it emails you the PDF itself when it's done.
**You need:** a verified phone; your organization allows **Text messages** and the tools the task uses.
1. Start the long task and add the text to the same request:
```text
Search the web for current heat pump incentives in Ontario, from federal, provincial, and utility programs, and put them in a table with amounts and deadlines. When it's done, text me one line with the biggest incentive.
```
2. Leave the chat open and do something else — the text arrives when the answer reaches that step.
**Swap in:** "email me the table" for the full result; a [routine](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md) when it should happen on a schedule.
**If it stalls:** if the task stops early, no text is sent. Check the chat for the reason.
## Related
- [Automate with Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md) — email and text delivery on a schedule.
- [Send email or text messages](https://bearly.ai/docs/features/send-email.md) in the feature guides.
---
---
title: "Approvals, permissions, and Full access"
description: "How Bearly asks before using tools outside the chat, how long each approval lasts, how to review and revoke saved approvals in the Permissions control, how Standard and Full access differ, what always asks, starting new chats in Full access, organization Agent access, routine permission mode, and spoken approvals."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/permissions/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/permissions.md"
---
# Approvals, permissions, and Full access
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/permissions/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/permissions/)
> How Bearly asks before using tools outside the chat, how long each approval lasts, how to review and revoke saved approvals in the Permissions control, how Standard and Full access differ, what always asks, starting new chats in Full access, organization Agent access, routine permission mode, and spoken approvals.
When a chat wants to reach outside itself, such as reading a local file, opening a site, working in Chrome, using a connected service, running a skill script, or controlling your screen, Bearly shows an approval card first. You decide how long each approval lasts. If you'd rather not be asked, **Full access** lets one chat on one device use its enabled tools without asking, with a short list of checks that always ask anyway.
## Approval cards
A card shows a title, the reason, and, for most tools, a **Details** disclosure with the specifics, such as the file path, site, or connector. A command shows on the card itself. Its buttons are **Deny**, **Stop** where offered, an **Approval duration** menu when longer approvals are offered, and the Allow button. Risky actions get a red Allow button.
| Approval duration | Allow button reads | Lasts |
|---|---|---|
| **Once** | **Allow** | This one action |
| **This response** | **Allow for this response** | "until this response ends", including if it errors or you stop it |
| **This session** | **Allow for now** | "until this chat reloads or you revoke access" |
| **This chat** | **Allow for this chat** | "in future responses in this chat on this device until you revoke access" |
Work locally uses its own labels for read-only approvals: **Allow reads for this response**, **Allow reads for now**, and **Allow reads this chat**. Some tools word their button differently, and some show no duration menu because they approve one action at a time.
After you decide, the card shows **Allowed**, **Denied**, **Stopped**, or **Allowed by Full access**.
**Deny** blocks that action, and Bearly continues without it where it can. **Stop** ends the whole task.
### What Standard asks for, by tool
| Tool | What asks first |
|---|---|
| [Work locally](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/browser-and-computer.md#work-locally) | Every read, write, edit, file transfer, and command, with the command or file on the card |
| [Bearly Browser](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/browser-and-computer.md#bearly-browser) | **Let this chat use this site?** for each new site; **Confirm this Browser action** before a submission or other consequential action; **Allow this visual Browser action?**; **Save this website file to chat?**; **Run this website tool?** |
| [Control Chrome](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/browser-and-computer.md#control-chrome) | **Read your Chrome tabs**, **Control Chrome**, or **Use Chrome DevTools**; a higher level covers the lower ones |
| [Computer Use](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/browser-and-computer.md#computer-use) | **Use your computer** for the task; **Confirm this computer action** before a consequential step your request didn't cover, or when a safety check is raised |
| [Connectors](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/connectors-and-skills.md#connectors) | **Connect** plus the service's name, when Bearly connects a new service for you; **Allow** plus the connector's name before using its tools |
| [Skill scripts](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/connectors-and-skills.md#skills) | A card titled with the skill and the script's path that shows the command, with the runtime and timeout in **Details** |
| Chat management | Listing your chats, reading other chats, and **Delete this chat?** before deleting |
| People Search | **Search for people?**, **Build the brief?**, and the other People Search confirmations before lookups that use your plan allowance |
| [Email and texts](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/email-and-text.md) | Nothing: asking for the email or text is the approval |
## The Permissions control
Next to the message box, the **Permissions** control shows this chat's mode and saved approvals. It reads **Full access** while Full access is on, with a **Paused** badge when it's paused. In the iOS app on a phone, it shows only a shield icon.
Open it to see:
- **Permissions** and "This chat · this device" — everything here applies only to this chat on this device.
- **Standard** — "Ask for approval when needed. Saved approvals still apply."
- **Full access** — "Use enabled tools without asking each time."
- The saved approvals, each with its duration and **Revoke**. With none: "No saved approvals in this chat."
- **Revoke all saved approvals**, and **Clear all permissions**, which also switches the chat to Standard.
Revoking stops the work in progress and makes Bearly ask again next time. Stopping a response doesn't remove approvals.
Saved approvals never sync to your other devices and never apply to routines. Each open window keeps its own copy, so if a chat is open in two windows, revoke in each. Approvals for a chat are deleted with the chat. Disconnecting, signing in again, or changing a connector's settings resets its approvals.
## Full access
Full access lets a chat use its enabled tools without asking each time. It covers only tools that are already on for the chat. It never turns on a tool, connects an account, grants a system permission, or removes the checks listed under [What always asks](#what-always-asks).
**Use it when:** you trust the task and the content it touches, and approving each step slows you down, for example a long refactor in a dedicated project folder.
**You need:** Full access available to your account and app version. On a managed organization, it's allowed unless an administrator turned it off. In the desktop app it covers every tool below; on the web, phones, and the iOS app it covers connectors only.
1. In the chat, select **Permissions** next to the message box, then **Full access**.
2. Read **Enable full access?** — "Bearly can use enabled tools to read, change, or delete files, run programs, and act in signed-in apps and websites without asking each time. Mistakes or instructions in untrusted content can cause unintended changes." It lists the enabled tools and says it "Applies to this chat on this device."
3. Select **Enable full access**, or **Cancel** to stay in Standard.
**What you get:** the control reads **Full access**, and actions run without cards; each shows **Allowed by Full access**. Tools and accounts you enable later in the chat are included.
**Limits:** "Organization rules, operating-system permissions, and required safety checks still apply." It's one chat on one device; other chats, other devices, and copies of the chat don't inherit it.
**Combines with:** [Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md#permission-mode), which have their own, separate Full access.
The tools Full access can cover appear in the dialog as "Local files and commands", "Enabled skill scripts", "Computer control", "Bearly Browser", "Connected Chrome", and "Connected tools" (connectors). With nothing enabled it says "Enable an external tool in this chat to use Full Access."
> **Caution — Full access acts without checking with you**
> In Full access, Bearly can change or delete files, run programs, send messages, and act in signed-in sites without a card. Instructions hidden in a web page, file, or email can steer it. Use it in chats where you know what the task will touch.
### How long it stays on
Full access stays on in that chat on that device until you choose **Standard**: "Stays on in this chat on this device until you choose Standard or revoke it." Restarting the app, sleep, time away, and losing your connection don't turn it off.
It pauses only when Bearly or your device can't allow it: your organization turned it off, your account isn't eligible, or the desktop app needs an update. The control then shows the **Paused** badge, and the chat uses Standard approvals in the meantime ("Full access is paused. Approvals apply until it turns back on."). The pause notice says why:
- "Update Bearly to keep using Full access on this device. Until then, Bearly asks before using tools."
- "Your team turned off Full access. Bearly asks before using tools until your team turns it back on."
- "Full access isn't available right now. Bearly asks before using tools until it is, then turns Full access back on."
A paused chat keeps your choice. Once Full access is allowed again, it turns back on by itself when you send the next message or when the window comes back into focus. You can also open **Permissions** and select **Resume full access**.
To turn it off, open the control and select **Standard**. Bearly stops current work where it can; actions already finished elsewhere aren't undone. Your saved approvals stay.
### Start new chats in Full access
**App Settings** → **Privacy & Security** → **Start new chats in Full access**: "New chats on this device use your enabled tools without asking. Not recommended unless you know what you're doing."
Turning it on asks **Start every new chat in Full access?**, which warns that agents make mistakes and that "instructions hidden in web pages, files, or emails can steer them", and notes it "Applies on this device only. You can switch any chat back to Standard from Permissions." Select **Turn on**. It doesn't change existing chats, chats where you chose Standard, or routines. If Full access isn't available, the setting says why, for example "Your team administrator turned off Full Access."
## What always asks
These keep asking even in Full access:
- **Connecting a new service** — the **Connect** card for a connector.
- **Chat management** — listing your chats, reading other chats, and deleting chats.
- **Computer Use safety checks** — the **Confirm this computer action** card raised by a safety check during the task.
- **People Search lookups that use your plan allowance** — such as **Search for people?** and **Build the brief?**.
- **Routine consent** — turning on unattended local access or browser access for a routine.
- **Certificate warnings** in Bearly Browser — only you can decide.
Your computer's own permission prompts, such as macOS **Accessibility** and **Screen Recording**, or a Windows administrator prompt, are always yours to answer.
## Approvals in a voice call
During a voice call, with voice models that support it, Bearly reads a pending approval aloud and takes your spoken answer; with other voice models, the card stays on screen for you to answer. Say a complete reply such as "yes", "approve", "allow once", or "sure, go ahead". "Don't ask me again" or "allow for this chat" approves for this chat when that duration is offered. "No" or "deny" skips the action; "stop" ends the task and the call. Questions, conditions, and blanket approvals leave the card waiting. Routine consent cards always need the on-screen card. This listens for words, not for your voice, so use the card when others nearby could answer.
## Routines
A routine doesn't use the chat's approvals or the chat's Full access. In **Standard**, of the tools that would ask in a chat, a scheduled run can use only what you turned on for that routine: selected connectors, skill scripts you allowed, unattended local access, and Bearly Browser on the sites you approved. Anything else that needs approval is denied, and the run continues without it. A routine's own **Full access** is enabled in its editor on the desktop device that runs it, and a material edit sends it back to **Full access needs review**. See [Automate with Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md#permission-mode).
## For organization administrators
On a managed organization, Full access eligibility is a separate setting from feature policies. Open **Organizations**, choose the organization, and on **Overview** find **Agent access**: "Control who can let agents use enabled external tools without asking for approval each time."
- **Allow full access by default** — on unless an administrator turned it off. "Each member must still enable it for each chat or routine on its device."
- **Turn off full access for everyone** — "stops within 60 seconds", turns off the default, and removes individual exceptions. Saved tool approvals remain. Confirm with **Turn off for everyone**.
- Per member, in **Members** → **Member settings** → **Full access**: **Use organization default**, **Allow full access**, or **Do not allow full access**.
Group administrators can't grant Full access. Allowing it doesn't turn on tools your policies turn off. See [Organizations](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations.md).
## Try this
### Approve a batch of edits once
A folder of files renamed and updated with one approval instead of forty.
**Why it works:** a **This response** approval covers every matching action until the answer ends, then expires on its own, so you review the plan once and nothing carries over to the next request.
**You need:** the desktop app; Work locally on for the chat with the folder chosen.
1. Ask for the plan before any change:
```text
List the files in this folder you'd rename to the pattern YYYY-MM-DD-title.pdf, and what each new name would be. Don't change anything yet.
```
2. Check the list, then ask: "Go ahead with exactly that list."
3. At the first card, open **Details**, choose **This response**, and select **Allow for this response** — the rest of the renames run without cards.
4. When the answer ends, the approval ends with it.
**Swap in:** **This chat** when you'll keep working in the same folder for days; **Once** when each action needs its own look.
**If it stalls:** if a card asks for something outside the plan, deny it and ask Bearly why.
### Give one chat Full access for one folder
A chat that can work through a project folder without stopping, while every other chat keeps asking.
**Why it works:** Full access belongs to one chat on one device, and covers only the tools enabled in that chat. Pairing it with a dedicated working folder keeps the work focused.
**You need:** the desktop app; Full access available to your account; your organization allows **Work locally**.
1. Start a new chat for this work only, select **Work locally** → **Choose folder…**, and pick the project folder — keep backups of anything important.
2. Select **Permissions** → **Full access**, read the dialog, and select **Enable full access**.
3. Ask for the job and its boundary:
```text
Update every import of the old logger to the new one in this folder, run the tests, and fix what breaks. Don't touch anything outside this folder or push anything.
```
4. When you're done, open **Permissions** and select **Standard**.
**Swap in:** turn on Bearly Browser in the same chat to check a local page after each change; keep Standard and use **This chat** approvals instead when you want a record of each step.
**If it stalls:** if the control shows **Paused**, read the notice; Full access comes back by itself once it's allowed again.
### Check what a chat can do, and take it back
A clean slate in a chat where you approved more than you meant to.
**Why it works:** every saved approval for a chat on this device is listed in one place, and revoking stops current work at once.
**You need:** nothing beyond the chat.
1. Select **Permissions** next to the message box — saved approvals are listed with their durations.
2. Select **Revoke** beside one, or **Clear all permissions** to switch to Standard and remove them all.
3. If the chat is open in another window, repeat there.
**Swap in:** **Revoke all saved approvals** to keep Full access but drop the saved approvals.
**If it stalls:** for a routine, change its own settings in the routine editor; chat approvals never applied to it.
## Related
- [Let Bearly use a browser, your files, and your computer](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/browser-and-computer.md) — the tools these approvals cover.
- [Privacy and security](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security.md) — how Bearly handles your data.
- [Choose how Bearly uses external tools](https://bearly.ai/docs/settings/agent-permissions.md) in the feature guides.
---
---
title: "Building blocks: how Bearly's features connect"
description: "The composition model behind Bearly — what each capability takes in and produces, which outputs feed which tools, where each block runs, which plans and Routines support it, and what breaks a chain — so a person or an AI can design new multi-step workflows."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/building-blocks/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/building-blocks.md"
---
# Building blocks: how Bearly's features connect
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/building-blocks/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/building-blocks/)
> The composition model behind Bearly — what each capability takes in and produces, which outputs feed which tools, where each block runs, which plans and Routines support it, and what breaks a chain — so a person or an AI can design new multi-step workflows.
Every Bearly capability is a building block: it takes something in, does one job, and leaves its result in the chat. Later steps can use anything earlier steps left there, so blocks chain into workflows nobody wrote down. This page lists the blocks, the hand-offs between them that are known to work, and the limits that break a chain.
## How blocks connect
**Every result lands in the chat.** A block leaves its output in one of five places:
- **Text in the conversation**: the answer, plus what tools return to the AI, such as search results, page text, or data.
- **Files in the chat**: uploads and everything Bearly saves or makes, such as Pages, CSV and Markdown files, images, audio, video, PDFs, and transcripts. They're listed in **Browse files** in the chat header, under **Uploaded** and **Generated**, and each has an ID the AI can hand to the next tool.
- **Cards**: interactive results such as a Deep Research report, a **Chart**, a YouTube video card, a Best Pick card, or the image editor. Some cards also save files.
- **Links**: a Page you publish gets a stable bearly.sh link.
- **Messages outside Bearly**: an email to you or a teammate, or a text to your phone.
**Later steps can use what earlier steps left.** The AI reads the conversation on every turn and can open any file in the chat by its ID. A finished Deep Research report is passed to later turns in full. In long chats, the **History** setting decides how older messages are kept: **Chat (Dynamic)** keeps the newest messages in full and shortens older ones, and **Agentic (Compaction)** writes a summary of older history and keeps the recent part word for word. Files stay in the chat either way, and the AI can still look at an image after the message that added it has been shortened. See [Tune a chat](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/settings.md).
**References point at exact files and tools.** Type `/` at the start of a message or `@` anywhere in it to pick a tool, skill, prompt template, or file by name. A message can start with one `/` command and hold any number of `@` references, so one message can name a file and a tool together. A reference only selects a tool you already have; it never turns on one your plan or organization has turned off. See [Write, attach, and send](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/compose.md#reference-tools-files-and-skills).
**Projects share files across chats.** Files in a project's **Docs & Data** are available to every chat in that project: they appear in the `@` menu, and the document tools search them. Turn on **Always Search Documents** in the project's chat settings and every answer searches them first. See [Projects](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects.md).
**Routines replay a chain on a schedule.** A routine runs a saved prompt in its own chat at the times you set, with a smaller set of tools, and each run can build on the ones before it. See [Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md) and [Routines run a smaller toolset](#routines-run-a-smaller-toolset).
## The block catalog
How to read the tables:
- **Block** is the name the app shows, with the `/` or `@` label you type. Most blocks also run when you simply ask in plain words.
- **Plan** is the lowest plan that can use the block. **Any** means every plan, including Free; usage still counts against your plan's allowance. See [Plans, credits, and limits](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits.md).
- **Where**: **All** means the web app, a phone browser, the desktop app, and the iOS app. **Desktop** means the desktop app on Mac, Windows, or Linux.
- **In Routines** says whether a scheduled run can use the block.
- **Council experts** says whether the models answering a `/council` question can use the block while they work.
- **—** means the column doesn't apply.
### Research
Details: [Research](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research.md).
| Block | Takes | Produces | Plan | Where | In Routines | Council experts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **Web Search** `/web-search` | A question; runs when the chat's **Web** setting is **Auto** | An answer with numbered source links, and sometimes an image gallery | Any | All | Yes | Yes |
| **Image Search** `/image-search` | A description of the images you want | A gallery of up to 20 images with their source pages | Any | All | Yes | No |
| **Read Site** `/read-site` | One web address | The page's text for the AI; long pages, documents, images, and media are saved as chat files | Any | All | Yes | Yes |
| **Deep Research** `/deep-research` | A text question, then a plan you review and can edit | A cited report with sources and figures, a PDF in the chat, and the PDF by email | Analyst (Standard), Research (Ultra) | All | Only through a routine's Deep Research plugin | No |
| **Scholar** `/scholar` | A question about research literature | An answer with superscript citations, a **Papers** card, and open-access PDF links when they exist | Any | All | Yes | Yes |
| **Council of Experts** `/council` (listed as Ask Experts) | One self-contained question that names any files it should use | Answers from 2 to 5 models side by side, then one combined reply | Pro | All | No | — |
| **Best Pick** `/bestpick` | A shopping question, such as the best stick vacuum for pet hair under a price | A card with one product to buy, a store link, the evidence, and follow-up chips | Pro | All | No | No |
| **People Search** `/people-search`, `/find-people`, `/work-emails`, `/lead-enrichment` | A named person plus one detail, a description of the people you want, names with a company domain, or known profiles | A candidate card, then a cited brief; lists and email lookups as tables in the reply | Analyst | All | No | No |
| **Recall** `/recall` | A mention of earlier work or a past decision | Matching excerpts from your past chats | Any | All | No | No |
| **Maps** `/maps` | Places, an area, or a route | A place or route card on the final answer | Any | All | No | No |
| **Weather** `/weather`, `/air-quality`, `/pollen` | A place and a time range | A weather card; past weather as text | Any | All | No | No |
| **SEO data** `/seo` | Keywords, sites, or a page to audit | Search data in the reply | Any | All | No | No |
| **Domain research** `/domains` | A naming brief or one domain | Name ideas, and whether a domain is available to register | Any | All | No | No |
### Video and social
Details: [Videos and posts](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/videos-and-posts.md).
| Block | Takes | Produces | Plan | Where | In Routines | Council experts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **YouTube** `/youtube`, or paste a link | Up to 3 YouTube links per message | A video card with a summary, chapters, takeaways, the transcript, and 2, 5, and 10-minute cuts; transcript and claim-check files in the chat | Any | Web app, phone browser, desktop app | No | Transcript lookup and saved claim checks only |
| **Get Video** `/download-video` | Links to videos on sites such as X, TikTok, and Vimeo; YouTube links in the desktop app only | MP4 files in the chat | Any | All | No | No |
| **X** `/search-x`, `/read-x`, `/x-profile` | A search, a post link, or a profile | Recent posts, threads, quote posts, and profiles in the reply; a post's video imported as a chat file when you ask | Any | All | Yes, except importing a post's video | No |
### Documents and files
Details: [Documents](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/documents.md).
| Block | Takes | Produces | Plan | Where | In Routines | Council experts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **Attach files** (**+** → **Attach files**, drag and drop, paste, or **Take photo**) | Files from your device, up to 300 MB each | Files in the chat, under **Uploaded** | Any | All | — | — |
| **Share your screen** (**+** → **Share your screen**) | A window or screen you pick | A fresh still capture attached to each message you send | Any | Desktop app, and web browsers that support screen sharing | — | — |
| **Search Docs** `/search-docs` | A question about the chat's and project's files | Cited passages; each citation opens the document near that page | Any | All | Yes | Yes |
| **Read Doc** `/read-document` and **Scan Doc** `/find-in-document` | A document and the pages to read, or exact text to find | Page text, or each match with its page, line, and surrounding text | Any | All | Yes | Yes |
| **Summarize Doc** `/summarize` | A long document | A **Deep Summary** in the reply | Any | All | Yes | No |
| **Document editor** `/document` | A document task, plus any PDF, Word, PowerPoint, or Excel files in the chat to work on | New or edited files: filled PDF forms, .docx files with tracked changes, decks, spreadsheets with formulas | Any | All | No | No |
| **Fix Grammar** `/grammar` | A passage of text | An editor card with suggested fixes you accept one at a time or all at once | Any | All | No | No |
| **Chat files** `/create-file`, `/edit-file`, `/read-file`, `/rename-file`, `/files` | Content the AI writes, or a file already in the chat | Pages (HTML), Markdown, plain text, CSV, and JSON files, with a new version on every edit | Any | All | Yes | No |
### Data and code
Details: [Data and code](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/data-and-code.md).
| Block | Takes | Produces | Plan | Where | In Routines | Council experts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **Run Python** `/python` | A task, plus the chat or project files it should use | Up to 5 files per run, plots shown in the chat, and printed results | Any | All; runs in the cloud | No | No |
| **Create chart** `/chart` | A prepared CSV file in the chat with up to 10 columns and 2 MB | A **Chart** card (KPI, bar, or line) with **View data**, **Download CSV**, and, for bar and line charts, **Download PNG** | Any | All | No | No |
| **Visualize** `/visualize` | A request for an interactive view, chart, or diagram | A Page, chart, or diagram | Any | All | No; the routine editor doesn't offer it | No |
| **Work locally** (**Work locally** chip; `/terminal`, `/read-local-file`, `/write-local-file`, `/edit-local-file`, `/attach-local-file`, `/save-file-locally`) | A folder on your computer | Files read, written, and edited on disk, command output, and files copied between disk and chat (up to 50 MB each) | Any | Desktop | Only with **Unattended local access** | No |
### Create
Details: [Pages and Canvas](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas.md).
| Block | Takes | Produces | Plan | Where | In Routines | Council experts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **Pages** (ask for an app, calculator, dashboard, game, or planner; or `/create-file`) | A description, data the AI bakes in, and chat files to embed | A single-file HTML app that runs live in the chat, with a version for each edit (v1, v2, …) | Any | All | Yes | No |
| **Canvas** (**Edit in Canvas** under an answer) | An answer's text | An editable Markdown document in the chat that you and the AI revise in place | Any | All | No | — |
### Media
Details: [Images, video, and audio](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/images-video-audio.md).
| Block | Takes | Produces | Plan | Where | In Routines | Council experts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **Imagine** `/image` | A description, and optional reference images | Images in the inline image editor, ready to download | Any | All | No | No |
| **Touch Up** `/edit-image` | One or more images in the chat, and optionally an area to change | Edited, extended, or combined images | Any | All | No | No |
| **Make Video** `/video` | A description, and optionally an image as the start frame plus an end frame | A 4 to 15-second MP4 with generated sound, saved in the chat | Any | All | No | No |
| **Edit Video** `/edit-video` | A 3 to 10-second clip under 50 MB | A separate edited clip; the original stays as it was | Any | All | No | No |
| **Read Aloud** `/say`, and Voice Studio | Text: a reply, your message, or a script | Spoken audio saved as a chat file; Voice Studio for voices, delivery, and takes | Any | All | No | No |
| **Transcribe** `/transcribe` | Audio or video files in the chat, up to 400 MB each | A transcript with speaker names and timestamps, plus a `.srt` transcript file in the chat | Any | All | No | No |
| **View Media** `/analyze-media` | Image or video files in the chat | What the AI sees, in the conversation; up to 10 minutes of video per look | Any | All | Yes | No |
### Voice and meetings
Details: [Voice](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/voice.md) and [Meetings](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/meetings.md).
| Block | Takes | Produces | Plan | Where | In Routines | Council experts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **Voice call** (**Start voice call**) | Your voice; the call can use the chat's tools | Spoken answers, and a call card in the chat with the transcript (audio isn't saved) | Any; choosing the voice model needs Pro | All, except Firefox | No | — |
| **Dictation** (microphone in the composer) | Your voice | Text in the composer, or a message sent right away | Any | All | — | — |
| **Meetings** (sidebar **Meetings and Recordings**) | Your microphone; in the desktop app, also the call's computer audio | Live and final transcripts with speaker names, a summary when you ask, and the audio file | Any | All; computer audio needs the desktop app on Windows or macOS 13 or later | — | — |
### Agents and automation
Details: [Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md), [Connectors and skills](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/connectors-and-skills.md), and [Browser and computer use](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/browser-and-computer.md).
| Block | Takes | Produces | Plan | Where | In Routines | Council experts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **Routines** (sidebar **Routines**, or ask in a chat) | A prompt, a schedule, and the tools you allow | One run per scheduled time in the routine's own chat, optionally emailed or texted to you | Pro | Manage anywhere; runs only in the desktop app | — | — |
| **Connectors** (**Connectors** chip in the composer) | A service you connect, turned on for this chat | That service's tool results, such as issues, pages, or records | Any | All; services that need a sign-in can't be set up in the iOS app; npm servers need the desktop app | Yes, the ones you add to the routine | No |
| **Skills** (`/skill-`; built-ins **Visualize** and **Bearly AI Models**) | A skill's instructions, files, and scripts | Whatever the skill makes; its scripts run on your computer | Any | Installed skills: Desktop; built-ins: All | Yes, the ones you add to the routine | No |
| **Bearly Browser** | Sites you approve | Page text, screenshots, clicks, typing, form submissions, and downloads saved to the chat (one file up to 50 MiB) | Any | Desktop | Only with the routine's **Browser access**, on the sites you list | No |
| **Chrome control** | Your open Chrome tabs | Page text, screenshots, clicks and typing, console and network detail | Any | Desktop app, with Chrome and the Bearly extension | No | No |
| **Computer Use** `/computer` | A task in an app that's open on screen | The task done by clicking and typing, and a **Computer Use** step listing the actions | Any | Desktop | No | No |
| **Chat management** (ask in any chat) | A request to list, read, create, rename, move, or delete chats | Your chat list, an earlier chat's contents, or the change; listing, reading, and deleting ask you first | Any | All | No | No |
| **Prompt Templates** (`/` → **Skills**) | Values for the template's fields, and optional files | A filled form in the chat that runs as a prompt and can run again with new values | Any | All | No | No |
| **Remote modules** (tools labeled `fn-…`) | Tools from a server you or your admin add | That server's results | Any | Web app and desktop app; servers on a private network need the desktop app | No | No |
### Organize and share
Details: [Organize chats](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/organize.md) and [Projects](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects.md).
| Block | Takes | Produces | Plan | Where | In Routines | Council experts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **File reference** (`@` → **Assets**) | Any file in the chat or its project | An exact pointer the AI uses for that turn | Any | All | — | — |
| **Projects** (sidebar **Projects**) | Files in **Docs & Data**, project instructions, and default chat settings | Shared files and defaults for every chat in the project | Any | All; **Local Directory Sync** needs the desktop app | — | — |
| **Share** (`/share`, the header **Share** button, or **Share file** on a file) | The conversation, or one file | A Page with artwork and a link preview that you review, then publish to a stable bearly.sh link | Any | All | No | — |
| **Download as Markdown** (command menu) | The chat | A `.md` file of the conversation, with tool activity if you include it | Any | All | — | — |
| **Search chats and files** (⌘ F) | Words or a topic | Matching chats and files, including files Bearly made | Any | All | — | — |
### Notify
Details: [Email and text](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/email-and-text.md).
| Block | Takes | Produces | Plan | Where | In Routines | Council experts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| **Send Email** `/email` | A message in Markdown, up to 10 chat files as attachments, and recipients | An email to you, or to teammates in a managed organization; you're copied on it | Any | All | Yes | No |
| **Send SMS** `/sms` | Plain text | A text to your verified US or Canadian mobile number | Any | All | Yes, up to 3 routine texts in 24 hours | No |
## Hand-off rules
Each rule names an output type and the blocks that can take it next. These connections are known to work; anything not listed here may still work, but test it before you rely on it.
### Files feed tools
- **Any file in the chat or its project** → `@` it by name under **Assets**, so the next tool uses that exact file.
- **A document in the chat or project** (PDF, Office file, text) → **Search Docs**, **Read Doc**, **Scan Doc**, and **Summarize Doc**. These tools appear once the chat or its project has at least one file.
- **A spreadsheet or raw data file** → **Run Python** reads it and writes a chart-ready CSV → **Create chart**. Charts read data only from a CSV file in the chat: up to 10 columns and 2 MB, one row for a KPI, up to 100 rows for a bar chart, and up to 2,000 rows for a line chart. They never sample or cut rows to fit.
- **A CSV that's already chart-ready** → **Create chart** directly, with no Python step.
- **Run Python output** (up to 5 files per run) → files in the chat → **Create chart**, a **Page** with the results baked in, or **Send Email** attachments. Each run starts fresh, so name the files a later run should use.
- **Any image in the chat**, whether uploaded, generated, or saved by Read Site → **Touch Up** as a source, or **Make Video** as the start or end frame.
- **A generated video** → **View Media** watches it → **Edit Video** changes it, if the clip is 3 to 10 seconds and under 50 MB.
- **Audio or video files**, whether uploaded, saved by **Get Video**, or a post's video from **X** → **Transcribe**. Video files also → **View Media**, which looks at images and video but not audio-only files.
- **A transcript** → **Transcribe** also saves it in the chat as an `.srt` file named after the original → later turns read it, summarize it, or hand the summary to **Read Aloud**.
- **PDF and Office files** → **Document editor** fills forms, adds tracked changes to .docx files, or builds decks and spreadsheets → new files in the chat.
- **Files in the chat** → **Send Email** as attachments (up to 10, with 20 MB per file and 20 MB in total), or **Share file** to give one file a Page of its own (files under 300 MB).
- **A file on your computer** (desktop app) → **Work locally** attaches it to the chat (up to 50 MB). The reverse also works: it saves a chat file to disk.
### The web feeds files
- **Read Site** → saves long pages as Markdown files, documents (PDF, Office, OpenDocument, EPUB, RTF) as chat files with a short text preview, and images and media as chat files → the document tools, **Touch Up**, and **View Media**.
- **Image Search** → shows images the AI hasn't looked at yet → **Read Site** saves the one you pick into the chat → **Touch Up** or **View Media**.
- **Scholar** → gives an open-access PDF link when a paper has one → **Read Site** saves the paper as a document → **Search Docs** or **Read Doc** for exact quotes with page citations.
- **An X post** → **Web Search** to check it against news sources; its video → imported as a chat file → **View Media** or **Transcribe**.
- **A YouTube card** → transcript lookups and custom cuts in later turns. Pressing **Check claims** saves a claims file → **Scholar** or **Web Search** to look into the figures sites disagreed on.
- **Bearly Browser** → a download is saved to the chat (one file, up to 50 MiB) → the document tools. **Capture and annotate page** attaches a marked-up capture to your next message.
- **Chrome control** or **Computer Use** → reads what's on screen into the conversation → **Run Python**, **Create chart**, or a **Deep Research** question. Computer Use's own agent can search the web and read documents mid-task but can't run Python, so the main chat does that step.
### The conversation feeds later turns
- **A Deep Research report** → passed in full to later turns → rewrite it, turn its numbers into a CSV and chart, build a Page, or email the report text. Bearly emails you the report's PDF on its own; the AI isn't told the PDF is in the chat, so **Send Email** doesn't attach it.
- **Deep Research takes only text** → put what earlier steps found (from a file, a Chrome tab, or a call) into the research question.
- **Council of Experts** → experts see only the question, not the chat or its files → name the files and facts they need in the `/council` question.
- **Any answer** → **Edit in Canvas** to revise it line by line, **Read aloud** to hear it (on answers that are all text), or the **Rerun** menu to get another model's version.
- **A voice call** → its transcript stays in the chat → later typed turns build on it.
- **Dictation** with **After dictation** set to **Send immediately** → runs a normal turn with all the chat's tools.
- **Share your screen** → every message carries a fresh capture → step-by-step help that stays current.
- **A Prompt Template's result** → `/share` turns it into a Page.
- **Find people** → **Find work emails** for the people you pick → a **People Search** brief on one of them.
- **A Best Pick card** → **Cheaper**, **Worth spending more**, or **Not this one** refine it → **Send Email** can send what the pick is and why, but not its store link: the AI gets the card's contents without links.
- **Recall** → excerpts from past chats → with **Chat management**, the AI can read the full earlier chat after you allow it. A very long chat it reads is saved as a Markdown file in this chat.
### Across chats and over time
- **A meeting transcript** → **Add to chat** attaches it as a Markdown file to a new or existing chat's draft, without sending → summaries, action items, a follow-up email, or a Page. **Add to project** puts the same file in a project's files → every chat in that project. The meeting's **Quick summary** isn't included in the file.
- **Project files** → every chat in the project, through `@` and the document tools; **Always Search Documents** makes every answer search them first.
- **A routine run** → lands in the routine's chat → with **Build on previous runs** on, the next run sees earlier ones. Files a run writes, such as a Page or a CSV, can go out with **Email each result**.
- **A chat that did the job once** → ask it to repeat on a schedule, for example "Do this every weekday at 8 and email me the result." Bearly sets up a routine from that chat.
## What breaks a chain
Check these before you plan a chain, and again when a step doesn't appear or stops.
### Plans
| Plan needed | Blocks |
|---|---|
| Pro or higher | Routines, Council of Experts, Best Pick, choosing a voice-call model |
| Analyst or higher | Deep Research (Standard), People Search |
| Research or higher | Deep Research (Ultra) |
Some chat models also need Pro or Analyst; the model picker opens **Billing** if you choose one above your plan. A block above your plan shows an upgrade card in the chat instead of running. See [Plans, credits, and limits](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits.md).
### Organization controls
In an organization, an admin's policy can turn off any block. The `/` label then disappears, and a reference can't bring it back. Some controls switch off several blocks at once:
- **Web** off removes Web Search, Image Search, Read Site, Deep Research, Scholar, YouTube, and Best Pick.
- **Chat web search** off removes Image Search, Deep Research, Best Pick, Scholar's search of journal sites, and YouTube's **Find** and **Check claims**.
- **File uploads** off removes attaching files, screen sharing, Get Video, viewing X videos, and the files YouTube saves; it also blocks uploads to a project's **Docs & Data** and **Local Directory Sync**.
- **Run Python** off removes both `/python` and `/document`. Charts then work only on a CSV that's already prepared, or one made with **Work locally** in the desktop app.
- **Sharing** off removes Share. **Public links** and **Share with people and teams** decide who can open a published Page.
- **Memory Recall** off turns off Recall and **Memories**.
Most other blocks have their own control: **Images**, **Video**, **Transcription**, **Text to speech**, **Voice**, **Dictation**, **Meetings**, **Council**, **Deep Research**, **People Search**, **Charts**, **Routines**, **Work locally**, **Computer Use**, **Browser**, **Chrome extension browser**, **MCP Connectors**, **Skills**, **Email notifications**, **Text messages**, and **Chat management**. See [Organizations](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations.md).
### Desktop-only blocks
These need the desktop app: Work locally, Computer Use, Bearly Browser, Chrome control, installed skills and their scripts, npm connector servers, running routines, recording a meeting's computer audio, Get Video for YouTube links, and **Local Directory Sync** for projects. On the web or a phone, most of them show a prompt to get the desktop app. See [Get Bearly](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/get-bearly.md).
### Routines run a smaller toolset
A scheduled run is a chat with nobody watching, so it gets a fixed set of tools:
- **Can use:** Web Search, Image Search, Read Site, X (but not importing a post's video), Scholar, the document tools (Search Docs, Read Doc, Scan Doc, and Summarize Doc), View Media, creating, reading, editing, and renaming chat files (including Pages), Send Email, Send SMS, the connectors and skills you add to the routine, and Deep Research through the routine's **Deep Research** plugin.
- **Only with an explicit routine setting:** Work locally (**Unattended local access**), a skill's scripts (that skill's **Allow scripts**), and Bearly Browser (**Browser access**, on the sites you list).
- **Can't use:** Run Python, the Document editor, Fix Grammar, images, video, transcription, text to speech, voice, Canvas, charts, Visualize, Share, Council of Experts, YouTube, Best Pick, Get Video, People Search, Maps, Weather, SEO data, Domain research, Chat management, Recall, Prompt Templates, remote modules, Computer Use, and Chrome.
A routine runs only in the desktop app, on the device it's installed on, while the app is open, and each run stops after 25 minutes. To get numbers or charts from a schedule, have the routine write a CSV or an HTML Page, or continue in the routine's chat afterwards.
### End-to-end encrypted chats
Turn on end-to-end encryption and your new chats are encrypted on your devices. Bearly stores and syncs only the locked copies. Each message, and any file a tool works on, still goes to the model and the services doing the work. Some blocks behave differently in these chats:
- **Search Docs** isn't available, and **Always Search Documents** has no effect. **Read Doc**, **Scan Doc**, and **Summarize Doc** still work.
- **Memories** and Recall aren't available. Encrypted chats don't appear in **Search chats and files**, and the chat-management tools in a regular chat can't see them.
- **Get Video** works only through Bearly's servers: no YouTube links, and up to 100 MiB per saved file.
- **Run Python** works, with up to 50 MiB of input files per run.
- Publishing a Page asks first ("Publish a readable copy?"), because the published copy isn't encrypted. Limits: 10 MiB for the Page, 2 MiB for the preview, and 25 MiB for an included file.
- A routine created from an encrypted chat keeps its instructions and results in standard storage.
See [Privacy and security](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security.md).
### Zero Data Retention only
Turn on **Zero Data Retention only** and Bearly shows only zero-retention models, and automatic fallbacks stay on them too. It governs chat models. Council of Experts uses only models you're allowed, so its lineup can get shorter. It doesn't govern image, video, transcription, or voice-call models, or research services such as Deep Research, People Search, and Read Site. Web and image search run on a provider that keeps nothing after it answers. See [Choose and compare models](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/models.md).
### Approvals and Full access
- In **Standard** permissions, Bearly asks before a tool reaches outside the chat: local files, desktop control, browsers, connectors, skill scripts, People Search, and listing, reading, or deleting your chats. The chain waits at that step until you answer. **Needs attention** in the sidebar lists chats waiting on you.
- Approvals you save stay on this device: **This response** lasts until the answer ends, **This session** until the chat reloads, and **This chat** until you revoke it. They never sync and never authorize a routine.
- **Full access** lets one chat on one device use your enabled tools without asking. It still asks before connecting a new service, before listing, reading, or deleting your chats, before People Search runs, before giving a routine browser access or unattended local access, and for Computer Use safety checks and certificate warnings.
- On the web and phones, Full access covers connectors only.
- Routines have their own **Permission mode**, turned on from the desktop device that runs them.
See [Permissions](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/permissions.md).
### Read-only chats
Project chats you can only read have no composer and no message controls. Files, images, Pages, and audio show their viewers only, Share isn't offered, and a People Search brief can be viewed but not run.
### Built-in limits worth planning around
- **Web Search**: up to 2 searches per answer, each with up to 8 queries.
- **Deep Research**: one run at a time per person, and no cancel button once a run starts.
- **Run Python**: up to 5 output files per run.
- **Council of Experts**: needs at least 2 models you're allowed to use.
- **YouTube**: up to 3 videos per message.
- **Message queue**: up to 4 waiting messages; it pauses after an error or at a usage limit.
- **Send Email**: up to 25 recipients and 20 emails an hour.
- **Routines**: up to 10 active; runs are at least 30 minutes apart.
## Design a new workflow
Use this procedure to build a chain nobody has written down, whether you're a person or an AI guiding one.
1. State the end artifact — a file, a card, a published Page link, an email, a text, or a routine. This fixes what the last block must produce.
2. Find the block whose **Produces** column matches it — that block is your last step.
3. Read that block's **Takes** column and find the block that produces it. Repeat until you reach something you already have: a question, a link, or a file — this gives you the chain in order.
4. Check every block against the gates above: plan, platform, organization controls, an encrypted chat, and the routine toolset if it will run on a schedule — swap any block that fails for another with the same output.
5. Write one prompt per step, naming the tool with `/` or `@` and the file with `@` — this removes the AI's guesswork about which tool or file you mean.
6. Run a step, check its output, then run the next — confirm the file appears in **Browse files**, the chart has the right rows, or the report finished. Queue later steps only once the chain is proven.
7. To repeat the chain, ask the chat to set it up as a routine — keep only blocks routines can run.
### Worked example
Goal: a dashboard Page of quarterly revenue, published to a link and emailed to you as a file.
- The last two blocks are **Share** (makes the link) and **Send Email** (sends the Page file). Both need a Page; a Page with real numbers needs clean data; clean data comes from **Run Python** reading your spreadsheet.
- Gates: Run Python, Pages, Share, and Send Email are on every plan; your organization must allow **Run Python**, **Charts**, **Sharing**, and **Email notifications**. Not for a routine, because routines can't run Python.
Where a prompt names a file with `@`, type `@` and pick the file from the menu.
```text
/python Read @sales-2026.xlsx and write a CSV of revenue by quarter, one column per region.
```
```text
/chart Make a grouped bar chart from that CSV.
```
```text
Build a one-page dashboard Page with the quarterly figures baked in, a region filter, and three sentences on the trend.
```
```text
/share
```
Review the Page and publish it, then:
```text
@email me the dashboard Page and the CSV as attachments.
```
Swap a block and the rest still holds: replace the spreadsheet with a **Deep Research** report as the data source, or replace **Send Email** with **Send SMS** for a one-line alert.
## Related
- [Research recipes](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/research-recipes.md)
- [Creative recipes](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/creative-recipes.md)
- [Business recipes](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/business-recipes.md)
- [Automation recipes](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/automation-recipes.md)
- [Everyday recipes](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/everyday-recipes.md)
- [Team recipes](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/team-recipes.md)
- [For AI assistants](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/for-ai-assistants.md)
---
---
title: "Recipes for research and analysis"
description: "Step-by-step recipes that chain Bearly's research tools (Deep Research, Scholar, Read Site, document search, YouTube claim checks, X posts, Rerun, and Council of Experts) with Run Python, charts, Pages, and email to produce cited reports, checked figures, and published briefs."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/research-recipes/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/research-recipes.md"
---
# Recipes for research and analysis
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/research-recipes/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/research-recipes/)
> Step-by-step recipes that chain Bearly's research tools (Deep Research, Scholar, Read Site, document search, YouTube claim checks, X posts, Rerun, and Council of Experts) with Run Python, charts, Pages, and email to produce cited reports, checked figures, and published briefs.
These recipes chain Bearly's research tools so that one step's output becomes the next step's input: a finished report becomes a chart, a paper becomes a searchable file, and a video's figures go to a literature check. Each recipe names its building blocks and the hand-off between them, so you can swap one block for another that produces the same kind of output. For what each block takes in and gives back, see [Building blocks](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/building-blocks.md).
## Turn a Deep Research report into a chart, a Page, and an email
You end up with a cited report and its PDF in your inbox, a chart of its numbers, a published Page with the findings, and an email to a teammate with a summary and the Page link.
**Why it works:** Deep Research writes a cited report, saves a PDF of it in the chat, and emails the PDF to you. The finished report stays in the chat's context in full, so later messages can work from its numbers. Run Python writes those numbers to a CSV file, **Create chart** draws from that file, a Page is an HTML file Bearly writes into the chat, and Send Email sends what the chat wrote, with the link you paste.
**You need:** **Analyst** plan or higher (**Ultra** runs need **Research**). Any platform. Organization controls, on unless an admin turned them off: **Deep Research**, **Web**, **Chat web search**, **Run Python**, **Charts**, **Sharing** with **Public links** or **Share with people and teams**, and **Email notifications**. Emailing a teammate needs a managed organization; otherwise email yourself and forward it.
1. Start with the Deep Research command:
```text
/deep-research How big is the US residential battery storage market each year from 2022 to 2030, by installed capacity and by revenue, and which companies lead installation?
```
— Bearly shows a **Deep Research** card with an editable **Query**. Nothing runs yet; planning is free.
2. Select **Create Plan**, read the **Plan**, and type changes in **Notes**, such as "Prefer government and industry-association sources, and mark forecasts separately from actuals." Select **Revise Plan**, then **Run Research**. — Your edits become part of the run. Turn on **Ultra** first only when the question needs a deeper run and your plan includes it. When the run finishes you see the report with numbered citations, a **Sources** list, and "PDF ready" with **View PDF**. Bearly also emails you the PDF.
3. Ask for the numbers as a chart:
```text
From the report, put every market-size estimate into a table with year, value, unit, source, and whether it's a forecast. Then chart revenue by year as a line chart, one line per source.
```
— A **Run Python** step writes a CSV file and a **Chart** card draws it. Select **View data** and check the rows against the report before you go on.
4. Build the Page:
```text
Build a one-page Page with the chart, the five most important findings in plain language, and a link to the source behind each number.
```
— A live preview of the Page appears in the chat. Select **Open** to see it full size. Ask for changes in the chat; each edit saves a new version.
5. In the open Page, select **Share file** → **Prepare share**. When it's ready, the prepared Page opens on its own, marked "Ready to share"; select **Publish** in its header, choose the **Audience**, select **Publish**, then **Copy link**. — Bearly adds artwork and a link preview and publishes the Page at a bearly.sh link that stays the same when you publish updates.
6. Paste the link into one more message:
```text
Email Dana Ortiz a 100-word summary of the report and this link: [paste the Page link].
```
— Bearly finds Dana in your organization's contacts and sends the email. You're copied on it. To share the full report, forward Dana the PDF email Bearly sent you.
**Swap in:**
- **Scholar for Deep Research** (any plan): ask `/scholar` the same question. The cited answer stays in the chat, and steps 3 to 6 work the same, without the PDF. In step 4, ask for the paper behind each number by title and authors; Bearly doesn't get a link for every paper, and the links are on the **Papers** cards.
- **People and teams for a public link:** in step 5 choose **People and teams**, select **Publish**, then add viewers with **Manage viewers**, so only the people and teams you name can open the Page.
- **Attach the Page instead of publishing it:** skip step 5 and ask "Email me the Page." Send Email attaches the HTML file itself, which opens in any browser.
- **A schedule instead of a one-off:** a Routine can run Deep Research every week and email the PDF, but it can't run Python or draw charts. See [Schedule a weekly Deep Research digest](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/automation-recipes.md#schedule-a-weekly-deep-research-digest).
**If it stalls:**
- "You can't start another Deep Research run right now" means one of your runs is still in progress or you've reached a usage limit. Wait for the run to finish, or check your plan's usage. There's no cancel button once a run starts, and a run keeps going if you refresh or switch devices.
- Charts read a CSV of up to 10 columns, and a line chart draws up to 12 lines. If the chart fails, ask for fewer columns or fewer sources.
- If Bearly can't find your teammate, use their full name as it appears in your organization, or their work email.
## Read the strongest paper in full and quote it with page citations
You get a list of papers on a question, the best open-access one saved in the chat, exact figures quoted with page citations, and a one-page brief.
**Why it works:** Scholar's paper reader returns an open-access PDF link when a paper has one. Read Site downloads that PDF into the chat as a file. Once a chat has a file, Bearly's document tools can search it and read it page by page, and answers from a document search carry citations that open the document near the cited page. The Page at the end is written from everything above it in the chat.
**You need:** Any plan. Any platform. Organization controls: **Scholar** and **Web**. The chat's **Web** setting on **Auto** (the default), which Read Site needs. Searching the saved paper needs a chat that isn't end-to-end encrypted; reading it page by page works in any chat.
1. Ask Scholar:
```text
/scholar What do recent papers say about retrieval-augmented generation reducing hallucinations in question answering? Prefer peer-reviewed work and say where results conflict.
```
— Bearly searches papers and answers with superscript citations. Each search shows a Papers card listing the papers it found, with links, and each paper it read shows a card marked **Read** with the passage it used.
2. Open one in full:
```text
Open the strongest open-access paper from that list in full.
```
— Bearly fetches the paper's PDF and saves it as a file in the chat. Only a paper with an open-access PDF can be opened in full; if the one you want has none, pick another paper or narrow the question.
3. Ask for exact figures:
```text
From that paper, quote the exact datasets, the baseline, and the reported hallucination rates, with page numbers.
```
— Bearly searches and reads the saved PDF. Passages it found with a document search carry citations you can click to open the PDF near the cited page.
4. Write the brief:
```text
Turn this into a one-page Page: the question, what the evidence says, the key numbers in a small table, open questions, and a citation for every paper used.
```
— A Page preview appears. **Open** shows it full size, and **Download** saves the HTML file.
**Swap in:**
- **Any public PDF for Scholar:** skip steps 1 and 2 and send `/read-site` with the PDF's address. Steps 3 and 4 work the same.
- **Related work before you pick:** after step 1, ask "Show papers that cite the strongest one." Scholar maps similar papers, citing papers, and references.
- **Council of Experts for the brief** (Pro): send `/council` with your question and name the saved PDF with `@` (pick it under **Assets**). Each expert can search and read it and search the web, and Bearly synthesizes their answers.
- **Listen instead of read:** ask for a 60-second plain-language summary and select **Read aloud** under the answer (needs **Text to speech**).
**If it stalls:**
- A read that shows "abstract only" means Scholar holds only that paper's abstract, so figures from it rest on the abstract. Open the paper in full in step 2 if it has an open-access PDF, or pick a different paper.
- If Scholar finds fewer than three papers in its index, it also searches academic journal sites on the web, when your organization allows **Chat web search**. If results are still thin, Bearly says the literature is thin rather than stretching it.
## Pull exact figures out of a long public report
A long report at a public link becomes a searchable file in the chat, and its figures become a checked table and a chart.
**Why it works:** Read Site saves PDFs, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel files, and long web pages, as files in the chat instead of pasting them in. Scan Doc finds exact words with their page and line, Read Doc reads up to 20 pages at a time, and Run Python writes the figures to a CSV that **Create chart** draws from.
**You need:** Any plan. Any platform. Organization controls: **Web**, **Run Python**, and **Charts**. The chat's **Web** setting on **Auto**.
1. Save the report into the chat:
```text
/read-site https://www.example.gov/reports/annual-energy-outlook-2026.pdf
```
— Bearly saves the PDF as a file in the chat and shows it as a file card with a preview.
2. Find every mention of a term:
```text
@find-in-document Find every mention of "capacity factor" in that report, with page numbers.
```
— Scan Doc returns exact matches with the page, line, and surrounding text, ten at a time. Ask "show the next matches" to page through.
3. Build the table:
```text
Read the pages with the regional tables and put capacity factor by region and year into a table. Give the page number for each row.
```
— Bearly reads those pages and builds the table, with a page for every row so you can check it.
4. Chart it:
```text
Chart capacity factor by year as a line chart, one line per region, and tell me which region changed most.
```
— Run Python writes a CSV and a **Chart** card draws it. **Download PNG** saves the image; **View data** shows the rows.
**Swap in:**
- **Your own file for Read Site:** attach the report with **+** → **Attach files** instead. Steps 2 to 4 work the same.
- **A summary first:** `/summarize` gives a **Deep Summary** of a very long document. It summarizes evenly spaced sections rather than every line, so keep Scan Doc for exact figures.
- **An interactive Page for the chart:** ask for a Page with a region filter. Bearly builds the table into the Page so it works on its own.
- **Email for the chart:** ask "Email me the table as a CSV." Send Email attaches files from the chat.
**If it stalls:**
- Read Site reads public HTTPS addresses only and doesn't sign in or click. For a report behind a sign-in, use Bearly Browser or Chrome in the desktop app; see [Recipes for automation and agents](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/automation-recipes.md).
- If step 2 finds nothing, try a shorter phrase. Scan Doc matches exact text, ignoring case.
## Check a video's figures against the research literature
You get the figures a YouTube video states, how many websites agree with each one, and what published papers say about the disputed ones.
**Why it works:** A YouTube link opens a video card with a **Check claims** button. The check is saved as a file in the chat, so Bearly can read it in later messages and hand the disputed figures to Scholar. The video's transcript is available to the chat, which is how Bearly finds the minutes to cut.
**You need:** Any plan. Web app, phone browser, or desktop app. Organization controls: **YouTube**, **Web**, **Chat web search**, **Scholar**, and **File uploads** (the claims check is saved as a file). The video needs a transcript: readable captions, or one the desktop app fetched with **Get transcript**. **Check claims** turns off once you've used all of your plan allowance.
1. Paste the link with a question:
```text
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIDEO_ID What's the main argument, and which numbers does it rest on?
```
— Bearly opens a video card with a summary, chapters, and tabs such as **Summary** and **Insights**, and answers your question.
2. On the card's **Insights** tab, select **Check claims**. — Bearly checks up to 12 of the figures the video states against web results each time you press it, and the **Claims** tab labels each by how many sites give the same figure, a different one, or neither. It never labels a figure true or false.
3. Take the disputed figures to the literature:
```text
For the figures that sites disagreed on, what does the research literature say? Cite papers.
```
— Bearly reads the saved check and searches papers, with a **Papers** card and citations.
4. Cut the video to those moments:
```text
Make a cut of just the parts of the video where those disputed figures come up.
```
— A cut card plays only those ranges, back to back, in the same player.
**Swap in:**
- **Web Search for Scholar:** when the figures are prices, sports results, or news rather than research, ask Bearly to check them against current news sources instead.
- **The Mentioned tab:** select **Find** on the papers, books, or tools the video names to look each one up.
- **Deep Research for one figure** (Analyst): send `/deep-research` on the single most important disputed figure for a cited report.
- **A spoken verdict:** ask for a 30-second recap and select **Read aloud** under the answer.
**If it stalls:**
- If the video has no readable captions, Bearly digests it by watching it (only the first 90 minutes of a longer video), so times are approximate, there are no exact quotes, and **Check claims** doesn't appear. In the desktop app, **Get transcript** on the card can fetch a transcript.
- Videos that block embedding can't play on the card. The desktop app offers **Download to play here**.
## Verify a viral post on X
You get a post's thread, replies, and quote posts read for you, its video watched, and a verdict backed by news sources.
**Why it works:** Read X Post returns the post, its thread, quote posts, photos, and frames from any video. Bearly can import the video as a file and watch up to 10 minutes of it at a time. Everything it found stays in the chat, so the last step can test it against a web search.
**You need:** Any plan. Any platform. Organization controls: **X (Twitter)**, **Web**, and **File uploads** (for watching the video). The chat's **Web** setting on **Auto**.
1. Read the post and its reactions:
```text
/read-x Is this real? https://x.com/USER/status/POST_ID Read the thread and the quote posts and tell me what people are disputing.
```
— Bearly reads the post, a sample of up to 100 posts from its conversation with replies ranked by likes, and its quote posts, and links the posts it cites.
2. Watch the video:
```text
Watch the attached video. Describe what it shows and anything that suggests where or when it was filmed.
```
— Bearly imports the video into the chat and analyzes its frames and audio.
3. Check the news:
```text
Now check news sources from the last 48 hours. Give me a verdict (confirmed, unconfirmed, or contradicted) with sources.
```
— Bearly searches the web and answers with numbered source links.
**Swap in:**
- **Find the first poster:** send `/search-x` with the video's key phrase. Search covers roughly the last 7 days and accepts operators such as `from:` and `-is:retweet`.
- **Check the account:** `/x-profile` reads the poster's public profile: verification, links, metrics, and recent posts.
- **Deep Research for the news check** (Analyst) when the claim needs more than a quick search.
- **Send the verdict on:** ask Bearly to email you the verdict with its sources.
**If it stalls:** Bearly reads public posts only. Likes, DMs, bookmarks, and private posts aren't available, and it can't post or follow.
## Pressure-test a hard question across several models
You see how different models answer the same question, then get one synthesized answer from a panel of up to five models that each looked for evidence.
**Why it works:** The rerun menu under a message produces a new version of the answer from any model you pick, and the version arrows flip between versions without changing the chat's model. Council of Experts sends one self-contained question to two to five models at once; each can search the web and read pages, and Bearly writes a synthesis from their answers.
**You need:** **Pro** plan or higher for Council of Experts. Rerun works on every plan, with the models your plan includes. Any platform. Organization control: **Council**. If **Zero Data Retention only** is on, the panel uses only zero-retention models.
1. Ask the question:
```text
Should a 20-person B2B software company switch from monthly to annual-only pricing? Recommend yes or no, give the three biggest risks, and say what evidence would change your mind.
```
— The chat's model answers.
2. Under the answer, open the rerun menu (it shows the model's short name, or **Rerun**) and pick a different model. Repeat with a third model. — Each rerun adds a version. Use the arrows under the message to flip between "1 / 3", "2 / 3", and "3 / 3". The chat keeps its own model.
3. Put it to a panel:
```text
/council Should a 20-person B2B software company switch from monthly to annual-only pricing? Each expert: search for recent pricing studies or public company data, recommend yes or no with the three biggest risks, and say where you disagree with common advice.
```
— A **Council of Experts** panel shows a tab for each model with its status and answer. Bearly's synthesis follows in the reply.
4. Decide what to test:
```text
Which disagreement from the council matters most for a company our size, and what's the cheapest way to test it?
```
— Bearly works from the synthesis, which is now part of the chat.
**Swap in:**
- **Choose the panel:** the **Council settings** gear on the panel opens "Council models", where you pick who sits on it. The choice syncs to your account.
- **Your own documents for the web:** name an attached file in the council question with `@`. Experts can search and read it. See [Review a contract clause with a panel of models, then redline it](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/business-recipes.md#review-a-contract-clause-with-a-panel-of-models-then-redline-it).
- **Papers for web sources:** ask the experts to cite research papers. They can use Scholar.
- **Skip the panel:** on any plan, steps 1 and 2 alone give you three answers to compare.
**If it stalls:**
- Experts don't see the chat's earlier messages or files unless the question includes them, so write the council question so it stands on its own.
- A panel needs at least two experts to answer. If your organization allows fewer models, ask your admin.
- If a model in the rerun menu needs a higher plan, Bearly opens **Settings** → **Billing** instead.
## Queue follow-ups while a long answer runs
You line up the next three steps of an analysis while the first is still running, and they send themselves in order.
**Why it works:** While Bearly is working, anything you send waits in a queue of up to four messages and goes out when the current answer finishes. Each queued message sees everything before it, so a chart request can build on an analysis that hadn't finished when you typed it.
**You need:** Any plan. Any platform. Organization controls: **File uploads** for the spreadsheet, **Run Python** and **Charts** to chart, and **Email notifications** to email.
1. Attach a spreadsheet and send:
```text
Analyze churn by plan and by month in the attached file. Flag any month where churn doubled.
```
— Bearly starts working.
2. While it's still working, type each of these and press Enter after each one:
```text
Chart monthly churn by plan as a line chart.
```
```text
Write a five-bullet summary for the leadership team.
```
```text
Email me that summary.
```
— The send button reads **Queue message**, and each message joins **Up next** above the composer.
3. Let the queue run, or select **Send now** on a row to stop the current answer and send that message right away. — Messages go out in order as each answer finishes. To change one, empty the composer and select **Edit queued message**; **Remove from queue** drops it.
**Swap in:**
- **Redirect instead of queue:** ⌘ Enter (Ctrl Enter on Windows and Linux) sends your draft right away, stopping the current answer and skipping the queue.
- **A Page for the chart:** queue "Build a one-page Page with the chart and the summary" instead of the chart request.
- **A text when it's done:** queue `/sms Text me "churn analysis is ready".` Bearly texts the phone you verified in **Settings** → **Phone & SMS** (US and Canadian numbers).
**If it stalls:** The queue pauses when an answer fails ("Queue paused — the last message failed.") or you reach a usage limit; a successful answer or **Send now** resumes it. Pressing **Stop** twice within two seconds pauses it on purpose. The queue isn't saved with the chat, so keep the chat open until it's empty. It holds four messages; when it's full, send, edit, or remove one first.
## Related
- [Research](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research.md) for every research tool, its limits, and its controls
- [Documents](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/documents.md) for Search Docs, Read Doc, Scan Doc, and Summarize Doc
- [Data and code](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/data-and-code.md) for Run Python and charts
- [Pages and Canvas](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas.md) for building and publishing Pages
---
---
title: "Recipes for writing, content, and media"
description: "Step-by-step recipes that chain Bearly's image, video, text-to-speech, transcription, YouTube, grammar, and Run Python tools to make narrated clips, product visuals, show notes, trailers, quote cuts, and proofread drafts in one chat."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/creative-recipes/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/creative-recipes.md"
---
# Recipes for writing, content, and media
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/creative-recipes/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/creative-recipes/)
> Step-by-step recipes that chain Bearly's image, video, text-to-speech, transcription, YouTube, grammar, and Run Python tools to make narrated clips, product visuals, show notes, trailers, quote cuts, and proofread drafts in one chat.
These recipes chain Bearly's image, video, audio, transcription, and writing tools. Each tool saves what it makes as a file in the chat (an image, a video, an audio take, a transcript), and the next tool picks that file up, so you can go from one picture to a narrated clip, or from an episode to show notes and a trailer, without leaving the chat. Each image, video, and audio run uses your plan allowance. For what each block takes in and gives back, see [Building blocks](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/building-blocks.md).
## Make a narrated product clip from one image
You get a generated product image, a short video animated from it, a recorded voiceover, and one MP4 with the voiceover laid over the video.
**Why it works:** **Imagine** saves each image as a file in the chat. **Make Video** can use any image file in the chat as its first frame, and every video it makes includes generated sound. A `/say` take is saved as an audio file. Run Python takes chat files as inputs, has video tools installed, and saves its output back to the chat, so it can combine the two files into one.
**You need:** Any plan. Any platform. Organization controls: **Images**, **Video**, **Text to speech**, and **Run Python**.
1. Make the image:
```text
/image A matte black insulated water bottle standing on wet slate, soft morning side light, shallow depth of field, vertical product photo.
```
— The image opens in an editor inside the answer. To compare, run other models from the editor's buttons (**Fast**, **Good**, or **All models**); each click makes one more image.
2. Animate it:
```text
/video Animate that image into an 8-second video: slow push-in, light rain starting, drops running down the bottle.
```
— Make Video uses the image as the first frame, so the clip keeps the image's shape. The video card shows its length and "Audio". Play it before you go on.
3. Record the voiceover:
```text
/say Write a 20-word voiceover for this clip and record it in a calm documentary voice.
```
— Bearly writes the line and records it as an audio file. The **Voice** studio opens below it. For another take, choose **Video voiceover** under "What are you making?", try voices, and select **Generate**. Each take is saved as its own audio file in the chat.
4. Combine them:
```text
/python Merge the voiceover onto the video as one MP4. Keep the rain sound underneath at low volume and start the voice at 1 second.
```
— A **Run Python** step saves the merged MP4 as a file in the chat. Play it there or download it. If you made several takes, type `@` and pick the one you want under **Assets** so Bearly uses that file.
**Swap in:**
- **Your own photo for Imagine:** attach a product photo and start at step 2 with "Animate the attached photo…".
- **An end frame:** name a second image as the last frame. Make Video then animates from the first image to the second.
- **Subtitles:** send `/transcribe` on the merged clip, then select **Download subtitles** in the transcript viewer for an `.srt` file to upload with the clip.
- **A fix pass:** ask "Watch the clip and list anything inconsistent." Bearly views the video, and `/edit-video` can change a clip of 3 to 10 seconds under 50 MB.
**If it stalls:**
- Make Video doesn't retry on its own, and every attempt counts as usage. If one fails ("The video model could not finish this request. Try again later."), ask again or change the prompt.
- Videos run 4 to 15 seconds. If the voiceover is longer than the clip, ask for a shorter script or a longer video.
- Run Python runs are time-limited, so keep merges to short clips.
## Turn a talk into quotes, a short cut, and a spoken recap
From one YouTube link you get the three strongest arguments with exact quotes and timestamps, a cut that plays only those moments, and an audio recap you can download.
**Why it works:** A YouTube link opens a video card, and Bearly can look up the transcript by time or by words, so quotes come with timestamps. A cut plays chosen ranges inside the same player. `/say` turns text into an audio file in the chat, and the **Voice** studio lets you choose the voice and delivery.
**You need:** Any plan. Web app, phone browser, or desktop app. Organization controls: **YouTube**, **Web**, **Text to speech**, and **File uploads** (the transcript is saved as a file). The video needs readable captions for exact quotes.
1. Paste the link with your request:
```text
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIDEO_ID Give me the three strongest arguments in this talk, each with an exact quote and its timestamp.
```
— The video card opens, and Bearly answers with quotes you can check in the card's **Transcript** tab.
2. Cut to those moments:
```text
Make a cut of just those three moments.
```
— A cut card plays those ranges back to back. A cut doesn't create a new video file.
3. Record the recap:
```text
/say Write a 45-second recap of the three arguments for someone who hasn't seen the talk, and record it.
```
— Bearly writes and records the recap as an audio file, and the **Voice** studio opens below it. For a different voice, choose **Podcast intro** or **Audiobook**, try voices, and select **Generate**. Select **Download audio** on the take you want.
**Swap in:**
- **Ready-made cuts:** on a long enough video, the card offers 2, 5, and 10-minute cuts. Pick one of those instead of a custom cut.
- **Several talks:** paste up to three links in one message and ask which one makes the strongest case.
- **A Page for the audio:** ask for a Page that lists each quote with its timestamp and a one-line comment, then publish it (needs **Sharing**).
- **Check the numbers first:** if the talk leans on figures, select **Check claims** on the card before step 3. See [Check a video's figures against the research literature](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/research-recipes.md#check-a-videos-figures-against-the-research-literature).
**If it stalls:** Without readable captions, Bearly watches the video instead (up to its first 90 minutes), so times are approximate and there are no exact quotes. In the desktop app, **Get transcript** in the card's **Transcript** tab can fetch a transcript. Each range in a cut must be at least 5 seconds long.
## Turn an episode into show notes, subtitles, and a trailer
From one audio or video file you get a speaker-labeled transcript, show notes with chapter times and pull quotes, a subtitle file, and a recorded trailer.
**Why it works:** **Transcribe** times every word, shows each speaker in its viewer, and saves the transcript as an `.srt` file in the chat, so later messages can quote it with times. `/say` records any text as an audio file.
**You need:** Any plan. Any platform. Organization controls: **Transcription**, **Text to speech**, and **File uploads**.
1. Attach the episode and send:
```text
/transcribe Transcribe this episode.
```
— The transcript viewer opens with **Captions** and **Table** views and a name box for each speaker, so you can type who is who. A transcript `.srt` file is saved in the chat.
2. Write the show notes:
```text
Write show notes: a two-sentence summary, chapters with start times, and three pull quotes with exact timestamps.
```
— Bearly works from the transcript.
3. Record a trailer:
```text
/say Write a 20-second trailer built around the best pull quote and record it.
```
— The take is saved as an audio file. In the **Voice** studio, choose **Podcast intro**, then select the **Compare** button (it shows how many voices it will record) to hear the same script in the preset's suggested voices at once.
4. In the transcript viewer, select **Download subtitles**. — You get an `.srt` subtitle file to upload with the video.
**Swap in:**
- **A meeting recording for the episode:** record in **Meetings and Recordings**, select **Add to chat**, and start at step 2 with the transcript file attached (needs **Meetings**).
- **An article:** ask for a 600-word article from the transcript, then send it through `/grammar` to proofread it.
- **A video from a link:** send `/download-video` with a public video's link to save it in the chat, then transcribe it. YouTube downloads need the desktop app.
**If it stalls:** Files over 400 MB can't be transcribed, so split long recordings. If one of several files fails, Bearly says "Some assets could not be transcribed" and keeps the others.
## Turn one product photo into a banner and a short video
You place your product into a new scene, change one part of it, widen it for a banner, and animate it into a clip.
**Why it works:** The image editor that opens with an image answer can combine images, change a selected area, and extend the edges. Each result is an image file in the chat, which **Make Video** can use as its first frame.
**You need:** Any plan. Any platform. Organization controls: **Images**, **Video**, and **File uploads**. **Change area** and **Extend edges** need a model that accepts a selected area; models that can't show "No area edits".
1. Attach your product photo and a photo of the setting, then send:
```text
/edit-image Combine these: put the lamp from the first photo on the desk in the second photo, matching the warm evening light.
```
— **Touch Up** blends the two, and the result opens in the image editor.
2. In the editor's thumbnail strip, select the combined image. Choose **Change area**, drag a rectangle over the wall behind the desk (or use **Select center**), and type:
```text
Replace this with a bookshelf, slightly out of focus.
```
— Run it with a model that doesn't show "No area edits". The edit targets the selected area.
3. Select the new image in the thumbnail strip, choose **Extend edges**, describe what should fill the new space (for example, "continue the room and the desk"), and run it with a model that doesn't show "No area edits". — Bearly adds a quarter of the image's width or height on every side for the model to fill, leaving room for banner text.
4. Animate the final image:
```text
/video Animate the latest image into a 6-second video: the lamp switches on and its light warms the room.
```
— Make Video starts from that image, so the clip keeps its shape.
**Swap in:**
- **Imagine for the setting photo:** make the scene first with `/image`, then combine your product into it.
- **Several models at once:** each model button starts its own run, so you can compare results side by side in the thumbnail strip.
- **A better prompt:** select **Refine** in the editor for a suggested rewrite, then **Use this**.
- **A different shape of video:** the clip follows the starting image, so to get a vertical clip, start from a vertical image.
**If it stalls:** A failed run's thumbnail reads "Failed"; select it, then **Try again**. Editor runs use exactly the model you chose and don't switch to another. If a model can't take several images, it says "One input image" or "Up to N input images".
## Go from a mood board to an original concept image
You see real examples of a style from the web, then get a new image based on the one you pick.
**Why it works:** Image Search shows a gallery of web images with their source pages, but Bearly hasn't looked at the images themselves. When you ask it to use one, it saves that image into the chat with Read Site, where it becomes a file that **Touch Up** can use as a reference.
**You need:** Any plan. Any platform. Organization controls: **Image search**, **Web**, **Chat web search**, and **Images**. The chat's **Web** setting on **Auto**.
1. Search for examples:
```text
/image-search Show me examples of brutalist concrete desk lamps.
```
— A gallery shows the first 8 images (expand for up to 20). Each tile has a preview, download, and a link to its source page.
2. Pick one to build on:
```text
Use the third image as a reference and make a warmer product-photo version in pale oak on a plain background.
```
— Bearly saves the third image into the chat, and Touch Up makes the new image in the editor.
3. Make variations:
```text
Make two more versions: one in dark walnut, one in white ceramic.
```
— Each version opens as a new image you can edit further.
**Swap in:**
- **Your sketch for the search:** attach a sketch and ask Touch Up to render it in the style of the saved image.
- **Video for a still:** animate the final image with `/video`.
- **Your own photo for a web image:** attach a photo of your product as a second reference, and say which image sets the style and which shows the product.
**If it stalls:** If the gallery doesn't appear, check that **Web** is on **Auto** in the sliders menu. With **Web** off, the chat can't search images or save one with Read Site. Images from a search belong to their owners; open the source page before you use one beyond reference.
## Hear your draft before you send it
You fix grammar and style in a draft, then listen to it to catch what reading misses.
**Why it works:** **Fix Grammar** marks each issue with an explanation, lets you accept changes one at a time or all at once, and copies the corrected text. `/say` with nothing after it opens the **Voice** studio, whose **Proofread by ear** preset sets a voice and delivery for checking writing.
**You need:** Any plan. Any platform. Organization control: **Text to speech**.
1. Check the draft:
```text
/grammar [paste your draft]
```
— A grammar editor marks each issue by category and severity. Select **Accept All** or accept items one at a time, then **Copy corrected text**.
2. Open the studio:
```text
/say
```
— The **Voice** studio opens below the message without recording anything.
3. Paste the corrected text into the script box, choose **Proofread by ear**, and select **Generate**. — Play the take; words are highlighted as they're read. Fix anything that sounds wrong and generate again.
**Swap in:**
- **Use reply for pasting:** if Bearly wrote the draft, select **Use reply** in the studio instead of pasting.
- **Read aloud for the studio:** for a quick listen, select **Read aloud** under any answer that's all text.
- **Your studio voice everywhere:** turn on **Use for Read Aloud** in the studio so **Read aloud** uses the studio's voice and delivery.
- **Canvas for a long draft:** select **Edit in Canvas** under an answer, select a passage, and use "Ask AI about this text..." to rewrite just that part before step 1.
**If it stalls:** Bearly doesn't retry a failed take, because audio may already have been made. Select **Generate** again.
## Related
- [Images, video, and audio](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/images-video-audio.md) for every media tool, its options, and its limits
- [Videos and posts](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/videos-and-posts.md) for YouTube and X
- [Meetings](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/meetings.md) for recording and transcripts
- [Data and code](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/data-and-code.md) for Run Python
---
---
title: "Recipes for founders, sales, and operations"
description: "Step-by-step recipes that chain Bearly's Domain research, SEO data, People Search, Council of Experts, Document editor, Run Python, charts, Pages, and email for naming a product, meeting prep, contact lists, contract redlines, shareable dashboards, and search-gap content plans."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/business-recipes/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/business-recipes.md"
---
# Recipes for founders, sales, and operations
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/business-recipes/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/business-recipes/)
> Step-by-step recipes that chain Bearly's Domain research, SEO data, People Search, Council of Experts, Document editor, Run Python, charts, Pages, and email for naming a product, meeting prep, contact lists, contract redlines, shareable dashboards, and search-gap content plans.
These recipes chain research, data, document, and email tools for work that usually takes several apps: naming a product, preparing for a meeting, reviewing a contract, or sending a dashboard to the board. Results from each step stay in the chat, so the last step can draw on all of them. Lookups that draw on outside data (domain checks, search data, work emails, and People Search) use your plan allowance. People Search asks before it searches for a list of people, looks up work emails, enriches leads, or builds a brief. For what each block takes in and gives back, see [Building blocks](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/building-blocks.md).
## Shortlist product names with open domains and search demand
You get name ideas, which domains are free to register, how often people search for each name, which names companies already use, and a one-page shortlist.
**Why it works:** Domain research suggests names and checks one domain per request. SEO data measures monthly search volume for up to 100 keywords at once. Web Search looks for companies already using a name. Every result stays in the chat, so the Page at the end can pull from all three.
**You need:** Any plan. Any platform. Organization controls: **Domain research**, **SEO Data**, and **Web**. The chat's **Web** setting on **Auto** (the default), which Web Search needs.
1. Get ideas:
```text
/domains Suggest 20 short, easy-to-spell names with .com or .ai domains for a scheduling app for dental clinics.
```
— Bearly lists names with domains. A suggestion doesn't mean the domain is free.
2. Check the best ones:
```text
Check availability for the best five.
```
— Each domain comes back available, not available, or unknown.
3. Measure demand:
```text
/seo-measure-keywords Show US monthly search volume for each of those five names and for "dental scheduling software".
```
— The numbers come back in the reply. A name that people already search for a lot may belong to someone else.
4. Look for existing companies:
```text
Search the web for companies already using any of these names in software or healthcare.
```
— Web Search answers with numbered sources.
5. Put it together:
```text
Put the shortlist in a one-page Page: name, domain status, monthly searches, conflicts found, and your recommendation with one reason.
```
— A Page preview appears in the chat. **Open** shows it full size; download it or publish it with **Share file**.
**Swap in:**
- **Another market:** name the country and language in step 3, such as "UK search volume in English". Search data defaults to the United States and English.
- **Search terms for brainstorming:** start with `/seo-keywords` and your product description to see what people search for, and use those words as seeds in step 1.
- **Council of Experts for the final call** (Pro): send `/council` with the five names and your criteria in the question.
- **Email for the Page:** ask "Email me the Page." Send Email attaches the HTML file.
**If it stalls:** An "unknown" status is inconclusive and isn't retried automatically; ask again later. A domain check isn't trademark clearance, so check names with a lawyer before you commit.
## Prepare for a meeting with someone you haven't met
You find the right people at a set of companies, get their work emails, build a cited brief on the person you're meeting, and draft an opener.
**Why it works:** Find people returns a ranked table in the reply, so the next message can say "the top three" and Find work emails knows who you mean. People Search builds a brief on one person after you confirm the right candidate on a card. The brief stays in the chat, so the last step can write an email from it.
**You need:** **Analyst** plan or higher. Any platform. Organization controls: **People Search**, **People Search contact routes** (for emails and the **Reach out** section), and **Email notifications** (for the last step). Finding people, looking up emails, and building the brief each ask first; approve to continue.
1. Find the people:
```text
/find-people Heads of platform engineering at Series B AI infrastructure companies in New York.
```
— Bearly asks "Search for people?" before it spends anything. Approve it, and a ranked list comes back as a table.
2. Get their emails:
```text
/work-emails Get work emails for the top three.
```
— Bearly asks before the batch. Each email comes back verified, likely, or not found, and only found emails are charged.
3. Build the brief:
```text
Build a brief on the second person. I'm meeting her Thursday to talk about our observability product.
```
— Bearly shows a candidate card. If it lists more than one person, select the right one; Bearly never chooses for you. Approve **Build the brief?**, and a brief card appears with tabs and numbered citations to its sources.
4. Draft the opener:
```text
Draft a short intro email to her that mentions one specific thing from the brief, and email the draft to me.
```
— Send Email sends the draft to your own address so you can edit it and send it from your mail app.
**Swap in:**
- **Lead enrichment for Find people:** `/lead-enrichment` with up to 10 known profile links, emails, or name-and-employer pairs returns structured profile data for each.
- **Your own list for Find people:** attach a spreadsheet and run step 2 on it. See the next recipe.
- **A text for the email:** ask Bearly to text you the three things to remember from the brief before the meeting. Needs a verified phone in **Settings** → **Phone & SMS**.
**If it stalls:** With only a name, Bearly asks for one detail that tells people apart, such as employer, city, or role. If emails and the **Reach out** section are missing, your admin turned off **People Search contact routes**. Bearly doesn't retry a paid step on its own.
## Turn an event attendee list into a contact spreadsheet
Your attendee spreadsheet comes back as a CSV with each person's work email and how confident the match is.
**Why it works:** Find work emails needs a first name, last name, and company domain for each person, which Bearly reads from the file you attach. The results come back as a table in the reply, and Bearly can write that table to a CSV file in the chat, which you can edit and email to yourself.
**You need:** **Analyst** plan or higher. Any platform. Organization controls: **People Search**, **People Search contact routes**, **File uploads**, and **Email notifications**.
1. Attach the spreadsheet and send:
```text
/work-emails Find work emails for the first 25 people in the attached list. Use the first name, last name, and company website columns.
```
— Bearly asks before the batch. Approve it, and each person comes back verified, likely, or not found.
2. Write the CSV:
```text
Write a CSV with my original columns plus email and status, in the same row order as my file.
```
— The CSV appears as a grid showing its rows and columns. **Open** it to edit cells, add a row or column, and **Save** a new version.
3. Send it to yourself:
```text
Email me the CSV.
```
— Send Email attaches the file.
**Swap in:**
- **The next batch:** repeat step 1 with "the next 25 people". Each request takes up to 25.
- **Lead enrichment for emails:** `/lead-enrichment` adds role and company details for up to 10 people per request.
- **A chart for the list:** ask "Chart how many verified emails we found per company" to see where coverage is thin. Needs **Run Python** and **Charts**.
**If it stalls:** People without a company domain can't be looked up; ask Bearly to list them so you can fill the gaps. Only found emails are charged.
## Review a contract clause with a panel of models, then redline it
Two to five models review a clause against your contract and public sources, Bearly synthesizes their view, and you get a Word file with tracked changes and a comment on each change.
**Why it works:** Council of Experts doesn't pass the chat's files to its experts unless the question names them. Naming the contract with an `@` reference lets each expert search and read it, and each can search the web. The synthesis stays in the chat, so the Document editor can apply the edits most experts agreed on as tracked changes, and Send Email attaches the result.
**You need:** **Pro** plan or higher. Any platform. Organization controls: **Council**, **Web**, **File uploads**, **Run Python** (the Document editor runs on it), and **Email notifications**. The chat's **Web** setting on **Auto** (the default), so experts can search the web. A chat that isn't end-to-end encrypted, so experts can search the file.
> **Caution — Not legal advice**
> Bearly's review is a starting point, not legal advice. Have a lawyer check anything you sign.
1. Attach the contract as a Word file (.docx), so step 2 can add tracked changes. Type `/council`, then type `@` and pick the contract under **Assets** so it appears as a chip, and finish the question:
```text
/council Using @contract.docx and current public guidance and case law, should we accept clause 7 (limitation of liability) as written? Each expert: cite sources, rate the risk, and list the exact wording changes you'd ask for.
```
— A **Council of Experts** panel shows each model's answer as it finishes, then Bearly's synthesis follows in the reply.
2. Apply the edits:
```text
/document Redline clause 7 in contract.docx with tracked changes that make the edits most experts agreed on. Add a comment on each change explaining why. Keep everything else unchanged.
```
— A **Run Python** step edits the document and saves a new Word file in the chat. The preview shows it as a PDF; download the **Original** to see the tracked changes in Word.
3. Send it:
```text
Email me the redlined contract with a three-line summary of the changes.
```
— Send Email attaches the Word file.
**Swap in:**
- **Rerun for Council of Experts** (any plan): ask the clause question once, then use the **Rerun** menu to get second and third opinions from other models.
- **A form for a redline:** `/document` can also fill a PDF form, fillable or not, from details you give it.
- **A summary deck:** ask the Document editor for a three-slide PowerPoint that explains the changes for your board.
- **A restricted Page for the email:** publish the synthesis as a Page with the **People and teams** audience so only your legal team can open it.
**If it stalls:** If an expert says it can't see the contract, the question didn't name it; type `@` and pick the file. A panel needs at least two experts to answer. If the Document editor fails, expand **Run Python** and read **Error**, then ask again one change at a time.
## Turn a sales spreadsheet into a dashboard anyone can open
Your spreadsheet becomes a chart, an interactive dashboard Page with filters, and a link you can send to investors or the board.
**Why it works:** Run Python reads the attached file and writes a summary CSV. **Create chart** draws from that CSV. Bearly builds the summary into the Page itself, so the dashboard works on its own without the spreadsheet. Publishing gives the Page a stable link.
**You need:** Any plan. Any platform. Organization controls: **File uploads**, **Run Python**, **Charts**, **Sharing**, and **Public links** (or **Share with people and teams** for a restricted link).
1. Attach the file and send:
```text
Analyze the attached sales.xlsx by region and quarter. Show totals and quarter-over-quarter growth.
```
— A **Run Python** step reads the file and returns the summary.
2. Chart it:
```text
Chart quarterly revenue by region as a grouped bar chart.
```
— A **Chart** card appears. **View data** shows the rows; **Download PNG** saves the image.
3. Build the dashboard:
```text
Build an interactive dashboard Page with filters for region and quarter, a KPI row for total revenue and growth, and the bar chart.
```
— A live Page preview appears. **Open** it and try the filters.
4. In the open Page, select **Share file** → **Prepare share**. When it's ready, the prepared Page opens on its own, marked "Ready to share"; select **Publish** in its header, choose **Anyone with the link** under **Audience**, select **Publish** again, then **Copy link**. — The Page is live at a bearly.sh link.
**Swap in:**
- **People and teams for Anyone with the link:** choose **People and teams** in step 4 and publish, then add people or teams with **Manage viewers**, which appears once the Page is published to that audience. Viewers sign in to open it.
- **A KPI with a goal:** ask "Show this quarter's revenue as a KPI chart against a 2 million dollar goal." A KPI chart shows one value with progress toward the goal.
- **A folder for an attachment** (desktop app): select **Work locally** → **Choose folder…**, pick the folder, and ask Bearly to attach the spreadsheet from there (up to 50 MB). Step 1 then works on that copy.
- **Next quarter's numbers:** attach the new file in the same chat and ask "Update the dashboard with this file." The Page saves a new version. Open it and select **Publish** → **Publish update**, and the link stays the same. If the popover asks you to use Share first, select **Share file** → **Prepare share** again.
**If it stalls:** A Page you share must be under 9 MB. If your organization allows neither audience, the popover says "Your team policy does not allow a publishing audience." Charts read up to 10 columns, so ask for a narrower summary if the table is wider.
## Find the search terms competitors win and you don't
You compare your site's search visibility with up to three competitors, size the gaps, see what kind of page ranks for each, and get a content plan as a CSV and a chart.
**Why it works:** SEO data tools return their numbers into the chat: site comparisons, keyword volumes for up to 100 terms, live results pages for up to five searches, and a one-page audit. Each step works from what the steps before it returned, and Run Python turns the final list into a CSV the chart draws from.
**You need:** Any plan. Any platform. Organization controls: **SEO Data**, **Run Python**, and **Charts**.
1. Compare sites:
```text
/seo-compare-sites Compare organic search visibility for oursite.com against rival-one.com and rival-two.com in the US.
```
— Bearly returns visibility figures for each site.
2. Find the gaps:
```text
Which keywords do they rank for that we don't? Measure monthly volume for the top 30.
```
— Bearly lists the gaps with search volume.
3. See what wins:
```text
/seo-serp Show the live results for the five biggest of those keywords and tell me what kind of page wins each one.
```
— Bearly reads the results pages and describes the winning page types, such as comparison pages, guides, or tools.
4. Audit your closest page:
```text
/seo-audit-page Audit oursite.com/pricing against what's winning for "scheduling software pricing".
```
— Bearly audits that one page and lists what it's missing.
5. Make the plan:
```text
Turn the gaps into a content plan CSV: keyword, volume, winning page type, our matching page or "none", and priority. Chart volume by priority as a bar chart.
```
— Run Python writes the CSV and a **Chart** card draws it.
**Swap in:**
- **Deeper or quicker data:** ask for a quick look (up to 20 rows, or 10 results for a live results page) or a deep one (up to 100 rows).
- **Backlinks for visibility:** `/seo-backlinks` on a competitor shows who links to them.
- **Another market:** name the country and language; search data defaults to the United States and English.
- **A Page for the CSV:** ask for the plan as a Page and publish it for your team with the **People and teams** audience.
**If it stalls:** An audit reads one public address per request. If a step returns nothing for one site, ask again for that site alone.
## Related
- [Research](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research.md) for Domain research, SEO data, People Search, and Council of Experts
- [Documents](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/documents.md) and [Data and code](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/data-and-code.md) for the Document editor, Run Python, and charts
- [Pages and Canvas](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas.md) for publishing and audiences
- [Email and text](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/email-and-text.md) for who you can email and attachment limits
---
---
title: "Recipes for automation and agents"
description: "Step-by-step recipes that combine Routines, Bearly Browser, Chrome control, Work locally, Computer Use, connectors, Deep Research, and email or text delivery, including what scheduled runs can and can't use and which steps need the desktop app."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/automation-recipes/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/automation-recipes.md"
---
# Recipes for automation and agents
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/automation-recipes/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/automation-recipes/)
> Step-by-step recipes that combine Routines, Bearly Browser, Chrome control, Work locally, Computer Use, connectors, Deep Research, and email or text delivery, including what scheduled runs can and can't use and which steps need the desktop app.
These recipes use Bearly's agent tools: Routines that run on a schedule, Bearly Browser and your own Chrome, Work locally on a folder, Computer Use in desktop apps, connectors to your other apps, and email and text to reach you. Every recipe here needs the desktop app (Mac, Windows, or Linux) for at least one step. In a chat, Bearly Browser, Chrome, Work locally, Computer Use, and connectors ask before they act, unless you turn on Full access for that chat; a Routine gets its access when you save it in the editor. See [Permissions](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/permissions.md). For what each block takes in and gives back, see [Building blocks](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/building-blocks.md).
> **Note — What a scheduled run can use**
> A Routine run can search the web, read public pages, read X, search papers, read files in its chat, write files and Pages, email or text you, and use the connectors and skills you pick for it. When you turn them on in the routine's editor, it can also use Bearly Browser on sites you list (**Browser access**), run local commands (**Unattended local access**), and start one Deep Research run (the **Deep Research** plugin). It can't run Python, draw charts, make images, video, or audio, transcribe, watch YouTube, or use Best Pick, People Search, Maps, Weather, SEO data, Domain research, Council of Experts, Chrome, or Computer Use.
## Get a weekday digest from sites you sign in to
Every weekday morning a Routine reads the sites you choose in Bearly Browser, writes a summary into its own chat, and emails you only when your condition is met.
**Why it works:** A Routine is a saved prompt that runs in the desktop app on a schedule, and every run lands in the routine's chat. **Browser access** lets runs use Bearly Browser on the exact sites you list, with the sign-ins Bearly Browser already has. **Build on previous runs** lets each run see earlier runs, and the **Notification filter** checks each result against your condition and stays quiet when nothing meets it.
**You need:** **Pro** plan or higher. The desktop app, open on the device the routine is installed on when it's due to run; you can create and edit routines anywhere, but browser access can only be turned on from the desktop app. Organization controls: **Routines**, **Browser in Routines**, **Browser**, and **Email notifications**. On the device: **Settings** → **Desktop** → **Browser** → **Enable Browser** and **Allow chats to use Browser**.
1. In the desktop app, select the globe (**Open Browser**) in the title bar and sign in to each site. Or use **Settings** → **Desktop** → **Browser** → **Import browser cookies** to bring your current sign-ins over from Chrome or Edge. — Routine runs use these sign-ins. Import copies cookies only, never passwords, history, bookmarks, or autofill.
2. Open **Routines** in the sidebar and type in the **Create a routine** box:
```text
Every weekday at 7:30 AM, open status.example.com and community.example.com and summarize what changed since the last run in five bullets with links. Only tell me if there's a new incident or a staff post.
```
Select **Draft routine**. — The editor opens with a drafted name, instructions, and schedule (here **Weekdays** at 7:30 AM), and your "only tell me if" condition in **Notification filter**. Check each one before you save.
3. Under **Tools** → **Browser access**, turn on **Bearly Browser** and add each site under **Sites**, or select the suggestions under **From the instructions:**. Leave **Click, type, and submit** off. — Runs can read pages and follow links on exactly those sites. A subdomain counts as a separate site.
4. Under **Results and delivery**, turn on **Email each result** and keep **Build on previous runs** on. Select **Create routine**, then **Allow browser access and save** in the confirmation. — The confirmation lists what the routine can do on those sites while you're away. A routine you create in the desktop app is installed on that device.
5. Open the routine from the list and select **Run now**. — The run uses at most three background tabs and writes its summary into the routine's chat. When the result meets your condition, it emails you and shows a **Routine ran** notice with **Open**. When it doesn't, **Recent runs** marks the run **quiet** with the reason, and no notice appears.
**Swap in:**
- **A text for the email:** turn on **Text each result** for a short summary on your verified US or Canadian phone. Routine texts are limited to 3 a day.
- **Public sites only:** drop **Browser access**. Runs can search the web and read public pages without it.
- **A Page in the email:** add "Build a one-page Page comparing today with last week and attach it to the email" to the instructions. Runs can write Pages and attach them to email, but can't publish a link.
- **Sites that need a search box:** turn on **Click, type, and submit**. Runs can then take the actions your instructions ask for on those sites, including submitting forms, so keep the site list short.
**If it stalls:**
- "Runs go without a browser because the instructions or these settings changed after you approved them" means the routine changed after you approved its browser access. Select **Save** to approve it again.
- "It stopped at … because that site isn't approved for this routine" means a link led to another site. Add it under **Sites** if you trust it.
- Runs happen only while the desktop app is open on the installed device. After the device was away, the latest missed slot runs once. Two failures in a row pause the routine; resume it from **Routines**.
- After six quiet runs in a row, the seventh delivers a short check-in, so you know the routine is still working.
## Schedule a weekly Deep Research digest
Every Monday a Routine runs a Deep Research report on your topic and emails you the PDF.
**Why it works:** The **Deep Research** plugin lets each run start one Deep Research run at the tier you choose, without asking. The report lands in the routine's chat and its PDF is emailed to you. With **Build on previous runs** on, each run can see what last week's said.
**You need:** **Pro** plan for Routines, and **Analyst** or higher for a Standard Deep Research run (**Research** for **Ultra**). The desktop app, open on the installed device at run time. Organization controls: **Routines** and **Deep Research**.
1. Open **Routines** and type in **Create a routine**:
```text
Every Monday at 8 AM, research new US regulations and enforcement actions affecting telehealth from the past week. Lead with what's new since last week's report.
```
Select **Draft routine**. — The editor opens with a **Weekly** Monday schedule.
2. Under **Tools** → **Tools and skills**, open **Plugin** and choose **Deep Research** (marked "Uses plan allowance"). To change the tier, select the **Deep Research** chip and pick **Standard** or **Ultra** under **Tier**. — Each run can start one Deep Research run.
3. Keep **Build on previous runs** on and select **Create routine**. Open the routine from the list and select **Run now**. — When the report finishes it appears in the routine's chat, and the PDF arrives in your email.
**Swap in:**
- **Scholar for Deep Research** (Pro is enough): drop the plugin and ask for "new papers this week on …". Scholar runs in routines without a plugin.
- **X for Deep Research:** "Every Friday, find posts from the last 7 days that mention our company and summarize the sentiment." X reading works in routines.
- **A text for the email:** turn on **Text each result** for a short summary on your phone.
**If it stalls:** Only one Deep Research run per person can be in progress at a time, so don't start one in a chat while the routine is due. Your plan is checked on every run; if it no longer includes the tier you chose, the run can't use Deep Research.
## Turn a chat that worked into a Routine
One message turns a chat that already produced the result you want into a scheduled Routine.
**Why it works:** A chat can create routines when you ask it to. It keeps the task, asks one short question if the schedule is unclear, and shows a card confirming the saved routine. It adds email, text, connectors, browser access, local access, or paid research only when you ask for them.
**You need:** **Pro** plan or higher. Create from any platform; runs need the desktop app. Organization controls: **Routines**, plus **X (Twitter)** and **Email notifications** for this example.
1. Do the task once in a chat:
```text
/search-x Find posts from the last 7 days that mention Acme Analytics, group them by sentiment, and quote the three most-liked.
```
— Check that the answer is what you want every week.
2. Schedule it:
```text
Do this every Friday at 4 PM and email me the result.
```
— Bearly shows a card for the saved routine with its schedule and **Open in Routines**. Asked in the desktop app, the card says the routine is installed on that device; asked anywhere else, it says to open the desktop app to choose the device that runs it.
3. In the desktop app, select **Open in Routines** on the card (or open **Routines** and the routine). Check its instructions and that **Email each result** is on. If **Run location** doesn't say "Runs on this device.", select **Install on this device**. Then select **Run now** to test it.
**Swap in:**
- **A condition for the email:** add "Only tell me if a post gets over 500 likes" in step 2; it becomes the **Notification filter**.
- **A text for the email:** say "text me" instead of "email me". Texts need a verified phone in **Settings** → **Phone & SMS**.
- **The Routines page for the chat:** select **New Routine** in the command menu (⌘ K, or Ctrl K on Windows and Linux). It opens **Routines**, where you can build the routine in the editor and paste the prompt from step 1 into **Instructions**.
**If it stalls:** If the chat used a tool routines can't run (Python, charts, images, YouTube, Maps, Weather, Best Pick, People Search, and others in the note at the top), rewrite the routine's instructions to do without it.
## Turn a folder of invoices into a spreadsheet with formulas
Bearly reads every invoice in a folder on your computer, builds an Excel workbook with a summary sheet, and saves it back into the folder.
**Why it works:** Work locally lets a chat list, read, and copy files in a folder you choose. It copies each invoice into the chat as a file, where the Document editor (which runs on Run Python) can read them and write an Excel workbook with formulas. Bearly then saves the workbook from the chat back to your folder.
**You need:** Any plan. Desktop app. Organization controls: **Work locally** and **Run Python**. In Standard permissions, commands, file changes, and saves ask first; attaching a file from inside the chosen folder doesn't. On an approval card, pick **This chat** instead of **Once** so the same kind of action doesn't ask again in this chat on this device.
1. In the composer, select **Work locally** → **Choose folder…** and pick the folder with the invoices. — The chip shows the folder's name.
2. Bring the invoices in:
```text
List the PDF invoices in this folder and attach them all to the chat.
```
— Approve the card for the command that lists the folder; it shows the command, and **Details** shows the folder it runs in. Each invoice then appears as a file in the chat (up to 50 MB each).
3. Build the workbook:
```text
/document Build an Excel workbook from these invoices: one row per invoice with vendor, invoice number, invoice date, due date, subtotal, tax, and total; a second sheet with totals by vendor using formulas; and flag any invoice that's past due as of today.
```
— A **Run Python** step builds the workbook and saves it as a file in the chat. The preview shows it as a PDF; download the **Original** to open it in Excel.
4. Save it to the folder:
```text
Save the workbook to this folder as invoices-2026-09.xlsx.
```
— Approve the save card if it asks. The file appears in your folder.
**Swap in:**
- **The web app for Work locally:** attach the invoices with **+** → **Attach files**, start at step 3, and download the workbook instead of saving it.
- **Scanned invoices:** say they're scans in step 3. The Document editor can read them with text recognition.
- **A chart:** add "Chart spend by vendor as a bar chart" after step 3.
- **An email for the folder:** ask "Email me the workbook." Send Email attaches files up to 20 MB in total.
**If it stalls:** Run Python saves up to five files per run, so ask for extra outputs in a separate step. If you deny a local action, Bearly doesn't retry the same request; ask again to get a new card. The working folder is context, not a sandbox: commands can reach anything your user account can.
## Read numbers from a desktop app and chart them
Bearly reads values from an app window on your screen, charts them, and points out the outliers.
**Why it works:** Computer Use runs a focused agent that looks at screenshots and accessibility text of the apps on screen, and clicks, scrolls, and types. Computer use runs on your device; the screenshots you approve go to the model you picked. The agent reports what it read back to the chat, where Run Python and **Create chart** take over; the Computer Use agent itself can't run Python.
**You need:** Any plan. Desktop app on Mac, Windows, or Linux. Organization controls: **Computer Use** (with a model policy that allows a model Computer Use supports), plus **Run Python** and **Charts** for the chart. On a Mac, Bearly needs Accessibility and Screen Recording permission (System Settings → Privacy & Security).
1. Open the app with the numbers, for example the Reports window of your accounting app, and leave it visible.
2. Ask Bearly to read it:
```text
Read the twelve monthly totals from the Reports window in the accounting app that's open. Scroll if you need to.
```
— Bearly asks **Use your computer**; approve it. A **Computer** chip in the composer shows what it's doing, with **Stop**. The answer lists the totals, and a **Computer Use** step records the actions it took.
3. Chart them:
```text
Chart them as a line chart and tell me which months are outliers and by how much.
```
— Run Python writes a CSV and a **Chart** card draws it.
**Swap in:**
- **Screen sharing for Computer Use** (works in the web app too): select **+** → **Share your screen** and pick the window. Each message you send carries a fresh capture, so Bearly can read the numbers, but it can't click or scroll.
- **Work locally for the chart:** add Work locally and ask Bearly to save the CSV into a folder.
- **Typing for reading:** ask Computer Use to enter the totals into a spreadsheet app. Before anything consequential, such as sending or deleting, it asks **Confirm this computer action**.
**If it stalls:** Computer Use can't work in Bearly's own windows and runs one task per chat at a time. If it says it needs Accessibility and Screen Recording access, turn both on for Bearly and try again. On Windows, finish the optional helper setup if Bearly offers it.
## Find and fix a bug in a local web app
Bearly opens your app in Bearly Browser, reproduces the problem, fixes the code in your project folder, and reloads to confirm.
**Why it works:** Bearly Browser can open `localhost` addresses and read and click pages. Work locally gives the same chat access to your project folder, so what Bearly sees on the page leads straight to the file it changes.
**You need:** Any plan. Desktop app. Organization controls: **Browser** and **Work locally**. **Settings** → **Desktop** → **Browser** → **Enable Browser** and **Allow chats to use Browser**.
1. Start your app's development server yourself, in your own terminal. — Bearly's local commands can't keep a server running.
2. In the composer, select **Work locally** → **Choose folder…** and pick the project folder.
3. Reproduce the bug:
```text
Open http://localhost:3000/settings in Bearly Browser and tell me why the Save button does nothing.
```
— Bearly asks "Let this chat use this site?"; approve it. It reads the page and clicks in a background tab. Select **Open Browser** to watch, or **Take over this tab** to drive it yourself.
4. Fix it:
```text
Find the cause in this folder, fix it, then reload the page and confirm Save works.
```
— Approve the read and edit cards. Bearly changes the file and reloads the page to check.
**Swap in:**
- **Chrome for Bearly Browser:** with Chrome control connected (**Settings** → **Desktop** → **Chrome Extension**), ask for console errors and failed network requests. Reading the console asks **Read your Chrome tabs**; inspecting network requests asks **Use Chrome DevTools**.
- **Point at the problem:** in Bearly Browser, use **Capture and annotate page**, click the element, type what's wrong, and select **Attach**.
- **Full access for approvals:** in **Permissions**, choose **Full access** so this chat uses its enabled tools without asking. Read the dialog first; it applies to this chat on this device.
**If it stalls:** A local command times out after 2 minutes by default and 10 at most. Bearly Browser keeps up to eight tabs open across chats.
## Research competitors from a brief open in Chrome
Bearly reads a document open in your signed-in Chrome, runs Deep Research on competitors that match it, and compares them with your brief.
**Why it works:** Chrome control lets the desktop app read your regular Chrome tabs, with your sign-ins. Deep Research takes a text question, so the chat carries what it read from Chrome into the research query, and the finished report stays in the chat for the comparison.
**You need:** **Analyst** plan or higher. Desktop app, with Chrome and the Bearly extension connected. Organization controls: **Chrome extension browser** and **Deep Research**.
1. In the desktop app, open **Settings** → **Desktop** → **Chrome Extension**. Select **Install Chrome extension** if it's not installed, and keep Chrome and Bearly open until it shows **Connected to Chrome**.
2. Open the brief in Chrome, then ask:
```text
Read the product brief open in my Chrome tab and list its target customer and three must-have features.
```
— Bearly asks to **Read your Chrome tabs**; approve it.
3. Research the market:
```text
/deep-research Find competitors that serve that customer with all three features. Include pricing and recent funding.
```
— Check that the card's **Query** names the customer and the three features, and edit it if not. Select **Create Plan**, review the plan, then **Run Research**.
4. Compare:
```text
Compare each competitor in the report against our brief in a table: feature by feature, price, and where we're ahead or behind.
```
— Bearly works from the finished report and the brief.
**Swap in:**
- **Bearly Browser for Chrome:** sign in to the site in Bearly Browser and ask Bearly to read the page there.
- **Web Search for Deep Research** (any plan): ask for the competitor scan in a normal message instead of `/deep-research`.
- **A Page for the table:** ask for the comparison as a Page and publish it with the **People and teams** audience.
**If it stalls:** Chrome control works with Chrome itself, not other browsers. Chrome shows its debugging banner while Bearly is attached to a tab. Routines can't use Chrome.
## Email yourself a weekly report from a connected app
Every Friday a Routine pulls the week's closed issues from a connected app, writes them to a CSV, and emails you a summary with the file attached.
**Why it works:** Connectors add a service's tools to chats and Routines. A routine uses only the connectors you add to it, and **Read-only** limits it to that connector's read tools. Runs can write CSV files into the routine's chat and attach them to the result email.
**You need:** **Pro** plan or higher. The desktop app, open on the installed device, with the connector connected on that device. Organization controls: **Routines**, **MCP Connectors**, and **Email notifications**.
1. Open **Settings** → **Connectors**. Under **Built-in connectors**, select **Add** next to Linear, then **Connect** and sign in. — A green dot appears next to Linear, and its button changes to **Disconnect**.
2. Test it in a chat. Open the **Connectors** chip in the composer, select Linear so it shows **Active**, and send:
```text
List issues closed this week by the Platform team, grouped by project.
```
— Bearly asks **Allow Linear?**; approve it.
3. Open **Routines** and type in **Create a routine**:
```text
Every Friday at 4 PM, list issues closed this week by the Platform team in Linear, grouped by project. Write them to a CSV and email me a short summary with the CSV attached.
```
Select **Draft routine**.
4. Under **Tools** → **Tools and skills**, open **Plugin** and choose Linear under **Connectors**. Select the Linear chip and set **Tools** to **Read-only**. Turn on **Email each result** and select **Create routine**. Open the routine from the list and select **Run now**. — The run uses Linear without asking, writes the CSV into the routine's chat, and emails it to you.
**Swap in:**
- **Another connector for Linear:** Notion, GitHub, and most other built-in connectors work the same way, as does a server you add with **Add custom MCP server**. The **Plugin** menu lists only the connectors routines can use.
- **A skill for the formatting:** add a skill under **Plugin** → **Skills** and turn on its **Allow scripts** to run its scripts unattended.
- **A text for the email:** turn on **Text each result**.
**If it stalls:** A routine uses only the connectors added to it, and each must be connected on the device the routine runs on. In Standard mode, a run uses its selected connectors without you; any other action that needs approval, beyond what you allowed in the editor, is skipped and the run continues without it.
## Related
- [Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md) for the editor, schedules, limits, and delivery
- [Browser and computer](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/browser-and-computer.md) for Bearly Browser, Chrome control, and Computer Use
- [Connectors and skills](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/connectors-and-skills.md) for adding services and skills
- [Permissions](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/permissions.md) for approval cards, Standard, and Full access
---
---
title: "Recipes for everyday life"
description: "Step-by-step recipes that chain Bearly's Maps, Weather, Best Pick, YouTube, Scholar, voice calls, text to speech, Run Python, Pages, and email for rides, trips, shopping, learning, reading health research, language practice, and splitting bills."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/everyday-recipes/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/everyday-recipes.md"
---
# Recipes for everyday life
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/everyday-recipes/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/everyday-recipes/)
> Step-by-step recipes that chain Bearly's Maps, Weather, Best Pick, YouTube, Scholar, voice calls, text to speech, Run Python, Pages, and email for rides, trips, shopping, learning, reading health research, language practice, and splitting bills.
These recipes use Bearly for plans and decisions outside work: a ride, a day in a new city, a purchase, a lecture, a language, a question about your health. Maps, Weather, YouTube, Scholar, and the **Learning** style work on every plan; Best Pick needs Pro. A plan Bearly makes is a starting point, so check opening hours, prices, and conditions before you go. For what each block takes in and gives back, see [Building blocks](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/building-blocks.md).
## Plan a bike ride around the weather
You get a cycling route with a coffee stop along the way, the afternoon's rain, wind, and air quality, and a start time that avoids the worst of it.
**Why it works:** Maps finds routes by bike, on foot, by transit, or by car, and can search for places along a route. Weather reads the forecast and, when you ask, air quality. Both results stay in the chat, so the last step can weigh one against the other.
**You need:** Any plan. Any platform. Organization controls: **Maps** and **Weather**. Name your start point, or allow location access when your browser or device asks.
1. Ask for the route:
```text
Plan a Saturday bike ride from Golden Gate Park to Sausalito with a coffee stop along the way.
```
— Bearly finds a cycling route, searches along it for coffee, and shows a map card with the route and the stops on the way.
2. Check the conditions:
```text
Will it rain or be windy along that route on Saturday afternoon? Check air quality too.
```
— A weather card shows the hourly forecast. Air quality is included because you asked for it.
3. Adjust the plan:
```text
If the wind picks up after 2 PM, move the ride earlier. Give me a start time and the coffee stop's opening hours.
```
— Bearly reads the place's details and gives you one plan.
**Swap in:**
- **Walking or transit for cycling:** say "walking" or "by transit"; transit routes take an arrival or departure time.
- **Pollen for air quality:** ask for the pollen forecast with `/pollen` if allergies matter more.
- **Several starting points:** "My friends start from Mission, Sunset, and Oakland. Who has the shortest ride to the café?" Bearly compares routes from each origin.
- **A text for the plan:** ask "Text me the plan." Needs a verified phone in **Settings** → **Phone & SMS**.
**If it stalls:** If Bearly uses your location, it says when it's estimated from your network rather than your device; name the start point to be exact. Maps and Weather don't run in Routines.
## Pick the right thing to buy, then send it to yourself
You get one product recommendation backed by expert and owner reviews, refine it with a tap, see when its price was checked, and email it to yourself.
**Why it works:** Best Pick researches reviews and store listings and answers with exactly one product and a plain store link. Its chips (**Cheaper**, **Worth spending more**, **Not this one**) each send an ordinary follow-up message, so the pick narrows while the earlier requirements stay. The final card stays in the chat, so the email step can use it.
**You need:** **Pro** plan or higher. Any platform. Organization controls: **Best Pick**, **Web**, **Chat web search**, and, for the last step, **Email notifications**.
1. Describe what you need, including where it ships:
```text
What's the best cordless stick vacuum under 400 dollars for a home with two cats? Ship to Vancouver.
```
— A Best Pick card shows the product, its price in the local currency, **View at** the store, and why it won. Naming Vancouver makes Bearly shop Canadian stores.
2. Refine it: select **Cheaper** on the card, or type a requirement:
```text
Quieter, and it has to have a washable filter.
```
— A new card shows the pick that fits, and the reply says whether it changed and why.
3. Read the line next to **View at**: "Price checked" with the time, and "Store's checkout price applies". — If you come back to the card more than a day later, the price shows as "Price on" a date, and the card can offer **Check current price** to look it up again.
4. Send it to yourself:
```text
Email me this pick with its price, the store, and the spend-less option from the card.
```
— Send Email sends it to your own address. Bearly doesn't receive the store's web address, so the email names the store; open it from **View at** on the card.
**Swap in:**
- **Worth spending more for Cheaper:** see what the extra money buys.
- **Not this one:** rules the current pick out and finds the next best.
- **A text for the email:** ask "Text me the pick."
- **A different country:** "Show me stores in the UK instead." Bearly searches again in that country's currency, so say your budget again in it.
**If it stalls:** A pick stops after about 90 seconds; select **Try again**. "Limited store coverage" means Bearly has less store data for that country, so it checks fewer stores there. Best Pick doesn't cover medications, supplements, infant car seats, firearms, services, travel, cars, homes, or used items.
## Plan a day in a new city as a Page you can carry
You get a timed walking plan with places chosen from recent reviews, rearranged around the weather, as a Page on your phone.
**Why it works:** Maps searches places, reads their reviews, and times routes between them; Weather gives the hourly forecast for the day. Bearly writes the plan as a Page, which is an HTML file in the chat, and Send Email can attach that file, which opens in a browser on your phone.
**You need:** Any plan. Any platform. Organization controls: **Maps**, **Weather**, and **Email notifications**.
1. Find the places:
```text
I have one day in Lisbon next Saturday. Find six must-see places around Alfama and Baixa with strong recent reviews, plus a lunch spot locals like.
```
— Bearly searches places and reads their reviews, then lists them with what people praise and complain about.
2. Put them in order:
```text
Order them into a walking route starting at 9 AM from Rua Augusta 100. Use transit for any leg over 25 minutes on foot, and give me times for each stop.
```
— Bearly times each leg and gives you a time for each stop.
3. Plan around the weather:
```text
Check Saturday's hourly forecast and move indoor stops into any rainy hours.
```
— A weather card shows the hours; the plan changes if rain is forecast.
4. Make it a Page:
```text
Make this a one-page Page that works on a phone: a timeline, a map link for each stop, opening hours, and a checkbox for each stop.
```
— A Page preview appears; **Open** it to try it.
5. Send it to your phone:
```text
Email me the Page.
```
— Send Email attaches the HTML file. Open the attachment on your phone.
**Swap in:**
- **A published link for the email:** in the open Page, select **Share file** → **Prepare share**. When it's ready, the prepared Page opens on its own, marked "Ready to share"; select **Publish** in its header, choose the **Audience**, select **Publish** again, then **Copy link**. Open the link on your phone or send it to the people you're traveling with.
- **Air quality or pollen for the forecast:** ask for them in step 3.
- **Best Pick for a purchase on the trip** (Pro): "What's the best compact travel umbrella I can buy before Saturday?"
**If it stalls:** A plan built on a forecast changes with it, so ask Bearly to check the weather again the day before. Check marks on the Page may not be kept after you close it.
## Learn a lecture's ideas, then quiz yourself
You get a step-by-step explanation of a YouTube lecture, a quiz Page with instant feedback, and a cut of the parts you got wrong.
**Why it works:** The **Learning** style tells Bearly to teach step by step, with analogies, common misconceptions, and a takeaway. A YouTube link gives Bearly the lecture's transcript with timestamps, so the quiz can point to the moment each answer is explained, and a cut can replay just those moments. A Page can be an interactive quiz.
**You need:** Any plan. Web app, phone browser, or desktop app. Organization controls: **YouTube**, **Web**, and **File uploads** (the transcript is saved as a file in the chat). The lecture needs readable captions for timestamps.
1. Open the sliders menu in the composer and set **Style** to **Learning**.
2. Paste the lecture:
```text
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIDEO_ID Teach me the core idea of this lecture step by step. Assume I know high-school math.
```
— The video card opens, and Bearly explains in the **Learning** style.
3. Make the quiz:
```text
Using the transcript, make a 10-question quiz Page with instant feedback and, for each answer, the timestamp where the lecture explains it.
```
— A Page preview appears; **Open** it and take the quiz.
4. Rewatch what you missed:
```text
I got questions 3 and 7 wrong. Make a cut of the parts of the lecture that explain them.
```
— A cut card plays just those parts.
**Swap in:**
- **Flashcards for a quiz:** ask for a flashcard Page you can flip through.
- **Scholar for depth:** ask `/scholar` for the papers behind the lecture's main claim.
- **An audio review:** ask for a two-minute spoken summary with `/say` and listen on a walk.
- **Your own notes for a video:** attach lecture slides or notes instead of a link; Bearly reads the file and makes the quiz from it, without timestamps or a cut.
**If it stalls:** Without captions, Bearly watches the video instead, so timestamps are approximate. Quiz progress on a Page may not be kept after you close it.
## Read the research on a health question
You get what systematic reviews and trials say about a health question, in plain language with citations, and a list of questions to take to your doctor.
**Why it works:** Scholar searches biomedical and preprint literature, prefers systematic reviews for medical questions, flags retractions and conflicting results, and says when the evidence is thin. The **Papers** card under each search stays in the chat, so you can open the papers behind the plain-language summary.
**You need:** Any plan. Any platform. Organization controls: **Scholar** and **Web**.
> **Caution — Information, not medical advice**
> Bearly summarizes published research. It isn't medical advice and doesn't know your history. Talk to a doctor or another qualified clinician before you start, stop, or change any treatment.
1. Ask Scholar:
```text
/scholar What do systematic reviews and randomized trials say about cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia compared with sleep medication, over six months or longer?
```
— Bearly answers with superscript citations and a **Papers** card listing the sources.
2. Go deeper on the strongest evidence:
```text
Read the two strongest reviews and tell me the effect sizes, how many people were studied, and how certain the authors are.
```
— Bearly reads passages from those papers. Some show "abstract only" when the full text isn't available.
3. Make it usable:
```text
Explain this in plain language, say where the evidence is weak, and list five questions I could bring to my doctor.
```
— Bearly rewrites the findings from the papers it already read. Open each paper from the **Papers** cards above.
**Swap in:**
- **Learning for the default style:** set **Style** to **Learning** in the sliders menu first for a slower, step-by-step explanation.
- **A video for a question:** paste a health video's YouTube link, select **Check claims** on the card, then ask what the research says about the disputed figures.
- **Deep Research for Scholar** (Analyst): for a wider cited report drawn from web sources.
- **Email for later:** "Email me this summary with the title of each paper."
**If it stalls:** If Scholar finds little, it says the literature is thin rather than stretching it. Try broader terms or a wider date range.
## Practice a language out loud, then get corrections
You hold a spoken conversation in another language, then get a list of your mistakes with corrections and hear the corrected sentences read slowly.
**Why it works:** A voice call gets the chat's recent messages as background, so it can pick up a role you set up in text. Only the call's transcript is saved, never audio, and later typed messages can read it. `/say` turns the corrected sentences into an audio file you can replay.
**You need:** Any plan. Choosing the voice model (**Settings** → **Chats** → **Voice** → **Model**) needs Pro; Free uses a fixed model. A microphone and a browser or app that supports calls (Firefox doesn't). Organization controls: **Voice** and **Text to speech**.
1. Set the scene:
```text
Let's practice Spanish. When I start a voice call, play a waiter at a café in Madrid. Speak only Spanish, keep your sentences short, and don't correct me during the call.
```
— Bearly confirms the role.
2. Select **Start voice call** (the sound-wave button in the composer, near send), order a coffee and a pastry, and ask for the bill. Select **End call** when you're done. — A call card appears in the chat with the duration and **Show transcript**.
3. Get the corrections:
```text
From the call transcript, list each mistake I made with the correction and a one-line explanation.
```
— Bearly works from the saved transcript.
4. Hear it right:
```text
/say Read the corrected sentences slowly, with a pause between each one.
```
— Bearly records the audio as a file in the chat. In the **Voice** studio, try "Clear and measured" for the delivery and select **Generate** for another take.
**Swap in:**
- **Another language or setting:** a job interview in French, a pharmacy visit in Japanese.
- **A flashcard Page for the list:** ask for a Page that quizzes you on the corrected sentences.
- **Typed practice for a call:** set **Settings** → **Chats** → **This Chat** → **Language** so Bearly writes its replies in that language.
**If it stalls:** A call ends after 30 seconds of silence. In Firefox the call button says voice is unavailable; use Chrome or the desktop app. If the button is missing, check that your organization allows **Voice**.
## Split a restaurant bill from a photo
You photograph a receipt and get each person's exact share with tip, then a Page where you can reassign items and change the tip.
**Why it works:** Bearly reads the photo, and Run Python does the arithmetic, so the shares add up to the total. A Page can hold that receipt as an interactive calculator.
**You need:** Any plan. **Take photo** is on phones and tablets; anywhere else, attach a photo of the receipt. Organization controls: **File uploads** and **Run Python**.
1. Tap **Take photo**, photograph the receipt, and send:
```text
Split this bill. Ana had the pasta and a glass of wine, Ben had the steak, and we shared the calamari. Add an 18% tip on the pre-tax total. Use Python for the math.
```
— Bearly lists the items it read, and a **Run Python** step computes each share.
2. Make it adjustable:
```text
Make a Page where I can tick who had each item and change the tip with a slider.
```
— A Page preview appears; **Open** it and move the slider.
**Swap in:**
- **Currency conversion:** "Also show each share in euros at today's rate." Bearly looks up the rate with Web Search.
- **A trip's worth of receipts:** attach several photos and ask for a CSV of every item with who paid, then a settle-up table.
- **A text for the Page:** ask "Text me each person's total."
**If it stalls:** If an item or price is read wrong, say which one and the right amount; Bearly recalculates. Retake blurry photos in good light.
## Related
- [Research](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research.md) for Maps, Weather, Best Pick, and Scholar
- [Videos and posts](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/videos-and-posts.md) for YouTube cards and cuts
- [Voice](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/voice.md) for voice calls and dictation
- [Pages and Canvas](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas.md) for Pages you can keep and publish
---
---
title: "Recipes for teams and projects"
description: "Step-by-step recipes that combine projects, Always Search Documents, meeting transcripts, project sharing and locked settings, organization policies, Memories and chat management, Prompt Templates, email to teammates, and restricted Pages for shared knowledge bases, meeting recaps, and team rollouts."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/team-recipes/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/team-recipes.md"
---
# Recipes for teams and projects
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/team-recipes/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/team-recipes/)
> Step-by-step recipes that combine projects, Always Search Documents, meeting transcripts, project sharing and locked settings, organization policies, Memories and chat management, Prompt Templates, email to teammates, and restricted Pages for shared knowledge bases, meeting recaps, and team rollouts.
These recipes use projects, meetings, sharing, and organization policies to make Bearly work the same way for a whole team. A project's files, instructions, and settings apply to every chat in it, so what one person adds, everyone in the project can use. Sharing a project needs an organization; emailing teammates and organization policies need a managed organization. For what each block takes in and gives back, see [Building blocks](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/building-blocks.md).
## Build a searchable library of customer calls
Every call you record goes into one project, and any chat in that project answers from the transcripts first, with quotes.
**Why it works:** **Add to project** uploads a meeting's transcript to a project's files as a document. **Always Search Documents** in the project's chat settings makes every chat in the project search the project's files before it answers, so a question gets quotes from the calls without anyone naming a file.
**You need:** Any plan. Recording works on every platform with a microphone; recording an online meeting's audio needs the desktop app on Windows or macOS 13 or later. Organization controls: **Meetings**, **File uploads**, **Project documents and data**, and **Create projects**. Writer access to the project. Chats that aren't end-to-end encrypted.
1. In the sidebar, select **New project** in the **Projects** header, enter "Customer calls" as the **Project Name**, and select **Create Project**. — The project's settings page opens.
2. Turn on **Project Chat Settings**, then turn on **Always Search Documents**. In **Instructions**, enter:
```text
Answer from the call transcripts first. Quote customers with the call title and timestamp. Say when the transcripts don't cover a question.
```
— Every chat in the project now follows these instructions and searches its files first.
3. Open **Meetings and Recordings** in the sidebar. Choose **Online meeting** (desktop app) or **In person or voice note**, then **Start recording**, and **Stop recording** when the call ends. — After the upload, Bearly transcribes the whole recording again with better speaker labels. Name each speaker once and every matching turn updates.
4. Select **Add to project** and choose Customer calls. — "Transcript added" confirms it. Repeat steps 3 and 4 after each call.
5. Start a chat in the project and ask:
```text
What did customers say about onboarding this month? Group it by theme and quote them with the call and timestamp.
```
— Bearly searches the transcripts and answers with citations you can click to open the transcript they came from.
**Swap in:**
- **A synced folder for recordings** (desktop app): in the project's settings, use **Local Directory Sync** → **Add Directory** to keep a folder of notes or exported transcripts synced into the project.
- **Uploads for recordings:** open **Docs & Data** and select **Upload** for call notes, PDFs, or contracts.
- **Your team for just you:** share the project (see the next recipe) as **Writer**, so teammates can start their own chats in it.
- **Past chats as well as files:** set **Memories** to **Project Only** in the sliders menu, and ask with `/recall` to search earlier chats in the project.
**If it stalls:** **Always Search Documents** does nothing in end-to-end encrypted chats, which can't search documents. **Add to project** needs write access. A recording stops at 1 hour 15 minutes and keeps everything up to then. If the live transcript pauses at your account limit, the audio keeps recording.
## Set up a shared research desk with locked settings
Your team works in one project where every chat uses the same model, style, instructions, and source files, whoever starts it.
**Why it works:** A project's chat settings apply to every chat in it, and each field can be locked so members can't change it. Sharing the project with a group gives everyone in the group the same project, files, and settings. Members' own settings can change only the fields you leave unlocked.
**You need:** Any plan. Any platform. You own the project and belong to an organization that has a group. Organization controls: **Create projects**, **Project collaboration**, **Project documents and data**, and **File uploads**.
1. Create a project named "Market desk". Open **Docs & Data** and select **Upload** for your style guide and source list.
2. Open the project's **Settings** and turn on **Project Chat Settings**. Choose the **Model**, set **Response Style** to **Formal**, turn on **Always Search Documents**, and enter **Instructions**:
```text
Write for the strategy team. Lead with the answer, cite every number, prefer primary sources, and follow the style guide in this project.
```
Use the lock next to each field so members can't change it. — Locked fields apply to every chat in the project.
3. In the **Collaboration** row, select **Share**. Under **Groups**, set your strategy group's role to **Writer**, then select **Done**. — The **Collaboration** row shows **Shared**, and the settings card becomes **Shared Project Settings**.
4. A teammate starts a chat in the project and asks:
```text
Summarize this week's pricing moves by our top three competitors.
```
— The chat uses the locked model, style, and instructions, and searches the project's files before it answers.
**Swap in:**
- **Reader for Writer:** readers can view chats and files and take part in existing chats, but can't start new chats or change files.
- **The whole organization for a group:** under **Organizations** in the share panel, share with everyone in your organization.
- **Skills for instructions:** add a skill under the project's **Skills** section so every chat in the project can use it.
- **Personal settings for locks:** leave a field unlocked, and each member can set their own value under **Personal Chat Settings**.
**If it stalls:** The **Collaboration** row appears only for the project's owner, in an organization that allows **Project collaboration**. Only writers and owners can change shared project settings. In **Personal Chat Settings**, a field the project has locked shows "Disabled by policy." and can't be changed.
## Send a meeting recap and a decisions Page only your team can open
You turn a recorded meeting into decisions and action items, email the follow-up to the people involved, and publish the decisions as a Page only your team can open.
**Why it works:** **Add to chat** attaches the meeting's transcript to a new draft as a file and sends nothing. The chat reads the transcript for every later step. Send Email finds teammates in your organization's contacts, and a Page published to **People and teams** opens only for the people and teams you add.
**You need:** Any plan. Any platform; recording an online meeting's audio needs the desktop app. Organization controls: **Meetings**, **Email notifications**, **Sharing**, and **Share with people and teams**. Emailing teammates needs a managed organization.
1. After you stop a recording in **Meetings and Recordings**, select **Add to chat** → **New chat**. — The transcript is attached to a new draft. Nothing is sent until you send it.
2. Type in that draft and send:
```text
List the decisions and action items from this meeting. Give an owner and a due date only where someone said one. Then draft a short follow-up email.
```
— Bearly reads the transcript and answers.
3. Send the follow-up:
```text
Email the follow-up to Priya Shah and Sam Lee.
```
— Bearly finds them in your organization's contacts and sends it. You're copied and set as the reply-to address.
4. Make the Page:
```text
Turn the decisions into a one-page Page with the date, who attended, each decision, and its reason.
```
— A Page preview appears.
5. In the open Page, select **Share file** → **Prepare share**. When it's ready, the prepared Page opens on its own, marked "Ready to share"; select **Publish** in its header. Set **Audience** to **People and teams** and select **Publish**. Then select **Manage viewers**, add the teammates or the organization that should see it, and select **Copy link**. — Only the people and organizations you added can open the link, after signing in.
**Swap in:**
- **Add to project for Add to chat:** keep every recap in one project with **Always Search Documents** on. See [Build a searchable library of customer calls](#build-a-searchable-library-of-customer-calls).
- **The meeting's summary for your own list:** select **Create summary** on the recording for a quick summary with decisions and action items before step 1.
- **Anyone with the link for People and teams:** for a recap you can share outside the organization.
- **A Prompt Template for the format:** save your recap format as a Prompt Template and run it in step 2. See [Turn a team form into a published Page](#turn-a-team-form-into-a-published-page).
**If it stalls:** If Bearly can't find a teammate, use their full name as it appears in your organization, or their work email. If your organization allows no audience, the publish popover says "Your team policy does not allow a publishing audience."
## Limit a team to zero-retention chat models with locked defaults
As an organization admin, you give one group a policy that allows only chat models labeled ZDR, sets a locked default model and instructions, and turns off public links, then email yourself a plain-language summary of it.
**Why it works:** A policy's model allow-list controls which chat models members can pick, and the model filter can search for ZDR models. Chat defaults set the model and instructions for members' chats outside projects, and locking them stops members from changing them. Assigning the policy to a group applies it to everyone in the group. **Summarize the Policy** describes the policy in plain language before you rely on it.
**You need:** Organization admin in a managed organization. Any plan. Any platform.
1. Open the account menu → **Organizations** → your organization → **Policies**, and select **Add policy**. Enter a **Policy name**.
2. Under **Models** → **Model access**, choose **Allow-list**. Type "ZDR" in **Filter available models**, and add the models you want to **Allowed models**. — Members on this policy can pick only these chat models.
3. Under **Chat defaults**, turn on **Enable chat defaults**. Choose the **Model**, enter **Instructions**, and set both to **Locked**. — Members can't change them in chats outside projects.
4. In the feature list, turn off **Public links**. — Members can still share Pages with named people and teams, if **Share with people and teams** stays on.
5. Select **Save**, which returns you to the policy list. Open the new policy again, select **Summarize the Policy**, read the **AI policy summary**, and select **Email me a copy**. — **Summarize the Policy** appears only on a policy that has been saved.
6. Open **Groups**, choose the group, and under **Policy and settings** set **Policy** to the new policy, then select **Save**. — Everyone in the group gets it, unless they have their own individual policy or belong to a group with a higher **Priority**.
7. Ask a member of the group to open the model picker. — It shows "Managed account · Some models hidden" and lists only the allowed models.
**Swap in:**
- **Deny-list for Allow-list:** block specific models or providers and allow the rest.
- **A spend limit:** set **Monthly spend limit** on the policy; at the limit, members can keep chatting only on Bearly Fast, and only if the policy allows it.
- **Team connectors:** under **Team MCP servers**, add a server that appears for everyone on the policy; each member provides their own authentication values.
- **Everyone for one group:** select **Make Default** so every new member gets this policy.
**If it stalls:**
- An empty allow-list can't be saved: "Add at least one model, provider, or model family to the allow-list, or switch model access off."
- The allow-list covers chat models only; image, video, voice, transcription, and text-to-speech models aren't governed by it.
- Policies apply to members whose email is on your managed domain. If a member is in two groups with the same top **Priority**, their policy can't be resolved; give one group a higher priority.
## Find an old decision and file the chats where they belong
You find what was decided in an earlier chat, then have Bearly rename and move the related chats into the right project.
**Why it works:** **Memories** lets Bearly search past chats with Recall. With **Chat management**, the same chat can read another chat in full, list your chats, and rename or move them, after you approve reading and listing.
**You need:** Any plan. Any platform. Organization controls: **Memory Recall** and **Chat management**. A chat that isn't end-to-end encrypted, because Recall is off in those.
1. In the sliders menu, set **Memories** to **All Chats** (or **Project Only** to search just this project's chats).
2. Find the decision:
```text
/recall Find what we decided about annual pricing, with the date and the reason. Then rename this chat to "Pricing decision" and move it to the Finance project.
```
— Bearly searches past chats. To read an earlier chat in full it asks first, with a card that names that chat; select **Allow**. Then it renames and moves this chat, which doesn't need an approval.
3. File the rest:
```text
List my other chats about pricing from the last three months and move them into Finance too.
```
— Bearly asks to list "your chats and projects"; select **Allow**. It moves the matching chats and lists what it moved.
**Swap in:**
- **Search for Recall:** press ⌘ F (Ctrl F on Windows and Linux) to search chats and files yourself.
- **Archive for move:** ask Bearly to list the chats, then select them in the sidebar with **Select** and **Archive** them.
- **An export for the record:** open the command menu and choose **Download as Markdown** for a copy of the decision chat.
**If it stalls:** Recall doesn't work in end-to-end encrypted chats, and a regular chat can't list, read, rename, or move encrypted ones. Full access never approves listing or reading other chats for you; Bearly asks unless you saved an approval for that.
## Turn a team form into a published Page
A saved Prompt Template turns a few filled-in fields into a full write-up, such as an incident postmortem, which you publish for your team.
**Why it works:** A Prompt Template turns each `{{field}}` in its text into a form field, and the filled form runs as a message in any chat. The **Share** button turns the substance of the chat into a Page you review before publishing, with an audience you choose.
**You need:** Any plan. Any platform. Organization controls: **Sharing** and **Share with people and teams**. Adding viewers needs teammates in an organization.
1. Select **Prompt Templates** in the sidebar, then **Create Prompt Template** (or **New Prompt** if you already have one). Describe the form in the **AI Prompt Builder** and select **Create Prompt**. Under **Template Design**, make the text:
```text
Write an incident postmortem for {{service}}. Impact: {{impact}}. Timeline: {{timeline}}. Root cause: {{root cause}}. Use these sections: Summary, Impact, Timeline, Root cause, What went well, Follow-ups with owners.
```
— Each name in double braces becomes a field in the form.
2. In any chat, type `/`, pick the template under **Skills**, fill in the fields, and select **Submit** (or press Shift Enter). — The postmortem appears. The filled form stays in the chat; change a value and **Submit** again for a new version. Blank fields are sent as "N/A".
3. Select **Share** in the chat header → **Prepare share**. When it's ready, the prepared Page opens on its own, marked "Ready to share"; select **Publish** in its header. Set **Audience** to **People and teams** and select **Publish**. Then select **Manage viewers**, add your teammates or your organization, and select **Copy link**. — The Page holds the postmortem itself, not the whole chat.
**Swap in:**
- **Files in a field:** turn on **Allow File Uploads** for a field under **Field Configuration**, so the form can take a log file or screenshots, which Bearly reads with the form.
- **Canvas before publishing:** select **Edit in Canvas** under the answer to edit the write-up before you share it.
- **Email for a Page:** ask Bearly to email the postmortem to the people involved (needs a managed organization).
**If it stalls:** Prompt Templates are saved to your account and sync across your devices, but not to teammates. Share the template text so each person can save their own copy.
## Related
- [Projects](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects.md) for project settings, roles, sharing, and Docs & Data
- [Organizations](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations.md) for members, groups, and policies
- [Meetings](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/meetings.md) for recording and transcripts
- [Pages and Canvas](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas.md) for publishing audiences
---
---
title: "Projects: shared context, files, and settings"
description: "How Bearly projects work, including creating one, sidebar actions, roles and sharing, every Project Settings control, Docs & Data files and desktop folder sync, how project chats inherit settings and memory, password protection, archiving, and tested setups."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects.md"
---
# Projects: shared context, files, and settings
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects/)
> How Bearly projects work, including creating one, sidebar actions, roles and sharing, every Project Settings control, Docs & Data files and desktop folder sync, how project chats inherit settings and memory, password protection, archiving, and tested setups.
A project keeps related chats, files, instructions, and chat defaults in one place. Every chat you start inside it can use the project's files and follows the project's settings, and you can share the whole project with people in your organization.
## Create a project
A project is the right container when you'll come back to the same material across many chats: a client engagement, a research topic, a course, or a product launch.
**You need:** your organization's **Create projects** policy on, if you belong to one. If **Require project passwords** is on, the password switch is already on and can't be turned off.
1. In the sidebar, find **Projects** and select **New project** (the folder-plus icon) — this opens **Create New Project**.
2. Enter a **Project Name** — Bearly suggests an icon from the name, and you can pick another from the icon picker.
3. Optional: turn on **Enable password encryption?**, then enter a **Password** of at least 8 characters and **Confirm Password** — see [Password protection](#password-protection) before you do.
4. Select **Create Project** — Bearly opens the new project's **Settings** page so you can set it up.
You can also start a chat in a project from the new-chat screen. Select the project chip under the composer ("Start this chat in a project"), then search with **Find or create a project...**, pick from **Recent** or **All projects**, or choose **New project**. **No project** starts an ordinary chat. The chip can't be changed once the chat starts; to move the chat later, use **Move to project...**.
## Find your way around a project
Select a project in the sidebar to expand it. You'll see:
- **Settings** — Project Settings, covered [below](#project-settings).
- **Docs & Data** — the project's files.
- **Start chat** — a new chat inside the project.
- The project's chats, pinned chats first. Chats you archived individually don't appear here.
A people icon marks a shared project. The **Projects** header also has **Collapse all projects**.
The project's **…** menu offers **Rename** (owners), **Archive** or **Unarchive**, and **Delete** (owners). An archived project shows **Delete · unarchive first**.
### Move chats into or out of a project
Open a chat's **…** menu and select **Move to project...**. Search with **Search projects...**, or pick from **Pinned**, **Recent**, or **All projects**. **Remove from project** moves the chat back to your main chat list without deleting it. You can't move a chat into an archived project. See [Organize chats](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/organize.md).
## Roles
| Role | What the role picker says | What they can do |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **No Access** | — | Nothing through this grant |
| **Reader** | "Can view chats and files within the project." | View the project and take part in its existing chats |
| **Writer** | "Can view, participate, and create new chats within the project." | Everything a Reader can, plus start chats, add and delete project files, edit shared project settings, and add or remove project Skills when their policy allows adding Skills |
| **Owner** | "Full access including managing project settings, permissions, and deletion." | Everything a Writer can, plus rename, delete, password protection, sharing, and the project icon |
Projects have no public link. Only people you share with can open them.
## Project Settings
Open a project and select **Settings**. The page header shows the project icon, which an owner can change, and an owner badge. Below it are the sections in this order.
### Collaboration
**You need:** to be the project's owner, to belong to at least one organization, and your organization's **Project collaboration** policy on.
The row shows **Private** or **Shared**, with **Share** or **Manage**. The share panel reads "Share with a person, group, or whole organization." and has three parts:
- **People** — search with "Search teammates by name or email" (type at least 2 characters). Only members of your organizations appear, and each organization's **Member directory** setting decides whether its members can be found. **People with access** lists everyone already shared.
- **Groups** — your organization's groups. An inactive group shows **Unavailable**.
- **Organizations** — share with everyone in an organization at once.
Give each row a role: **No Access**, **Reader**, **Writer**, or **Owner**. Select **Done** to close. You can share with individuals only inside your own organizations. Organization admins can see and remove organization and group access from the [Projects tab](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations.md).
### Encryption
Owners manage project passwords here. Others see "Only owners can manage encryption." The status reads **Protected**, **Device Encrypted**, or **Not Protected**, with **Protect**, **Lock**, **Change**, or **Remove** as they apply. See [Password protection](#password-protection).
### Project Chat Settings
This card sets the defaults for chats in the project ("Default settings for chats in this project."). In a shared project it's called **Shared Project Settings** ("Default settings for everyone in this shared project."). Turn the card on with its switch. The badge reads **Enabled** or **Disabled**, and changes save automatically.
| Field | Options | What it does | Lockable |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Model** | Models available to your account | The model project chats use | Yes |
| **Language** | **Default** or a reply language | The language replies are written in | Yes |
| **Response Style** | **Default** or a style such as **Concise** or **Formal** | Tone and length of replies | Yes |
| **Temperature** | **Factual** (0.5), **Default** (1), **Creative** (1.5), or a slider from 0 to 2 | How focused or varied replies are | Yes |
| **Instructions** | Free text ("Custom instructions for this project...") | Added to every chat in the project | Yes |
| **Disable Personalization** | Switch: "Ignore user personalization settings in this project" | Your name, occupation, and About you aren't sent in project chats | No |
| **Always Search Documents** | Switch: "Always search project documents before responding" | Every message searches the project's files before the reply | Yes |
The lock beside a field decides whether people can change it in their own chats. Its tooltip reads "Users can change..." or "Users cannot change...". If your organization's policy controls a field, it shows "Disabled by policy." In a shared project only Writers and Owners can edit this card ("Only project writers and owners can modify shared project settings.").
> **Tip — When to turn on Always Search Documents**
> Turn it on when nearly every question in the project depends on its files, such as a contract set or a research library. Leave it off when most chats are general and only some need the files. Chats can still search the files when you ask. It has no effect in end-to-end encrypted chats, which can't search documents.
### Skills
"Skills available to chats in this project." Writers and Owners can add or remove project Skills when their policy allows adding Skills. Otherwise the section says "Your policy lets you use shared Skills, but not add or remove them." or "Only project writers and owners can change project Skills." See [Connectors and Skills](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/connectors-and-skills.md).
### Personal Chat Settings
In a shared project, each person also gets **Personal Chat Settings**: "Your personal settings that override shared project settings." It has the same fields and switch as the shared card. Your choices apply only to you and only to fields the shared settings leave unlocked.
### Local Directory Sync
**You need:** the [desktop app](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/get-bearly.md), Writer access ("You need writer permissions to create directory syncs."), and file uploads allowed by your organization.
1. Select **Add Directory**, then **Browse** to choose a folder — Bearly copies its files into the project.
2. Decide on **Auto-remove** — when on, a file deleted from the folder is removed from the project too.
3. Set **Max file size** (1 to 1000 MB, default 100 MB) and, if you like, **File types** as comma-separated extensions — only matching files are synced.
4. Select **Create Sync**.
Each sync has **Sync now**, **Configure sync**, and delete ("Delete this sync? Files already synced will remain in the project."). Syncs set up on another device are listed with that device's name and can only be deleted from here.
## Docs & Data
**Docs & Data** holds the project's files. Every chat in the project can use them without attaching them again.
- **Upload** with the button, or drag files onto the page ("Drop files here").
- Each upload shows **Waiting...**, a percentage, then **Complete**. A failed upload can be dismissed. After upload, Bearly analyzes the file so chats can search it.
- **Search files...** filters by name. Switch between grid and list view.
- Select mode lets you pick several files and **Delete** them together.
- Select a file to open **File Details**: rename it, read its **Document Information** (Description, Topics, People, Extracted Text), check **Analysis Engines**, use **Rerun Analysis** or **Get help** if something failed, see its **Directory Sync** source, **Download File**, or **Delete File**.
A file that needs attention shows "Analysis failed or incomplete". Deleting a project file is permanent.
**Limits:** each file can be up to 300 MB, and a project holds up to 2 GB of files on every plan. Writers and Owners add files; Readers see "You need writer access to add files to this Project." Your organization can turn uploads off ("File uploads are disabled by your organization.") or turn off project files ("Project files are disabled by your organization."). See [Documents](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/documents.md) for what chats can do with files.
## How project chats inherit settings
A project chat builds its settings in layers. A later layer overrides an earlier one, unless an earlier layer locks the field:
1. Bearly's defaults.
2. Your organization's explicit chat rules and feature controls.
3. The project's shared settings (**Project Chat Settings** or **Shared Project Settings**).
4. Your **Personal Chat Settings** in a shared project.
5. **This Chat** in Settings, or the composer controls for that one chat.
Two layers that apply to ordinary chats are skipped in projects: your **New Chats** defaults and your organization's **Chat defaults**. In a project chat, **Settings** → **New Chats** reads "Default settings are not available in project chats. Use Project Settings to configure." Organization feature controls and locks still apply. See [Chat settings](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/settings.md).
Project **Instructions** are added to every chat in the project, alongside any instructions on the chat itself.
### Memories in a project
In a project chat, the composer's sliders menu offers **Memories**: **Off**, **Project Only**, or **All Chats**. Project chats start on **Project Only**, which recalls context only from other chats in the same project. **All Chats** searches all your chats. Your organization's **Memory Recall** policy can turn Memories off, and end-to-end encrypted chats don't use Memories.
## Password protection
A project password adds a lock to the project's files and settings. While the project is locked, its chats are read-only and **Settings** and **Docs & Data** ask for the password. Use it for material that should need a second step to open on each device.
**You need:** to be the project's owner.
1. Open the project's **Settings** and, under **Encryption**, select **Protect** — "Set a password to encrypt this project. We cannot recover your data if you forget it."
2. Enter a password of at least 8 characters and confirm it, then select **Protect** — the status changes to **Protected**.
3. Select **Lock** when you're done — chats become read-only until the password is entered again.
4. To unlock, open **Settings** or **Docs & Data**, enter the password, and select **Unlock** — turn on **Unlock all rooms that use this password?** to unlock other items that share it.
- **Change** asks for the **Current password** and a new one, then **Change Password**.
- **Remove** warns "Protection will be permanently removed. Anyone with account access can view this project." Select **Remove Protection** to confirm. **Remove** is hidden when your organization requires project passwords.
- **Settings** → **Account** → **Lock all data** relocks every password-protected project on this device.
**Limits:**
- Bearly can't recover a forgotten project password, and there's no reset. Store it somewhere safe.
- You enter the password again on each new device and after you log out.
- A project password is a separate lock on stored project data. It isn't [end-to-end encryption](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security.md), and messages you send still go to the model as usual.
- **Device Encrypted** means the project is locked with a key kept on one device, as happens when an organization requires device-only encryption. It opens only on that device, and there's no password to change.
## Archive or delete a project
**Archive** hides a project from the sidebar without deleting anything. Archived items are listed under **Archives** at the bottom of the sidebar, where you can open the project's chats or select **Unarchive**.
**Delete** (owners only) asks you to confirm **Delete Project**: "This action cannot be undone. The project and its settings will be permanently deleted." The **Also delete all chats in this project** switch decides what happens to the chats:
- Off: "Chats will be moved back to your main chat list".
- On: "All chats will be permanently deleted".
Unarchive a project before deleting it.
## Setups that work well
### A knowledge base that always cites its files
Every answer in the project checks the project's files first and points to the passage it used.
**Why it works:** **Always Search Documents** makes every message search Docs & Data before the reply, and project **Instructions** apply to every chat. Locking both keeps individual chats from turning them off.
**You need:** Owner or Writer access; files in **Docs & Data** that have finished analysis.
1. Upload your sources in **Docs & Data** and wait until each shows **Complete** — files still being analyzed can't be searched yet.
2. In **Settings**, turn on **Project Chat Settings**, then turn on **Always Search Documents** and lock it — every chat now searches the files first.
3. In **Instructions**, add a citation rule and lock it:
```text
Answer only from the project files. After each claim, name the file and quote the passage you used. If the files don't cover the question, say so instead of guessing.
```
4. Select **Start chat** and ask a question the files answer — check that the reply names the file and quotes it.
**Swap in:** use **Local Directory Sync** on the desktop app so new files in a folder join the knowledge base automatically. Set **Response Style** to **Concise** for short answers.
**If it stalls:** a file showing "Analysis failed or incomplete" can't be searched. Open **File Details** and select **Rerun Analysis**. If replies ignore the files, confirm the card reads **Enabled**.
### A shared project where each person picks their own model
A team works from the same files and instructions, but each collaborator uses the model they prefer.
**Why it works:** shared settings apply to everyone, and **Personal Chat Settings** override any field the shared settings leave unlocked. Lock what must stay the same and leave **Model** open.
**You need:** Owner access, an organization with **Project collaboration** on, and teammates in that organization.
1. In **Settings**, turn on **Shared Project Settings**, write the team's **Instructions**, and lock them — everyone works from the same brief.
2. Leave the lock on **Model** open — each person can choose their own.
3. Select **Share**, add teammates or a group, and give them **Writer** — they can start chats and add files.
4. Each collaborator opens **Settings** in the project, turns on **Personal Chat Settings**, and picks a **Model** — their chats use that model, while the instructions stay shared.
**Swap in:** lock **Model** too when results must be comparable across the team. Give **Reader** to people who should only follow along.
**If it stalls:** a teammate who can't change a field is looking at a locked one or a field set by organization policy ("Disabled by policy."). If **Share** is missing, check that you belong to an organization and that **Project collaboration** is on.
### Keep a client's context inside its project
Recall stays within one client's chats, and nothing about you rides along.
**Why it works:** **Memories** on **Project Only** recalls only chats in this project, and **Disable Personalization** stops your profile from being added to project chats.
**You need:** Owner or Writer access to change project settings.
1. In the project's **Settings**, turn on **Project Chat Settings** and turn on **Disable Personalization** — your name and profile aren't added to project chats.
2. Start a chat in the project and open the composer's sliders menu — confirm **Memories** shows **Project Only**.
3. Ask about earlier work:
```text
What did we decide about the launch timeline in earlier chats in this project?
```
— Bearly recalls only from chats in this project.
**Swap in:** set **Memories** to **Off** for a chat that shouldn't draw on anything earlier. Add a project password for a client whose files need a second step to open.
**If it stalls:** if Memories is missing, your organization may have turned off **Memory Recall**.
## Related
- [Run Bearly for an organization](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations.md) — groups, the Projects tab, and project policies
- [Privacy and security controls](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security.md) — project passwords next to the other privacy controls
- [Chat settings](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/settings.md) and [Organize chats](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/organize.md)
- [Team recipes](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/team-recipes.md)
---
---
title: "Run Bearly for an organization"
description: "How to create and run a Bearly organization, including managed and unmanaged organizations, every console tab and setting (Overview, Agent access, Microsoft Entra and provisioning, Access banner, Members, Groups, Projects, Policies, Billing seats, Usage, Activity), and the complete policy control catalog."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations.md"
---
# Run Bearly for an organization
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations/)
> How to create and run a Bearly organization, including managed and unmanaged organizations, every console tab and setting (Overview, Agent access, Microsoft Entra and provisioning, Access banner, Members, Groups, Projects, Policies, Billing seats, Usage, Activity), and the complete policy control catalog.
An organization holds your members, groups, and policies in one place. Admins add people, share projects with the whole organization or a group, buy seats, and, on a managed organization, decide which models and features members can use.
## Managed and unmanaged organizations
| | Unmanaged | Managed |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Who sets it up | Anyone can create one | Bearly sets it up for your email domain after you request it with **Upgrade to Managed** |
| Members | Added by an admin, active right away | Same, plus people on your email domain can join automatically |
| Groups, shared projects, access banner, activity log | Yes | Yes |
| Seat billing | Yes, when offered | Yes, unless Bearly provides your plan directly |
| Policies, spending limits, usage reports | No (**Policies** shows **Managed only**) | Yes |
| Member directory, managed-domain access, member suspension | No | Yes |
| Agent access, Microsoft Entra sign-in and provisioning | No | Yes |
Consumer email domains can't be managed. On a managed organization, most policy, agent access, and spending rules apply to members whose email is on the managed domain.
## Create or open an organization
1. Open the account menu at the bottom of the sidebar and select **Organizations** — the console opens your first organization's **Overview**, or **No organizations yet**.
2. With no organizations, enter a name in **Organization name (min 4 chars)** and select **Create**. Otherwise select **New organization**, enter an **Organization name** (4 to 18 characters), and select **Create organization**.
3. Bearly opens the new organization's **Overview** — the header pill shows **Admin** ("You can manage this organization").
To switch organizations, open **Organizations** again and pick another one. Members of a managed organization who aren't its admins can't create organizations.
### Tabs and who sees them
| Tab | Who sees it |
| --- | --- |
| **Overview**, **Members**, **Groups** | Everyone in the organization |
| **Billing** | Admins, when seat billing is offered and Bearly doesn't already provide the organization's plan |
| **Usage** | Admins of a managed organization |
| **Policies**, **Projects** | Admins |
| **Activity** | Admins |
## Overview
The header shows the organization's name (admins can select the pencil to rename it, 4 to 18 characters), its plan badge or **Free plan**, its managed domain if it has one, and the member count. Admins also see tiles for **Members**, **Plan**, and, when they apply, **Billing · Seats** and **Policies**.
### Upgrade to Managed
An admin of a free, unmanaged organization can request a managed organization.
1. Select **Upgrade to Managed** — "Request a managed organization plan. Our team will set up billing and configure your organization."
2. Choose a **Plan**: **Pro**, **Analyst**, **Research**, or **Max**.
3. Optional: enter your email **Domain** — "Users with this email domain will automatically join your organization."
4. Select **Send Request** — the header shows **Request is being reviewed** while Bearly reviews it.
Sending the request doesn't change your plan. Bearly's team follows up to set up billing and the domain.
### Your membership
Members see **Your membership** with their **Role** and **Policy**. **Leave organization** removes your access to its shared chats and projects. On a managed domain you can't leave yourself: "Your membership is managed by _domain_." The last admin can't leave.
### Settings
Admins see a **Settings** section:
- **Managed-domain access** (managed): how people with your domain join. **Automatically add anyone with @_domain_** (the default) or **Require an organization administrator to add each person**. Turning off automatic access doesn't remove current members, and the new rule reaches all of Bearly within ten minutes. With the second option, someone on your domain who isn't a member is told to contact an administrator.
- **Member directory** (managed): whether ordinary members can find managed-domain teammates by name or email. **All managed members** or **Disabled for members**. It never shows roles, policies, spending limits, or invite status. It affects teammate search in project sharing and the **Members** tab.
- **Delete organization**: only for a free, unmanaged organization. Type the name in **Confirm name** and **Confirm name again**, then select **Delete organization**. Managed organizations and organizations with a paid plan show a note to contact support instead.
## Access banner
The access banner shows members a message they must accept before they can use Bearly, for example an acceptable-use notice. It's available on every organization.
1. On **Overview**, find **Access banner** and select **Configure**.
2. Turn on **Show access banner** — "Members must accept it before they can continue."
3. Fill in **Heading** (default "Before you continue", up to 120 characters), **Message (Markdown)** (required, up to 20,000 characters), and **Accept button text** (default "Accept & Continue", up to 80 characters).
4. Optional: turn on **Let members sign out** — the banner adds a **Sign out** option.
5. Choose a **Frequency**: **Session** (each time the app or browser opens), **Daily** (the default), or **Weekly**.
6. Check **Preview** or **Open preview**, then select **Save banner** — **Discard changes** throws away unsaved edits.
**Limits:** acceptance is remembered per device and per version of the banner, so each device asks separately, and saving a change asks everyone again.
## Agent access
**You need:** a managed organization and the admin role.
Agent access decides who on your managed domain may use Full access, which lets agents use enabled tools without asking for approval each time. See [Permissions](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/permissions.md).
- **Allow full access by default** is on unless an admin turns it off. "Applies to members on your managed domain. Each member must still enable it for each chat or routine on its device. Change individual exceptions in Members."
- **Turn off full access for everyone** opens a dialog with the number of eligible members: "Active full access stops within 60 seconds. The organization default will be off, and all individual exceptions will be removed. Saved tool approvals remain." Confirm with **Turn off for everyone**.
- Per member: **Members** → **Member settings** → **Full access**: **Use organization default**, **Allow full access**, or **Do not allow full access**. Changes save immediately, and the member still chooses when to turn Full access on.
Only organization admins can change these. Group admins and policies can't grant Full access, and allowing it doesn't turn on tools a policy has turned off. Changes appear in **Activity**.
## Microsoft Entra and provisioning
**You need:** a managed organization and the admin role. The section reads "Set up Microsoft sign-in and optional user and group provisioning for this organization."
### Microsoft sign-in
1. Select **Setup Microsoft Entra** (or **Manage Microsoft Entra**).
2. **Configure sign-in**: copy the **Directory tenant ID** from the Microsoft Entra admin center and paste it in. Turn on **Allow Microsoft sign-in**, then select **Save and continue**. Signing in with an emailed code stays available as a recovery option.
3. **Grant admin consent**: select **Connect Microsoft** and sign in as a Microsoft tenant administrator to approve Bearly — the sign-in opens in your system browser, which supports smart cards and Conditional Access.
4. **Test sign-in** with an account whose email ends in your managed domain.
You only provide the tenant ID, never an application secret. Microsoft sign-in works only for a verified email that exactly matches the managed domain. The card shows **Enabled** once it's set up. Members then sign in with **Continue with Microsoft** on the sign-in screen. The iOS app doesn't offer that button and signs in with an emailed code.
### User and group provisioning
The provisioning card ("Sync assigned Microsoft Entra users and groups. Bearly administrators keep control of roles and policies.") shows **Configured** and **SCIM 2.0** once set up.
1. Select **Set up provisioning** — Bearly shows the **Tenant URL** to copy.
2. Select **Generate token** — the secret token is shown once. "Copy it now. Bearly will not show it again."
3. In your provisioning app, map Entra object IDs to externalId and userPrincipalName to userName, and leave roles and policies unmapped.
**Rotate token** replaces the token. **Disable** stops updates: "Existing people and groups stay in Bearly, but Microsoft can no longer update them." Deprovisioning a person suspends their membership. Synced groups show **Synced** and are changed in your identity provider.
## Members
Ordinary members see a **Member directory** search ("Find a teammate by name or email.") when the directory is on, or "Member lookup is disabled by an organization admin."
Admins see **Members (_N_)** with **Search members…**, **Load more**, **Add member**, and **Bulk add members**.
### Add a member
1. Select **Add member** and enter a **Name** and **Email**.
2. Turn on **Organization admin** only for someone who needs full management permissions.
3. For an email on your managed domain, pick a **Policy** (the default policy is preselected) and, optionally, a **Limit** that overrides the policy's spending limit.
4. Select **Add Member** — the person is a member right away.
Admins add members directly. There's no invitation for the person to accept. If the email already belongs to a member, Bearly says "A member with this email already exists."
### Bulk add members
Select **Bulk add members**, then **Select CSV File** under **Upload CSV File**. The file needs two columns, name and email, in either order, and a header row is detected automatically. **Ready to Add Members** shows who will be added, who already exists, and the current count.
**Sync Mode** ("Remove members not in CSV") treats the file as the full roster and lists members who will be removed. The button changes to **Add _N_ Members**, **Add _N_ & Remove _N_**, or **Remove _N_ Members**. Results show Added, Removed, Skipped, and Errors. On a managed organization, every email must use the managed domain.
### Edit or remove a member
Select a member's row or the **Member settings** gear:
| Setting | What it does |
| --- | --- |
| **Name** | Display name. **Email** is read-only. |
| **Organization admin** | "Full management permissions across the organization." |
| **Account access** (managed) | Turn off to suspend: "Suspension blocks Bearly immediately and keeps the membership for recovery." |
| **Individual policy** (managed) | "Overrides group and organization policies for this member." **Use group or organization policy** clears it. |
| **Full access** (managed) | The member's [Agent access](#agent-access) exception |
| **Individual monthly spend limit** (managed) | "Overrides the policy's spend limit for this member. Leave blank to use the policy limit." |
Rows show badges such as **Admin**, **Suspended**, the member's effective policy and where it comes from, and their spending limit. **Remove** asks you to confirm and can't be undone. Bearly won't remove or demote the last active admin.
> **Caution — Removing someone on an auto-join domain**
> If your organization adds everyone on the domain automatically, a removed member joins again the next time they use Bearly. To block access, turn off **Account access** to suspend them instead.
## Groups
Groups split an organization into departments or teams, each with its own members, policy, and shared projects. **Groups (_N_)** reads "Manage membership, policies, and shared projects for each group." Admins create one with **Add group**.
- **Members**: "Membership grants access to projects shared with this group." Organization admins search "Find an organization member to add…". Group admins type an existing member's exact email. Only organization admins can use **Make group admin** and **Remove admin role**. Synced memberships can't be removed by hand.
- **Policy and settings**: **Policy** (organization default or a policy from your list), **Priority**, and **Active** ("Inactive groups do not grant policy or project access."). A group admin can customize an assigned policy, which makes a copy for that group, but can't change its spending limit.
- **Usage** (managed): the same report as the organization's **Usage** tab, limited to the group. It isn't a bill.
- **Shared projects**: "Projects shared with this group that you can access. Project owners manage sharing in project settings."
Members who don't manage a group see only its **Shared projects**. Deleting a group removes the access it granted right away. Organization-wide and individual access stay.
## Projects
The **Projects** tab lists every project shared with the whole organization or one of its groups, with its audience, owners, and creation date.
- **Remove access** takes away the organization's and its groups' access. People the owner shared with directly keep access, and chats people started in the project stay in their chat lists.
- **Delete project** is available once none of the project's owners is still an active member. Its chats move back to the people who started them.
Both actions appear in **Activity**. Admins see project titles, owners, and sharing here, not project content. To share a project, its owner uses **Settings** → **Collaboration** in the project. See [Projects](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects.md).
## Policies
**You need:** a managed organization. On an unmanaged one, the tab shows **Managed only** and **Upgrade to Managed**.
**Policies (_N_)** reads "Control what members can reach. The default policy applies to every new member." Each row shows **Default** and "New features: On" or "Off". **Add policy** creates one. **Disable new features by default**, confirmed with **Disable by default**, switches every policy so features added later start off. Current access doesn't change.
### The policy editor
| Section | Controls |
| --- | --- |
| **Policy** | **Policy name** (4 to 18 characters). **Monthly spend limit** in USD per month: "Applies per managed-domain member. Leave blank to use the plan allowance." |
| **Chat defaults** | **Enable chat defaults** sets **Model**, **Instructions**, **Language**, and **Temperature** for members' chats outside projects. Each field is **Locked** ("Members can't change this") or **Unlocked**. When off: "Chat defaults are off. Members use their own model, instructions, language, and temperature." |
| **Models** | **Model access**: **Off**, **Allow-list**, or **Deny-list**. Search **Filter available models** by model, provider, family, or ZDR, and move entries between **Available models** and **Allowed models** or **Denied models**. "A provider or model family also covers versions released later." An allow-list can't be empty. |
| **Feature access** | **New feature default**: **Enabled by default** ("Features added later are available automatically.") or **Disabled by default** ("Features added later must be enabled here."), then the feature switches in the catalog below |
| **Skills** extras | **Policy Skills**: "Skills available in free chats for users on this policy. Project skills add to these." |
| **Code & Automation** extras | **Team MCP servers**: "Servers added here appear automatically for members on this policy. Members provide their own authentication values." **Add server** takes an HTTPS address or an npm package. |
| **Developer** extras | **Remote modules**: **Add module** with an endpoint, module name, and secret key |
**Summarize the Policy** writes a plain-language **AI policy summary**, and **Email me a copy** sends it to you. The footer has **Make Default** ("All new organization members will be assigned to this policy."), **Delete**, an **Unsaved changes** marker, **Cancel**, and **Save**.
### Which policy applies
1. A member's **Individual policy**, if set.
2. Otherwise, the highest-priority active group policy among their groups. If two top groups have the same priority, the member's row reports that the effective policy couldn't be resolved, and access fails closed.
3. Otherwise, the organization's default policy.
A member's **Individual monthly spend limit** beats the policy's limit. When a member reaches it, chat continues on **Bearly Fast** only until the limit resets. See [After paid credits run out](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits.md).
Model access, spending limits, and **Developer API access** are enforced by Bearly's servers. Most feature switches are enforced in the Bearly app.
## Policy control catalog
**Starts** tells you a control's value in a new policy. "Follows default" means it's on when **New feature default** is **Enabled by default** and off when it's **Disabled by default**. "Off" controls stay off until you turn them on, in either mode. A switch is grayed out while a control it needs is off. Some organizations see a few more controls than are listed here.
### Web & Research
| Control | Description in the editor | What it changes | Needs | Starts |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Web** | Allow members to use web tools in chat. | Web search, image search, reading web pages, Deep Research, Scholar, YouTube, and Best Pick | — | Follows default |
| **Chat web search** | Allow web search inside chats. | Image search, Deep Research, Best Pick, Scholar's academic web search, and YouTube's Find and Check claims depend on it | — | Follows default |
| **Image search** | Allow chats to find and display images from the public web. | Image results in chat | Web, Chat web search | Follows default |
| **Deep Research** | Allow members to run Deep Research. | Long-form research reports (also needs the Analyst plan) | Web, Chat web search | Follows default |
| **Scholar** | Allow chats to search academic papers and cite passages from them. | Academic paper search | Web | Follows default |
| **YouTube** | Allow chats to watch, summarize and cut YouTube videos. Finding what a video names and checking its figures also need Chat web search. | YouTube video tools | Web | Follows default |
| **Best Pick** | Allow chats to research products and recommend one to buy. Needs Chat web search. | Product research (also needs Pro) | Web, Chat web search | Follows default |
| **X (Twitter)** | Allow chats and Routines to read public posts on X. | Reading public X posts | — | Follows default |
| **SEO Data** | Allow chats to research keywords, sites, backlinks, and page performance. | SEO research tools | — | Follows default |
| **Domain research** | Allow chats to suggest domain names and check whether a domain is available to register. | Domain ideas and availability checks | — | Follows default |
| **Maps** | Allow chats to search places, read place details, and calculate routes. | Place search and routes | — | Follows default |
| **Weather** | Allow chats to read weather, public alerts, air quality, and pollen data. | Weather data | — | Follows default |
| **People Search** | Allow members to identify a person and build a brief from public sources. | Person briefs (also needs Analyst) | — | Follows default |
| **People Search contact routes** | Allow People Search to look up and show a person's email and other contact details. | Contact details in People Search | People Search | Follows default |
| **People Search public records** | Allow the On the record section to check court filings, registries, and other public records. | The On the record section | People Search | Follows default |
### Media & Creativity
| Control | Description in the editor | What it changes | Needs | Starts |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Charts** | Allow chats to create KPI, bar, and line views from prepared CSV assets. | Charts in chat | — | Follows default |
| **Images** | Allow members to generate and edit images. | Image generation and editing | — | Follows default |
| **Video** | Allow members to generate videos. | Video generation | — | Follows default |
| **Voice** | Allow members to start voice calls. | Voice calls and the **Voice** pane in Settings | — | Follows default |
| **Dictation** | Allow members to dictate into Bearly. | Dictation and the **Dictation** pane in Settings | — | Follows default |
| **Cloud dictation** | Allow members to send microphone audio to Bearly's cloud transcription provider. | Cloud transcription of dictated audio | Dictation | Follows default |
| **Transcription** | Allow members to transcribe audio and video. | Transcribing files | — | Follows default |
| **Text to speech** | Allow members to create spoken audio from text. | Spoken audio | — | Follows default |
### Code & Automation
| Control | Description in the editor | What it changes | Needs | Starts |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Run Python** | Allow members to run Python in Bearly's cloud interpreter. | Running code in the cloud | — | Follows default |
| **Work locally** | Allow members to use local shell, file-reading, writing, and editing tools. | Local files and commands in the desktop app | — | Follows default |
| **Computer Use** | Allow members to let Bearly inspect and control local desktop apps. | Computer Use in the desktop app | — | Follows default |
| **Browser** | Allow members to use the isolated Bearly Browser. | Bearly Browser in the desktop app | — | Follows default |
| **Chrome extension browser** | Allow members to let Bearly inspect and control their regular Chrome profile. | Chrome control. The desktop **Chrome Extension** pane shows **Disabled by your workspace** when off. | — | Follows default |
| **MCP Connectors** | Allow members to connect external MCP services. | Connectors and the **Connectors** pane | — | Follows default |
| **Personal MCP servers** | Allow members to add and use their own custom HTTPS and npm MCP servers. | Members' own custom servers | MCP Connectors | On |
| **Email notifications** | Allow Bearly to send requested email notifications to the member. | Emails Bearly sends to the member when asked | — | Follows default |
| **Text messages** | Allow members to add a phone number and receive Bearly text messages. | Text messages and the **Phone & SMS** pane | — | Follows default |
| **Routines** | Allow members to run scheduled prompts. | Routines (also needs Pro) | — | Follows default |
| **Browser in Routines** | Allow members to let Routines use Bearly Browser on the sites they approve, without asking first. | Browser use in scheduled runs | Routines | Follows default |
| **Chat management** | Allow chats to list, read, create, rename, move, and delete chats. | The AI organizing chats for the member | — | Follows default |
### Collaboration
| Control | Description in the editor | What it changes | Needs | Starts |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Screen Share** | Allow members to share a screen or window with their agent. | Screen sharing into a chat | File uploads | Follows default |
| **Council** | Allow members to ask multiple models in parallel. | Council (also needs Pro) | — | Follows default |
| **Meetings** | Allow members to record meetings and create live transcripts. | Meeting recording and live transcripts | — | Follows default |
| **Sharing** | Allow members to publish Pages to a bearly.sh link. | Publishing Pages | — | Follows default |
| **Public links** | Allow anyone with a Page link to open it without signing in. | Links anyone can open | Sharing | Follows default |
| **Share with people and teams** | Allow members to restrict Page links to named people and teams. | Restricted Page links | Sharing | Follows default |
### Privacy & Security
| Control | Description in the editor | What it changes | Needs | Starts |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Memory Recall** | Allow Bearly to search and use past conversation context. | Memories in chats | — | Follows default |
| **PII Blocker** | Block personally identifiable information from being entered in chats. | Before a message is sent, email addresses, phone numbers, credit card numbers, and US Social Security numbers are replaced with "[REDACTED: _type_]", and a **Personal Information Redacted** notice appears. The message still sends. | — | Off |
| **End-to-end encryption** | Members can create chats that only their approved devices can read. Team admins and Bearly can't read or recover these chats, even after a member leaves. | Lets members set up [end-to-end encryption](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security.md). Hidden while **Require local encryption** is on. Enforced by Bearly's servers. | — | Off, in either mode |
| **Require local encryption** | Require new chats to use device-only encryption. | New chats can be opened only on the device that created them. Blocks end-to-end encryption. | — | Off |
| **Lock existing chats** | Lock existing chats to local access. The keys are unrecoverable. | Converts members' existing chats to device-only. Asks you to confirm **Lock All Existing Users Chats** and can't be undone. | Require local encryption | Off |
| **File uploads** | Allow members to upload and attach files. | Attachments, Docs & Data uploads, and desktop folder sync | — | Follows default |
Turning on **Lock existing chats** asks "This will lock all existing chats to local access only. Keys are unrecoverable. This action cannot be undone." Members' chats then open only on the device that holds the key. Turning off **Require local encryption** also turns this switch off, but chats already locked stay locked.
### Skills
| Control | Description in the editor | What it changes | Needs | Starts |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Skills** | Allow members to use Skills in chat. | Using Skills | — | Follows default |
| **Add Skills** | Allow members to install, remove, and distribute Skills. | Installing and removing Skills, including project Skills | Skills | Follows default |
| **Skill scripts** | Allow Skills to run installed skill files. | Skills that run files | Skills | Follows default |
### Projects
| Control | Description in the editor | What it changes | Needs | Starts |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Create projects** | Allow members to create projects. | The **New project** button | — | Follows default |
| **Require project passwords** | Require a password when members create projects. | New projects must have a password, and **Remove** is hidden | — | Off |
| **Project collaboration** | Allow members to invite other people to projects. | The **Collaboration** row in Project Settings | — | Follows default |
| **Project documents and data** | Allow members to add, remove, and sync project files. | Docs & Data changes and folder sync | — | Follows default |
### Developer
| Control | Description in the editor | What it changes | Needs | Starts |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Developer API access** | Allow members to create API keys and call Bearly models from their own code. | The **API Keys** pane, and Bearly API requests from managed-domain members (enforced by Bearly's servers) | — | Follows default |
| **Personal remote modules** | Allow members to configure their own remote modules. | The **Modules** pane | — | Off |
| **Unified settings resolution** | Use the current chat settings resolver. Turn this off only when Bearly support asks. | Leave it on | — | On |
## Billing
**You need:** the admin role, and an organization whose plan Bearly doesn't already provide directly. Organizations with a plan from Bearly have no **Billing** tab and contact support for changes.
Before the first purchase, **Give your organization Bearly** explains: "Every seat is a full plan — pick one, choose how many, and assign them to teammates right after checkout. The organization pays with its own card and invoice; personal plans stay separate."
1. Under **Choose a plan**, pick **Pro**, **Analyst**, **Research**, or **Max**, and **Monthly** or **Yearly · 2 months free**.
2. Set the number of seats — the total appears before you continue.
3. Select **Start checkout** and finish payment on the secure billing page — if you leave early, the tab shows "Billing setup didn't finish".
4. Back in **Billing**, assign open seats to members.
Once active, the tab shows the **Subscription** (billed monthly or yearly), **Seats**, **Renews**, **Next invoice**, and card status. The **Seats** list groups open seats by plan, with **Add seats** and **Search seats…**. Each seat's **Seat actions** menu has:
- **Move seat** — gives the seat to someone else. The previous holder loses access immediately.
- **Unassign** — frees the seat for someone else.
- **Change plan** — an upgrade applies now with a prorated charge, and a downgrade is scheduled for renewal.
- **End at renewal** or **Reinstate**.
Seats go only to active members. A person uses the higher of their personal plan and their seat, and the allowances never add together. If payment fails, **Payment is past due** appears with a fix action, and seat access is blocked until it's paid. Every billing change emails all admins and appears in **Activity**. See [Plans, credits, and limits](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits.md).
## Usage
**You need:** a managed organization and the admin role.
**Usage** ("Managed-domain usage by member, model, and month.") covers **1 mo**, **3 mo**, **6 mo**, or **12 mo**. It shows **Spend**, **Calls**, **Active members**, and **Top model**, then a **Members** table you can search and expand into **Models** and **Months**. It counts successful, charged usage by current active members on your managed domain.
## Activity
**Activity** lists organization changes, newest first, with **Load more** for older entries. Categories cover the organization, settings, agent access, policies, members (added, edited, removed, suspended, resumed), billing, identity, groups, and projects (access removed or deleted). Entries show what changed, such as a spending limit or feature controls, with before and after values. History starts from when Activity was added, so older changes aren't listed. An empty log reads "No organization changes recorded yet."
## Related
- [Projects](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects.md) — sharing with people, groups, and whole organizations
- [Privacy and security controls](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security.md) — what members control themselves
- [Plans, credits, and limits](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits.md) — seats, spending limits, and what happens at a limit
- [Team recipes](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/team-recipes.md)
- Feature guides: [Policies](https://bearly.ai/docs/teams/policies.md), [Members](https://bearly.ai/docs/teams/members.md), [Microsoft Entra](https://bearly.ai/docs/teams/microsoft-entra.md)
---
---
title: "Privacy and security controls"
description: "Every privacy and security control in Bearly and what it changes, including Zero Data Retention only, end-to-end encryption with recovery phrase, device approval, and passkeys, personalization, memories and web search, project passwords, tool permissions, signed-in devices, logging out, account deletion, text messages, and admin-only controls."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security.md"
---
# Privacy and security controls
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security/)
> Every privacy and security control in Bearly and what it changes, including Zero Data Retention only, end-to-end encryption with recovery phrase, device approval, and passkeys, personalization, memories and web search, project passwords, tool permissions, signed-in devices, logging out, account deletion, text messages, and admin-only controls.
This page lists every control that changes what Bearly stores, what reaches an AI model, and who can open your work, with the exact path to each one.
## What applies to every account
- Bearly doesn't train AI models on your chats.
- No ads. We don't sell your data.
- Chats and files are encrypted at rest, each with its own key.
- AI labs never learn who is asking: no name, account, or IP address reaches them. Anything you type about yourself is still part of your message.
- Web and image search run on a provider that keeps nothing after it answers.
- Computer use runs on your device. It's in the desktop app only, and the screenshots you approve go to the model you picked.
What you type, attach, or let a tool read still goes to the model handling your request. The controls below decide how much context goes with it and where your chats are kept.
## Quick reference
| Control | Where | What it does | How to undo |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| **Zero Data Retention only** | **Settings** → **Privacy & Security** | Chats use only zero-retention models, and fallbacks stay on them | Turn it off |
| End-to-end encryption | **Settings** → **Privacy & Security**, and the lock beside the composer | New chats are encrypted on your devices | Choose standard encryption for a new chat. Existing encrypted chats stay encrypted. |
| **Encrypt all new chats with this key** | Same pane, after setup | Makes end-to-end encryption the default for new chats | Turn it off |
| **Personalization** | **Settings** → **Personalization** | Controls whether your name, occupation, and About you go to the model | Turn it on or off |
| **Memories** | **This Chat**, **New Chats**, or the composer | Off stops recall of earlier chats | Set it back to **Auto** |
| **Web Search** | **This Chat**, **New Chats**, or the composer | Off stops the chat from searching the web on its own | Set it back to **Auto** |
| Project password | Project **Settings** → **Encryption** → **Protect** | Adds a password lock to a project, and its chats are read-only while locked | **Remove** |
| **Lock all data** | **Settings** → **Account** | Relocks every password-protected project on this device | Enter the passwords again |
| **Permissions** | Composer | **Standard** asks before tools act. **Full access** doesn't. | Switch back |
| Saved approvals | Composer → **Permissions** | **Revoke all saved approvals** or **Clear all permissions** | Approve again |
| **Devices** | **Settings** → **Devices** | Signs out other devices and removes extension or API keys | Sign in again |
| **Log out** | **Settings** → **Account**, or the account menu | Syncs, then clears Bearly's data from this device | Sign in |
| **Delete account** | **Settings** → **Account** | Schedules permanent deletion after email verification | **Cancel scheduled deletion** before the final reminder |
| Text messages | **Settings** → **Phone & SMS** | Stops texts or deletes your number | Set it up again |
| Browser data | **Settings** → **Browser** (desktop app) | Resets tabs and approvals, deletes cookies and site data, blocks trackers | — |
## Zero Data Retention only
Turn on **Zero Data Retention only** and Bearly shows only zero-retention models, and automatic fallbacks stay on them too. Reach for it when a chat may include confidential material and you want no model provider keeping prompts or replies after it answers.
**You need:** any plan, on any platform. It's off by default.
1. Open **Settings** → **Privacy & Security** — the pane reads "Only use AI routes where providers do not retain your prompts or responses after processing. Automatic fallbacks follow the same rule."
2. Turn on **Zero Data Retention only** — the model picker now hides models without a zero-retention route.
**What you get:** in the model picker, every model has a **ZDR** or **Standard** badge ("Zero data retention" or "Standard retention"). While the setting hides models, the picker shows **ZDR on · Some models hidden** with a **Change** link back to this pane. The setting belongs to your account, so it applies on every device once they sync.
**Limits:**
- It covers the language models that write and work in your chats, including the models Bearly uses inside chat tools such as Council's experts. Council can offer fewer experts when it's on.
- It doesn't cover image and video generation, transcription, text extraction from files, voice calls, or other tool services. Deep Research, People Search, Scholar's academic web search, YouTube search, and reading web pages also reach their usual services.
- If settings can't sync, Bearly keeps the rule on and the switch is unavailable: "Settings sync is unavailable. Zero Data Retention routes remain required until Bearly reconnects." The banner reads **ZDR on until settings sync**.
- If your organization also limits models, you see only models allowed by both, and the banner notes **managed account**.
**Combines with:** [Models](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/models.md) to pick among zero-retention models, and the [organization model allow-list](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations.md) for a team-wide rule.
## End-to-end encryption
End-to-end encryption is opt-in, applies to new chats only, and is labeled **Beta**. Turn on end-to-end encryption and your new chats are encrypted on your devices. Bearly stores and syncs only the locked copies. Bearly can't read your end-to-end encrypted chats: not the messages, the titles, or the files.
Signing in isn't enough to open your encrypted chats. A new device needs approval from one you already use, your recovery phrase, or a passkey.
**Use it when:** a chat holds material only you should be able to open later, such as legal, medical, or personal records. Each message still goes to the model you picked, so this protects what's stored, not what the model sees.
**You need:** nothing extra on a personal account. On a managed organization, an admin must turn on **End-to-end encryption** in your policy, and **Require local encryption** must be off. On the desktop app, a version newer than 5.2.8.
### Set it up on your first device
1. Open **Settings** → **Privacy & Security** and, under **End-to-end encryption**, select **Set up end-to-end encryption** — the pane reads "Your chats are already encrypted. Keep the keys to end-to-end encrypted chats on devices you approve." You can also start from **Set up end-to-end encryption** under the new-chat composer.
2. Under **Name this device**, keep or edit the suggested name, such as "Bearly on iPhone" — you'll see this name when approving devices later. Select **Continue**.
3. **Save your recovery phrase**: Bearly shows 24 words. Use **Copy** or **Download** (some phones show **Save**), or take a screenshot on a phone or a photo of the screen on a computer, and keep one copy somewhere other than this device.
4. Check "I saved my recovery phrase. If I lose it and every approved device, Bearly can't recover my encrypted chats." and select **Continue**.
5. Leave **Encrypt all new chats with this key** on — "Existing chats stay as they are." Optional: select **Store a passkey in my keychain**. Then select **Done**.
> **Danger — Save your recovery phrase**
> Lose every device and your recovery phrase, and nobody can recover your encrypted chats, including Bearly. Keep the phrase somewhere safe and separate from your devices, or also store a passkey.
### Choose encryption for each new chat
After setup, a lock appears beside the project picker on a new chat. Orange and closed means "End-to-end encrypted". Gray and open means "Standard encryption". Turning encryption off for a draft asks you to confirm, and you can't change it while the draft has attachments ("Remove attachments before changing encryption"). If your organization requires device-only encryption, the lock is yellow, reads "Local key encryption", and can't be changed.
### Approve a new device
Each browser and app needs its own approval, even on the same computer.
1. Sign in on the new device, open **Settings** → **Privacy & Security**, and select **Approve this device**. Name the device and select **Ask another device to approve** — it shows a **Verification code** and waits.
2. On a device you already approved, open **Settings** → **Privacy & Security** → **Approve a device** and choose the new device by name.
3. Enter the verification code shown on the new device, then approve — the new device can now open your encrypted chats.
From an approved phone, you can instead open "Using an approved phone? Scan instead" on the new device and scan the code with Bearly's scanner (**Approve a device** → **Scan QR code**), not the phone's Camera app. Requests expire after 10 minutes, and **Request another approval code** starts a new one. Without an approved device, choose **Use my recovery phrase instead** and select **Unlock this device**, or use **Unlock with my keychain** if you saved a passkey.
### Manage devices and recovery
Once this device is unlocked, the pane shows:
- **Approved devices**: "These devices can open your encrypted chats and approve another device." **Remove** asks first and explains the result. Removing your only device means "You'll need your recovery phrase to get back in." Removing this device locks your encrypted chats here until another device approves it or you use your recovery phrase. Anything a removed device already downloaded stays on it.
- **Recovery**: your saved passkeys with **Remove**, **Store a passkey in my keychain** ("Use your device keychain to unlock Bearly on a replacement device.") where your device supports it, and **Replace recovery phrase** ("Creates a new recovery phrase. The previous phrase or key stops working.").
### What changes in an encrypted chat
- Memories are off. The setup screen says so.
- The chat can't search documents, and **Always Search Documents** has no effect. Reading a specific file still works.
- The chat doesn't appear in **Search chats and files**.
- The AI in a regular chat can't list, read, rename, move, or delete your encrypted chats.
- When you send a prompt, "Bearly's execution service, the selected AI provider and tools still receive what they need."
- A routine made from an encrypted chat keeps its instructions and results in standard storage, and its runs wait until a device is unlocked. If a routine texts you each result, the routine editor notes that the text summary leaves end-to-end encryption.
- Publishing a Page asks you to confirm that Bearly will store a readable copy of only the published Page, its preview, and any file you include. The chat stays encrypted.
- On a device that isn't approved, encrypted chats appear as "Encrypted chat" placeholders, and a banner reads "Encrypted chats are locked on this device" with **Approve**.
**Limits:**
- Bearly can still see when each encrypted chat was last saved and when you last read it.
- Clearing a browser's site data removes that browser's key, so it needs approval again.
- Desktop app versions 5.2.8 and earlier can't hold a key. They stay locked and can start standard chats.
- Passkeys depend on your device's keychain. The option appears only where it works.
- If your organization later stops allowing it, setup and new encrypted chats stop, but existing ones stay available: "Your organization doesn't allow new end-to-end encrypted chats. Your existing ones stay available."
**Combines with:** [Projects](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects.md), since an encrypted chat's title and project link are encrypted too, and [Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md), with the storage note above.
## Personalization
**Settings** → **Personalization** decides what Bearly tells the model about you. The **Personalization** switch is off by default.
- Turn on **Personalization** ("Include your profile context in your chats.") and fill in **Name**, **Occupation**, and **About you**. "This is shared with AI models in your conversations."
- With the switch off, nothing from your profile is added to your chats.
- A project can turn on **Disable Personalization**, and then nothing from your profile is included in that project's chats.
## Memories and Web Search
**Memories** lets a chat recall earlier conversations. In **Settings** → **This Chat** or **New Chats**, choose **Off** or **Auto**. In the composer's sliders menu, choose **Off** or **All Chats**, or **Project Only** inside a project. Deleting a chat deletes its memory. Your organization's **Memory Recall** policy can turn Memories off for everyone.
**Web Search** set to **Off** stops a chat from searching the web on its own. Tools you start on purpose, such as Deep Research, still reach the web. Set **New Chats** → **Web Search** to **Off** to make that the default. See [Chat settings](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/settings.md).
## Project passwords and Lock all data
A project password locks a project's files and settings. While it's locked, its chats are read-only. Bearly can't recover a forgotten password, and you enter it again on each new device and after you log out. A project password is a separate lock on stored project data, not end-to-end encryption. See [Password protection](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects.md).
**Settings** → **Account** → **Lock all data** relocks every password-protected project on this device. The pane still calls them "notebooks". Select **Lock**, then confirm with **Lock All** — Bearly clears saved passwords on this device and reloads.
## Permissions: Standard and Full access
The **Permissions** button beside the composer decides whether Bearly asks before it uses tools that act outside the chat, such as local files, Computer Use, Bearly Browser, Chrome, Skill scripts, and connectors.
- **Standard**: "Ask for approval when needed. Saved approvals still apply."
- **Full access**: "Use enabled tools without asking each time." Turning it on asks **Enable full access?** and applies to this chat on this device only. Organization rules, operating-system permissions, and required safety checks still apply. Full access never turns on a tool or connects an account.
- **Saved approvals · _N_** lists approvals you've given, each scoped to "This response", "This session", or "This chat · this device", with **Revoke**. **Revoke all saved approvals** clears them. **Clear all permissions** switches to Standard and revokes them all.
- **Settings** → **Privacy & Security** → **Start new chats in Full access** makes new chats on this device start in Full access. It asks **Start every new chat in Full access?** first. Existing chats and routines aren't changed. If Full access isn't available for your account or app, the switch says why.
Routines have their own Full access setting in the routine editor. On a managed organization, admins decide who may use Full access under [Agent access](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations.md). See [Permissions](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/permissions.md).
## Devices
**Settings** → **Devices** lists where your account is signed in: "Where your Bearly account is signed in. Sign out of any device you don't recognize." Each row shows the device, **This device** for the one you're on, an approximate location, and when it was last active, with **Sign out**.
- **Sign out all other devices** keeps this device signed in and keeps your API keys.
- **Browser extension and API keys**: "These have separate access. Remove a key to disconnect anything using it." Each key shows when it was created and last used, with **Remove**.
## Log out
**Settings** → **Account** → **Log out**, or **Logout** in the account menu: "Bearly syncs your recent changes, then clears its data from this device. You'll need to sign in again." If some changes haven't synced, Bearly asks before discarding them. Logging out also ends the session on Bearly's side.
## Delete your account
**You need:** to transfer or close any organizations you administer, and to transfer ownership or remove collaborators from shared work. Bearly blocks the request until you do.
1. Open **Settings** → **Account** and, beside **Delete account**, select **Delete** — the dialog lists what's deleted and what's kept.
2. Review the subscription note. A web subscription is canceled when the deletion runs, so cancel first if it could renew in the next 24 hours. An App Store subscription isn't canceled, and unused time and credits aren't refunded. **Manage subscription** helps you cancel.
3. Select **Email verification code**, enter the six-digit **Verification code** and your full **Account email**, then select **Schedule account deletion**.
4. Save the **Deletion receipt** and scheduled time — Bearly also emails the schedule to your account address.
| Deleted | Kept as restricted records |
| --- | --- |
| Chats, projects, documents, and generated files | Invoices, payment and subscription records |
| Settings, saved prompts, phone profile, and team membership | Usage and transaction totals needed for reconciliation |
| API keys, extension credentials, and Bearly sessions | Required fraud, dispute, consent, tax, and legal records |
Deletion runs 24 hours after you verify. You can keep using Bearly until then. To cancel, select **Delete** again and **Cancel scheduled deletion**. Cancelling closes when Bearly sends the final reminder, about one hour before deletion.
## Phone & SMS
**Settings** → **Phone & SMS** manages text messages. Set it up with a US or Canadian mobile number for verification codes and notifications. Once verified, the pane offers **Send test text**, **Change number**, **Turn off text messages** ("Stops codes and notifications. Same as replying STOP."), and **Remove phone number** ("Deletes the number from your Bearly account."). The pane appears when your organization's **Text messages** policy allows it. See [Email and text](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/email-and-text.md).
## Controls only an organization admin can set
On a managed organization, admins can set these for members in a policy. The full list is in the [policy control catalog](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations.md).
- **PII Blocker** replaces email addresses, phone numbers, credit card numbers, and US Social Security numbers with "[REDACTED: _type_]" before a message is sent, and shows **Personal Information Redacted**.
- **End-to-end encryption** must be turned on before members can set up encrypted chats.
- **Require local encryption** makes new chats open only on the device that created them, and blocks end-to-end encryption.
- **Lock existing chats** converts existing chats to device-only. It can't be undone.
- **File uploads** and **Memory Recall** turn off attachments and Memories.
- **Model access** limits which models members can pick, and **Agent access** decides who may use Full access.
## Related
- [Settings reference](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/settings-reference.md) — every pane and control
- [Projects](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects.md) — project passwords and sharing
- [Run Bearly for an organization](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations.md) — admin controls
- [Privacy and security in Bearly](https://bearly.ai/docs/privacy-security.md) and [Delete your Bearly account](https://bearly.ai/docs/account/delete-account.md)
- [Privacy Policy](https://bearly.ai/privacy-policy.md)
---
---
title: "Settings reference"
description: "Every pane and control in Bearly's Settings window, in the order the app shows them, with options, defaults, and what each control does, plus how to open Settings, read its save status, and find the panes that only appear on some platforms or plans."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/settings-reference/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/settings-reference.md"
---
# Settings reference
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/settings-reference/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/settings-reference/)
> Every pane and control in Bearly's Settings window, in the order the app shows them, with options, defaults, and what each control does, plus how to open Settings, read its save status, and find the panes that only appear on some platforms or plans.
This page walks through the Settings window pane by pane. Each table lists the control's exact label, its options and default, and what it changes, with a link to the page that explains it in depth.
## Open Settings
- Press ⌘ , on a Mac, or Ctrl , on Windows and Linux. Settings opens at the pane you used last.
- Open the account menu at the bottom of the sidebar and select **App Settings**.
- In a chat, select the sliders icon beside the composer, then **Chat Settings**. This opens **This Chat**.
- The account menu's **Billing & Pro** opens **Billing**, and **Developers** opens **API Keys**.
- In the model picker, the **ZDR on · Some models hidden** banner's **Change** link opens **Privacy & Security**.
The window is titled **Settings**. Panes are grouped under **Chats**, **Settings**, **Desktop**, and **Developer**. On a narrow screen, a menu at the top replaces the side list.
Changes save on their own. The header shows **Saving...**, then **Saved**. If a save fails it shows **Not saved**, and hovering shows why. Settings stays open while a change hasn't saved, so check your connection and try again. For text boxes such as **Instructions**, click outside the box to save.
## Which panes you see
| Section | Pane | Shown when |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Chats | **This Chat**, **New Chats**, **Personalization** | When you open Settings from chat |
| Chats | **Voice** | Your organization allows voice calls |
| Chats | **Dictation** | Your organization allows dictation |
| Settings | **Appearance**, **Privacy & Security**, **Billing**, **Account**, **Devices** | Always |
| Settings | **Get Desktop App** | On the web, a phone browser, or the iOS app |
| Settings | **Skills** | Skills are allowed for you |
| Settings | **Connectors** | Your organization allows connectors |
| Settings | **Usage** | On a paid plan |
| Settings | **Phone & SMS** | Your organization allows text messages |
| Desktop | **Desktop**, **Runtime**, **Chrome Extension** | In the desktop app |
| Desktop | **Browser** | In the desktop app, when Bearly Browser is available to you |
| Developer | **API Keys** | Your organization allows Developer API access (on unless an admin turns it off) |
| Developer | **Modules** | Your organization's policy turns on **Personal remote modules** |
There's no notifications pane and no setting for the app's display language. Reply language is under **Language** in **This Chat** and **New Chats**.
## Chats
### This Chat
"Settings for this conversation only. Changes here don't affect other chats." A row disappears when your project or organization locks it. See [Chat settings](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/settings.md).
| Control | Options and default | What it does |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Model** | Models available to you. Default: the chat's current model. | The model that answers in this chat. See [Models](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/models.md). |
| **Language** | **Default**, or a language such as English, English (UK & AU), French, German, Hindi, Japanese, Mandarin Chinese, Portuguese, Spanish, and more | The language replies are written in |
| **Response Style** | **Normal** (default), **Classic**, **No Style**, **Learning**, **Concise**, **Explanatory**, **Formal** | Tone and length of replies |
| **Memories** | **Off**, **Auto**. Default comes from **New Chats**. | Whether the chat recalls earlier conversations |
| **Web Search** | **Off**, **Auto**. Default comes from **New Chats**. | Whether the chat searches the web on its own |
| **Reasoning Effort** | **Default**, **None**, **Low**, **Medium**, **High**, **Extra High** | How much the model reasons before answering |
| **Instructions** | Free text ("Custom instructions for this chat...") | Standing directions for this chat |
| **Temperature** | **Factual** (0.5), **Default** (1), **Creative** (1.5), or a slider from 0 to 2 | How focused or varied replies are. Above 1.5: "High temperatures may produce incoherent output." |
| **Reset all to defaults** | Button. Appears once this chat has its own value for any row. | Returns this chat to your **New Chats** settings, then reapplies project and organization rules |
### New Chats
"These settings apply to all new chats by default." It has the same rows as **This Chat**, plus **Recommended** under **Model**, which is the default and lets Bearly choose. Defaults: **Response Style** Normal, **Memories** Auto, **Web Search** Auto. In a project chat this pane reads "Default settings are not available in project chats. Use Project Settings to configure." Saved to your account. See [Projects](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects.md).
### Personalization
"Tell the AI about yourself so it can tailor responses to your needs." Saved to your account.
| Control | Options and default | What it does |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Personalization** | Switch, off by default | "Include your profile context in your chats." |
| **Name** | Text. | "How should the AI address you?" |
| **Occupation** | Text | "What do you do?" |
| **About you** | Text | "What should the AI know about you?" |
"This is shared with AI models in your conversations." The fields are unavailable while the switch is off. Bearly adds what you enter here to your chats only while the switch is on. See [Privacy and security controls](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security.md).
### Voice
"Voice calls use this model to listen, answer, and run actions. Calls use your plan allowance."
| Control | Options and default | What it does |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Model** | Voice models available on your plan | The model for your next voice call ("Takes effect on your next call."). On Free it reads "Choosing a voice model needs a paid plan." |
See [Voice](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/voice.md).
### Dictation
"Click the dictation button to start or stop. You can also hold Right Shift while you speak." and "Live audio is sent through Bearly for transcription."
| Control | Options and default | What it does |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Enable dictation** | Switch, off by default | Turns dictation on |
| **Keyboard shortcut** | Default **Right Shift** | "Hold while Bearly is focused." to dictate |
| **After dictation** | **Fill the composer** (default), **Send immediately** | Whether the transcript waits for you or sends right away |
| **Transcript cleanup** | Switch, off by default | "Fix punctuation and phrasing with a fast, low-reasoning model." |
| **Model** | Cleanup models available to you | The model that cleans up the transcript |
| **Instructions** | Free text | "Applied after transcription. The original audio is not sent." |
| **Vocabulary** | Free text | "Names, acronyms, and technical terms." to recognize |
| **Replacements** | One pair per line | "One exact spoken → written pair per line." |
If your organization blocks it, the pane reads "Your team has disabled audio transcription." See [Voice](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/voice.md).
## Settings
### Appearance
Saved on this device only.
| Control | Options and default | What it does |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Theme** | **System** (default, follows your device's light or dark mode), **Light**, **Dark**, **Midnight**, **Dracula**, **Rose Pine**, **Synthwave**, **Nord**, **Corporate**, **Coffee**, **Talin**, **Funky** | "Choose your color scheme." In the iOS app it also switches the app between light and dark. |
| **Font** | **Bearly** (default), **System**, **Humanist**, **Neogrotesque**, **Classic**, **Industrial** | The interface font |
| **Font size** | **Small** (14px), **Standard** (16px, default), **Large** (18px), **Largest** (20px) | Text size across the app |
### Get Desktop App
**Get Bearly for desktop**, with **Download for macOS**, **Windows**, or **Linux** for the computer you're on and **Other platforms**. On a phone or the iOS app it lists the computers to choose from. Downloads open in your browser. This pane doesn't appear inside the desktop app. See [Get Bearly](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/get-bearly.md).
### Skills
On the web, a phone browser, or the iOS app this pane reads "Use Skills in the desktop app" — "Skills install local files and can run approval-gated commands, so they need Bearly for desktop." with **Get Bearly**. In the desktop app, this is where you add and manage Skills. See [Connectors and Skills](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/connectors-and-skills.md).
### Connectors
"Chats using Full access can use connections you add or reconnect here without asking for tool approval."
| Control | What it does |
| --- | --- |
| **Your connectors** | "Connect services and MCP servers to use their tools in chats and Routines." Servers your organization supplies show "Managed by your team policy". |
| **Add custom MCP server** | Adds a server by HTTPS address, or an npm package in the desktop app |
| **Built-in connectors** | "Add a preconfigured service, then connect your account." Includes Notion, Linear, GitHub, and more, each with **Add** |
See [Connectors and Skills](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/connectors-and-skills.md).
### Privacy & Security
| Control | Options and default | What it does |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Zero Data Retention only** | Switch, off by default. Saved to your account. | Bearly shows only zero-retention models, and automatic fallbacks stay on them too. Applies to chat models. See [Zero Data Retention only](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/models.md#zero-data-retention-only). |
| **End-to-end encryption** (**Beta**) | **Set up end-to-end encryption**, or **Approve this device** on a new device | Encrypts new chats on your devices. After setup: **Encrypt all new chats with this key**, **Approved devices**, **Approve a device**, and **Recovery** (passkeys and **Replace recovery phrase**). |
| **Start new chats in Full access** | Switch, off by default. This device only. | "New chats on this device use your enabled tools without asking. Not recommended unless you know what you're doing." Asks you to confirm first. |
See [Privacy and security controls](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security.md) and [Permissions](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/permissions.md).
### Billing
Your **Current Plan** card (**Manage Account**, **Invoices**, **Restore**, **Cancel**, or **Reactivate**), **Credit Boost** on eligible plans, and the plan picker with **Monthly** and **Yearly** (**17% off**). Seat holders also see their organization seat. See [Plans, credits, and limits](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits.md).
### Usage
Paid plans only. **Current Period** shows the percentage used, when credits reset, **Used this month**, **Monthly limit**, **Today**, and **Boost remaining**, with **Manage** and **Buy Boost**. **Usage by service** lists each month's models and paid tools with **Service**, **Calls**, and **Cost**. See [Plans, credits, and limits](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits.md).
### Phone & SMS
| Control | What it does |
| --- | --- |
| **Set up text messages** | "Add a US or Canadian mobile number for verification codes and notifications." Shows **Not set up** until you do. |
| **Send test text** | Sends a test message to your verified number |
| **Change number** | Replaces the number |
| **Turn off text messages** | "Stops codes and notifications. Same as replying STOP." |
| **Remove phone number** | "Deletes the number from your Bearly account." |
**Verify your phone again** with **Action needed** appears when Bearly needs you to confirm the number again. See [Email and text](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/email-and-text.md).
### Account
| Control | What it does |
| --- | --- |
| **Version** | Shows the build you're running and when it was built |
| **Lock all data** | "Lock all password-protected notebooks. You'll need to re-enter passwords." **Lock**, then **Lock All**, relocks every password-protected project on this device. |
| **Delete account** | "Review what is deleted and retained, then verify this request by email." **Delete** opens the deletion steps. |
| **Log out** | "Sign out of your Bearly account." Bearly syncs your recent changes, then clears its data from this device. |
See [Delete your account](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security.md).
### Devices
"Where your Bearly account is signed in. Sign out of any device you don't recognize."
| Control | What it does |
| --- | --- |
| **Sign out all other devices** | Signs out everywhere except here. API keys keep working. |
| Device rows | Name, **This device**, approximate location, last active ("Active now" within two minutes), and **Sign out** |
| **Browser extension and API keys** | "These have separate access. Remove a key to disconnect anything using it." Each key shows when it was created and last used, with **Remove**. |
The list refreshes on its own while it's open.
## Desktop
These panes appear only in the desktop app on Mac, Windows, and Linux. See [Browser and computer](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/browser-and-computer.md).
### Desktop
| Control | Options and default | What it does |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Keyboard shortcut** | Default ⌘ Shift P on a Mac, Ctrl Shift P on Windows and Linux. **Set** or **Change** records a new one, then **Save** or **Cancel**. **Disable** clears it. | "Global hotkey to summon Bearly." |
| **Always on top** | Switch | "Keep the window above other apps." |
| **Auto-hide** | Switch | "Hide when Bearly loses focus." Bring it back with your shortcut. |
| **Launch on boot** | **Enabled** or **Disabled** (default) | Starts Bearly when you sign in to your computer |
| **Latest version** | Read-only | Your installed version and whether an update is available |
### Browser
| Control | Options and default | What it does |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Enable Browser** | On by default | "Keep Bearly Browser available to you and your chats. Turning it off does not delete site data." |
| **Allow chats to use Browser** | On by default | Lets chats drive Bearly Browser. In Standard, Bearly asks before new sites. In Full access it doesn't. |
| **Block ads and trackers** | On by default | Blocks ads and trackers in Bearly Browser |
| **Import browser cookies** | Choose a **Browser profile** | "Bring current site sign-ins from Chrome or Edge into Bearly Browser. Cookies only—never passwords, history, bookmarks, or autofill." |
| **Reset open tabs** | Button | "Close tabs and clear workspace history and approvals. Site sign-ins remain." |
| **Delete browser data** | Button | "Delete cookies, cache, and local site storage for this Bearly account on this device." |
### Runtime
| Control | What it does |
| --- | --- |
| **Managed runtimes** | "Desktop tools Bearly installs and verifies for local work." Each shows **Ready**, **Installing**, **Not installed**, **Error**, or **Verifying**, when it installs, and a verify button. **Refresh runtimes** checks again. |
| **Windows Computer Use helper** | Windows only. "Install the helper for reliable control of protected and background windows." Installing, updating, or removing it asks for administrator approval. |
| **Environment variables** | "Inherited by local commands, skills, video downloads, and runtime checks." **Add variable**, then **Save**, or **Reset** to discard. Values are hidden until you reveal them. Saved on this device only. |
### Chrome Extension
**Control Chrome from chat**: "Use your regular Chrome tabs and signed-in sessions." Bearly can navigate, read pages, fill forms, and inspect console and network activity, asking for approval in Standard.
| Status | What it means |
| --- | --- |
| **Connected to Chrome** | The extension is ready |
| **Chrome extension not connected** | Select **Install Chrome extension**, then keep Chrome and the desktop app open |
| **Finishing secure connection…** | Wait a moment |
| **Update Bearly** | This desktop version can't manage the connection. Update the app. |
| **Disabled by your workspace** | "Your workspace policy does not allow Chrome control." |
Chrome control connects on your computer and doesn't need the extension's own Bearly sign-in. Bearly Browser is a separate, isolated browser.
## Developer
### API Keys
| Control | What it does |
| --- | --- |
| **Create API Key** or **New Key** | Opens a form with a required **Note** (up to 50 characters, such as "Production App"), then **Create** |
| Key rows | Show or hide the key, **Copy**, and **Delete** |
"Keep your API keys secure. Never share them publicly." A key acts as your account until you delete it here or remove it under **Devices**. See [API and agents](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/api-and-agents.md).
### Modules
Appears only when your organization's policy turns on **Personal remote modules**. **Add Module** takes an **Endpoint** (http or https), a **Module Name**, and a **Secret Key**. Connected modules show **CONNECTED** and **Remove**. "Only add modules from trusted sources."
## Settings that live elsewhere
| Setting | Where |
| --- | --- |
| Web, Scholar, Style, Reasoning, Memories, History for one chat | The sliders icon beside the composer. See [Chat settings](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/settings.md). |
| **Permissions** (Standard or Full access) | The button beside the composer. See [Permissions](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/permissions.md). |
| Project defaults, sharing, passwords, folder sync | The project's **Settings**. See [Projects](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects.md). |
| Organization members, policies, seats | Account menu → **Organizations**. See [Run Bearly for an organization](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations.md). |
> **Note — Where settings are saved**
> **Appearance**, **Start new chats in Full access**, and the desktop panes are saved on each device. **New Chats**, **Personalization**, **Voice**, **Dictation**, and **Zero Data Retention only** are saved to your account and follow you to every device.
---
---
title: "Guide for AI assistants"
description: "How an AI assistant, including Bearly's own, should use this manual to answer questions about Bearly, check what a user's plan and device allow, and walk them through a task or a new combination of features."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/for-ai-assistants/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/for-ai-assistants.md"
---
# Guide for AI assistants
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/for-ai-assistants/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/for-ai-assistants/)
> How an AI assistant, including Bearly's own, should use this manual to answer questions about Bearly, check what a user's plan and device allow, and walk them through a task or a new combination of features.
This page is for AI models and agents that help people use Bearly, including the assistant inside Bearly itself. It explains how to find the right instructions, check that they apply to this user, and turn them into clear steps, including combinations no page spells out.
## Find the right page
1. Read [/manual.md](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual.md). It lists every page with a one-sentence description of the job it answers. Pick by the description, not the title.
2. Read the page itself as Markdown: replace the trailing slash of its address with `.md`, for example `https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md`.
3. For a task that chains several features, also read [Building blocks](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/building-blocks.md), which says what each capability accepts and produces, and the closest recipe page.
4. For edge cases on one feature, follow the page's links to the shorter feature guides under `/docs`.
5. If you can read only one document, [/manual-full.txt](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual-full.txt) holds the whole manual.
## Check what applies to this user
Most wrong answers about Bearly come from steps that don't apply to the person asking. Before giving instructions, check these, from the conversation or by asking one short question when the answer changes the steps:
| Check | Why it matters | Where it's described |
|---|---|---|
| Plan | Routines, Best Pick, and Council need Pro; Deep Research and People Search need Analyst; Deep Research Ultra needs Research; some models need Pro or Analyst. | [Plans, credits, and limits](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits.md) |
| Device | Bearly Browser, Work locally, Computer Use, installed skills, and running Routines need the desktop app. The iOS app signs in with email only. Phones send with the send button. | [Get Bearly](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/get-bearly.md) |
| Organization | An admin can turn features off or lock chat settings. A missing feature on a work account is often a policy, not a bug. | [Organizations](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations.md) |
| Chat type | End-to-end encrypted chats have no Memories and no document search, and aren't in chat search. Read-only project chats can't send. | [Privacy and security](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security.md) |
| Privacy settings | With **Zero Data Retention only** on, the picker hides models without a zero-retention route. | [Choose and compare models](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/models.md) |
When a step needs something the user doesn't have, say so first and offer the closest path that works, for example a manual run in a chat instead of a Routine on the web app.
## Write steps people can follow
- Use the exact labels in bold, and show navigation as a trail: **Settings** → **Privacy & Security** → **Zero Data Retention only**.
- One action per step, and say what it does: "Select **Create Plan**, which drafts a research plan you can edit before anything runs."
- Put text the user should type or paste in a code block, so they can copy it.
- Name `/` and `@` references when they make a request reliable, for example `/deep-research` or `@web-search`. Typing `/` at the very start of a message, or `@` at the start of a word, opens the list.
- Say when something costs money or asks for approval: a Deep Research run uses plan allowance, People Search asks you to confirm the person and approve the cost before it builds a brief, and agent actions ask for approval unless the chat is in **Full access**.
- Mark desktop-only steps.
- Keep the user's goal in view; skip settings they don't need.
## Combine features into new workflows
Bearly's features pass work to each other through the chat: text in the conversation, files saved in the chat, published links, and emails. To design a workflow nobody has written down:
1. Name the end result (a chart, a Page, an email, a file, a scheduled update).
2. Find the block that produces it in [Building blocks](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/building-blocks.md).
3. Work backward: what does that block accept, and which block produces that?
4. Check every block against the user's plan, device, organization, and chat type. If the chain will run on a schedule, use only the blocks that run in Routines.
5. Write one prompt per step, and tell the user what to check before the next step.
Prefer the shortest chain that reaches the result. When you show a combination, say why each step can feed the next, so the user can adapt it.
## When you are Bearly's own assistant
- The tools available in the current chat are the truth about what you can do here. Use them instead of describing steps when the user wants the result, and don't describe a tool you weren't given.
- Read this manual with your web fetch tool when a question is about using Bearly and the answer isn't already in your context. If the chat's **Web** setting is **Off**, tell the user where to find the page instead.
- The current chat's model information tells you which model is answering. The manual is not evidence of which model you are.
- You can't change the user's settings, plan, or organization policies. Give the steps, and offer to do the parts your tools allow, such as starting a Routine from the conversation or organizing chats when chat management is on.
## Stay accurate
- Use only what this manual and the app say. If the app shows something different from the manual, the app is right; suggest **Give Feedback** in the account menu so the page gets fixed.
- Don't promise features, models, platforms, prices, or limits that aren't described here.
- Keep privacy statements exactly as the manual states them, with their scope. For example, **Zero Data Retention only** covers chat models, and end-to-end encryption protects stored chats, not the message sent to the model to get an answer.
- Bearly's plans and models change. For current prices, models, and labels, prefer the live app, [/manual.md](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual.md), and the [model catalog](https://bearly.ai/dashboard/model-catalog.json) over anything you remember.
---
---
title: "Use Bearly from scripts and agents"
description: "How developers and AI agents use Bearly programmatically, including API keys, the Bearly API's endpoints, authentication, models, limits, and errors, the Bearly AI Models skill for scripts inside Bearly, links that open Bearly with a prompt, the Markdown versions of this manual, remote modules, and guidance for agents that operate Bearly's interface for a person."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/api-and-agents/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/api-and-agents.md"
---
# Use Bearly from scripts and agents
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/api-and-agents/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/api-and-agents/)
> How developers and AI agents use Bearly programmatically, including API keys, the Bearly API's endpoints, authentication, models, limits, and errors, the Bearly AI Models skill for scripts inside Bearly, links that open Bearly with a prompt, the Markdown versions of this manual, remote modules, and guidance for agents that operate Bearly's interface for a person.
Bearly has a few doors for code and agents. Your own programs can call Bearly's models with an API key. Scripts that Bearly writes and runs for you can call the same models without a key. And this manual is available as plain Markdown, so an agent can read it directly.
| You want to | Use |
|---|---|
| Call Bearly's models from your own code or a coding tool | [The Bearly API](#the-bearly-api) with an [API key](#api-keys) |
| Have a script Bearly writes in a chat call Bearly's models | The built-in [Bearly AI Models](#scripts-inside-bearly) skill |
| Read this manual from an agent or a script | The [Markdown versions](#read-this-manual-as-markdown) |
| Add your own tools to chats from your server | [Remote modules](#remote-modules), an advanced feature that's off by default |
| Operate Bearly's interface for a person | [Guidance for agents](#guidance-for-agents-operating-bearly) |
## API keys
An API key lets your code call the Bearly API as your account.
**You need:** a Bearly account. On a managed organization, the policy must allow **Developer API access**; if it doesn't, **Developers** or **API Keys** is missing from the menu.
1. Open the account menu at the bottom of the sidebar and select **Developers** — Settings opens at **API Keys**.
2. Select **Create API Key**, or **New Key** if you already have one.
3. Enter a **Note** that says where the key is used, such as "Production app" (required, up to 50 characters), and select **Create**.
4. Use the copy icon on the key's row, and store it in a secret manager or a server environment variable.
**What you get:** a key that works until you delete it. You can reveal and copy it again later from the same row.
**Limits:** keys have no scopes or expiry. A key can call models only: it can't read or create chats, projects, files, or settings. Keep keys out of browser code, public repositories, and email.
To revoke a key, select **Delete** on its row, or open **App Settings** → **Devices** → **Browser extension and API keys** and select **Remove**. Deleting takes effect on the next request. The browser extension's own key is listed there too, as **Browser extension**.
## The Bearly API
The Bearly API accepts requests in the Chat Completions, Responses, and Messages formats, so client libraries and coding tools that let you set a base URL and an API key can point at Bearly without code changes. Requests, responses, and streams keep the format your client already uses.
| Format | Base URL |
|---|---|
| Chat Completions and Responses | `https://api.bearly.ai/v1` |
| Messages | `https://api.bearly.ai` |
| Operation | Path |
|---|---|
| Create a chat completion | `POST /v1/chat/completions` |
| Create a response | `POST /v1/responses` |
| Create a message | `POST /v1/messages` |
| List models | `GET /v1/models` |
Send the key as `Authorization: Bearer YOUR_KEY` or `X-Api-Key: YOUR_KEY`. Listing models needs no key.
```bash
curl https://api.bearly.ai/v1/chat/completions \
-H "Authorization: Bearer $BEARLY_API_KEY" \
-H "Content-Type: application/json" \
-d '{"model": "bearly-fast", "messages": [{"role": "user", "content": "Hello"}]}'
```
### Models
Call `GET https://api.bearly.ai/v1/models` for the current list; each model lists the formats it supports. Use a model only with a format it supports. `bearly-fast`, `bearly-pro`, and `bearly-ultra` are the app's **Bearly Fast**, **Bearly Pro**, and **Bearly Ultra**. Those names stay stable while the model behind them may improve, so they're the safest choice for code you don't want to update. A model that's removed returns `model_not_found`; Bearly never switches your request to a different model.
### Billing and limits
- Usage is billed to your account like chat: your plan's allowance, your credits, and your organization's limits and model policy all apply.
- If your code stops reading a stream early, the model still finishes and the full response is billed.
- Up to 10 requests can run at once per account; the 11th gets `429`.
- Only tools your own code defines and runs work. Tools hosted by a model provider, background mode, and priority processing return `400`.
- Continuing from an earlier response with `previous_response_id`, or retrieving a past response, isn't available. Send the conversation history with each request.
- The API covers model calls only. It doesn't offer embeddings, image, audio, or file endpoints. Bearly doesn't offer a hosted MCP server, webhooks, or a command-line tool.
### Errors
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| `400` | The request uses an option the Bearly API doesn't support; the message names it |
| `401` | The key is missing, wrong, or deleted |
| `402` | Your plan doesn't include the model, your allowance or credits can't cover the request, or a Free-plan check refused it |
| `403` | Your organization turned off **Developer API access** for you, or its model policy blocks the model |
| `404` | `model_not_found`: the model name is wrong, doesn't support that format, or isn't offered any more |
| `429` | 10 requests are already running for your account |
Other errors come from the model provider, passed through unchanged. Full examples are in [Use the Bearly API](https://bearly.ai/docs/api-access.md).
## Scripts inside Bearly
When Bearly writes and runs a script for you, in [Work locally](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/browser-and-computer.md#work-locally) or a skill script, the built-in **Bearly AI Models** skill lets that script call Bearly's models: chat models, image generation, document text recognition, web search, HTML-to-PDF, and audio transcription. The script gets a short-lived token, supplied to each run automatically and good for about five minutes; it works only for model calls. You don't create or paste an API key, and usage counts on your account.
```text
Use the Bearly AI Models skill. Write a script that reads every .txt file in this folder, asks a fast model for a one-line summary of each, and writes summaries.csv. Try 5 files first.
```
See the recipe [Classify a folder of files with Bearly's models](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/connectors-and-skills.md#classify-a-folder-of-files-with-bearlys-models).
## Read this manual as Markdown
Every page of this manual has a Markdown version for agents and scripts.
- **One page:** drop the trailing slash and add `.md`. For example, `https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines/` is also `https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md`. A request to the normal address with `Accept: text/markdown` gets the Markdown too.
- **The index:** `https://bearly.ai/docs/manual.md` lists every page with a one-line description.
- **The whole manual:** `https://bearly.ai/docs/manual-full.txt` is every page in one document.
- **Everything:** `https://bearly.ai/llms.txt` links the manual, the feature guides, and their full-text bundles, including `https://bearly.ai/llms-full.txt` for all the guides.
Each page's description says what it answers, so an agent can pick a page from the index and fetch only that one.
## Remote modules
Remote modules let a developer add custom tools to Bearly chats from their own server. They're an advanced feature and are off by default for everyone.
- On a managed organization, an administrator can add modules to a policy under **Remote modules** in the policy's **Developer** section, so they load for everyone on that policy.
- An administrator can also turn on **Personal remote modules** ("Allow members to configure their own remote modules."). Members then add their own under **Developers** → **Modules** with **Endpoint**, **Module Name**, and **Secret Key**, then **Add Module**. The pane notes "Only add modules from trusted sources."
- Modules load in your chats, never in routines. In the web app, a module must be a public HTTPS server that accepts requests from Bearly's site; the desktop app can also reach servers on your computer or local network.
> **Danger — A remote module sees your messages**
> A remote module receives your email address, the content of each message, and links to the chat's files in every chat where it's loaded. Add only modules you run yourself or fully trust.
## Guidance for agents operating Bearly
If you're an AI agent using Bearly's interface for a person, these labels are stable places to start:
- **Sidebar:** **New Chat**, **Chat**, **Prompt Templates**, **Routines**, **Meetings and Recordings**, the **Projects** list, and the account menu at the bottom with **App Settings**, **Billing & Pro**, **Developers**, and **Organizations**.
- **Composer:** the message box, the model picker, and the chips beside the box: **Permissions** (or **Full access**), **Connectors**, and **Work locally** in the desktop app. Typing `/` opens commands such as `/email`, `/sms`, `/skill`, and `/visualize`.
- **Command menu:** ⌘ K (Ctrl K on Windows and Linux), with **New**, **New Routine**, and **Switch Chats**.
- **Settings:** the window titled **Settings**, with sections **Chats**, **Settings**, **Desktop** (desktop app only), and **Developer**. See [Settings reference](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/settings-reference.md).
- **Routines:** **Create a routine**, **Draft routine**, **Start from scratch**, **Create routine**, **Save**, and **Run now**.
Leave these to the person, and say so instead of acting:
- **Approval cards** for actions they haven't clearly asked for, and anything that always asks: connecting a new service, listing, reading, or deleting chats, Computer Use safety checks, People Search lookups that use the plan allowance, and routine consent cards for unattended local access and browser access.
- **Enable full access?** and **Start every new chat in Full access?** — turn these on only when the person asks for exactly that.
- **Certificate warnings** in Bearly Browser, passwords, payment details, CAPTCHAs, and the computer's own permission prompts.
- **Sign-in codes** from email, phone verification codes, and **Agree & send code** for texting terms.
- **Purchases and plan changes**, **Delete account**, deleting chats or routines, and removing devices.
- End-to-end encryption setup and the recovery phrase.
Before sending an email or text for someone, confirm the recipient and the contents: there's no approval card, and a sent message can't be recalled. When a feature needs the desktop app, Bearly shows **Use the desktop app** or **Get Bearly**; tell the person rather than working around it.
## Try this
### Point a coding tool at Bearly
Your editor's AI assistant, or any tool that accepts a custom base URL, running on Bearly's models and billed to your Bearly plan.
**Why it works:** the Bearly API speaks the Chat Completions, Responses, and Messages formats, so a tool built for one of them only needs a new base URL and key.
**You need:** an API key; on a managed organization, **Developer API access** allowed.
1. Create a key under **Developers** → **API Keys**.
2. In the tool's model settings, set the base URL to `https://api.bearly.ai/v1` for Chat Completions or Responses, or `https://api.bearly.ai` for Messages, and paste the key.
3. Set the model to `bearly-pro`, or pick one from `GET https://api.bearly.ai/v1/models` that supports the tool's format.
4. Send a test prompt and check **App Settings** → **Usage** for the request (paid plans).
**Swap in:** `bearly-fast` for quick, inexpensive completions; `bearly-ultra` for the hardest work.
**If it stalls:** `404 model_not_found` usually means the model doesn't support the format the tool uses; pick another from the list. `429` means 10 requests are already running; lower the tool's parallelism.
### Give an agent the right manual page
An outside agent that answers "how do I…" questions about Bearly from the manual itself, fetching one short page instead of the whole site.
**Why it works:** the Markdown index lists every page with a one-line description of what it answers, and each page has a Markdown version at a predictable address.
**You need:** an agent that can fetch web pages.
1. Have the agent fetch `https://bearly.ai/docs/manual.md` and pick the page whose description matches the question.
2. Have it fetch that page's Markdown version, for example `https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/permissions.md`.
3. Have it answer with the page's exact labels and steps, and link the person to the normal page.
**Swap in:** `https://bearly.ai/docs/manual-full.txt` when the agent can hold the whole manual at once; the feature guides through `https://bearly.ai/llms.txt` for more detail on one feature.
**If it stalls:** if a label in the manual doesn't match what the person sees, their organization may have turned that feature off, or the feature needs the desktop app or a paid plan; check [What works where](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/get-bearly.md#what-works-where).
## Related
- [Use the Bearly API](https://bearly.ai/docs/api-access.md) — full SDK examples and the current model table.
- [Connect apps and add skills](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/connectors-and-skills.md) — connectors and skills inside Bearly.
- [Guide for AI assistants](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/for-ai-assistants.md) — how an assistant should use this manual to help people.
---
---
title: "Fix common problems"
description: "What a Bearly message or symptom means and what to do about it — upload and PDF password errors, failed answers, a paused queue, usage limits and out-of-credits notices, hidden models, missing features, desktop-only tools, locked encrypted chats, routines that didn't run, connectors, email and text, Deep Research, Full access, Chrome control, voice, dictation, meetings, sharing, and sign-in."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/troubleshooting/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/troubleshooting.md"
---
# Fix common problems
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/troubleshooting/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/troubleshooting/)
> What a Bearly message or symptom means and what to do about it — upload and PDF password errors, failed answers, a paused queue, usage limits and out-of-credits notices, hidden models, missing features, desktop-only tools, locked encrypted chats, routines that didn't run, connectors, email and text, Deep Research, Full access, Chrome control, voice, dictation, meetings, sharing, and sign-in.
Find the message or symptom you see, then follow the fix. Text in quotes is exactly what Bearly shows; words in italics stand for a name or number that changes. If nothing here matches, select **Get help** under a failed answer, use **Give Feedback** in the account menu, or email support@bearly.ai.
## Files and attachments
| You see | Why | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| "Unable to upload and process." on a file | The upload or the file's analysis didn't finish | Remove the file with the **×** on it, then attach it again |
| A file is rejected as too large | Files can be up to 300 MB each | Make it smaller, for example by splitting a long PDF or exporting a shorter video, then attach it again |
| "Password required." and "Enter the PDF password. Bearly uses it once to unlock this file." | The PDF is password-protected | Type the password in **PDF password** and select **Unlock and add** |
| "That password didn't work." | The password was wrong | Type it again. Remove the file to cancel |
| "Unable to unlock this PDF." | Bearly couldn't unlock the file | Remove it, save an unlocked copy from an app that opens the PDF, and attach that copy |
| The send button does nothing while a file shows "Uploading" or "Analyzing." | Messages can't go out until every file is ready | Wait until the file finishes, then send |
| No **Attach files** in the **+** menu, no **Take photo**, and dragging files does nothing | Your organization turned off **File uploads** | Ask your organization's admin |
| "File uploads are disabled by your organization." or "Project files are disabled by your organization." | An organization setting blocks uploads or project files | Ask your organization's admin |
| "You need writer access to add files to this Project." | Your role in the project can't add files | Ask the project's owner for writer access |
| "_File_ is too large to transcribe. Max size: 400 MB" | Transcribe takes files up to 400 MB | Split or compress the recording, then transcribe each part |
| "Some assets could not be transcribed" | One or more files in the request failed | Ask Bearly to transcribe the files that failed again |
| Edit Video turns down your clip | Edit Video takes a 3 to 10-second clip under 50 MB | Trim or compress the clip, then ask again |
## Answers, the queue, and long chats
| You see | Why | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| "An error occurred. Please wait and try again." with **Get help** | The answer failed | Wait a moment, then select **Rerun with same model** under your message, or pick another model from the **Rerun** menu. **Get help** opens a support dialog |
| "Unable to load message." | That message couldn't be shown | Open the command menu (⌘ K or Ctrl K) and choose **Refresh Chat** |
| "Queue paused — the last message failed." | Bearly stops the queue instead of sending into an error | Deal with the failed message, then select **Send now** on the next waiting one. The queue also restarts after a later answer finishes cleanly |
| "Queue paused — usage limit reached." | You hit a usage limit | Wait for the reset or add credits (see [Usage limits and credits](#usage-limits-and-credits)), then select **Send now** |
| "Queue paused." | You pressed **Stop** twice within 2 seconds | Select **Send now** on a waiting message to restart it |
| "Queue full — send, edit, or remove a waiting message first" and **Queue is full** | The queue holds up to 4 waiting messages | Use **Send now**, **Edit queued message**, or **Remove from queue** on one |
| "Clear the composer to edit this message" | You can only pull a queued message back into an empty composer | Clear the composer, then select **Edit queued message** |
| Bearly stops searching the web partway through an answer | Web Search runs at most twice per answer | Ask a follow-up, and the next answer can search again |
| An answer has no web sources | The chat's **Web** setting is **Off**, which also removes `/web-search` | Open the sliders button and set **Web** to **Auto** |
| Bearly seems to forget the start of a long chat | The default **History** mode, **Chat (Dynamic)**, shortens older messages | Open the sliders button → **History** → **Agentic (Compaction)**, or restate the key facts. "Conversation compacted so you can keep going" is normal in that mode |
| The AI used a different file or tool than you meant | It chose on its own | Name the file with `@` and the tool with `/` or `@`. See [Write, attach, and send](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/compose.md#reference-tools-files-and-skills) |
## Usage limits and credits
| You see | Why | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| "You've used this month's free allowance. It resets on _date_. Upgrade to Pro to keep going now." | The Free plan's monthly allowance is used up | Wait for the date shown, or select **Go Pro** |
| "You're out of credits. Please upgrade your plan to continue. Credits will reset tomorrow." | The Free plan's daily allowance is used up. Daily allowances reset at 04:00 UTC | Wait for the reset, or select **Go Pro** |
| "This request tripped our free-plan checks. Go Pro to continue, or email support@bearly.ai if we've misread it." | A Free-plan safety check flagged the request | Email support@bearly.ai if it's a mistake, or select **Go Pro** |
| "You've used your plan credits. Buy a boost to keep going, or upgrade your plan." | Your paid plan's credits are used up | Choose a Credit Boost amount in the message, or **Upgrade Plan** |
| "You've used your plan credits. Open billing to see your options." | Your credits are used up and a boost isn't offered here | Select **View Billing** |
| "You're out of credits. Chat continues with Bearly Fast or Bearly Pro. Features like transcription need credits." | Your paid credits ran out. Chat keeps working on those two models; paid tools need credits | Keep chatting, or add a Credit Boost or upgrade for tools like transcription |
| "You've used your team allowance. Chat continues with Bearly Fast until it resets." | You reached your organization's spending limit | Keep chatting on Bearly Fast, or ask an admin to raise your limit |
| New chats start on Bearly Fast instead of Bearly Pro | On a paid plan at 95% of your usage or more, the default model moves to Bearly Fast | Pick Bearly Pro in the model picker. A model you chose yourself doesn't change |
| No **Credit Boost** card | Boosts aren't offered on Free, with billing managed by a team admin, or inside the iOS app | Buy the boost in the web app or the desktop app. App Store subscribers can buy boosts there too |
| A message about the outstanding-credit limit for your plan | You hold the most unused boost credit your plan allows | Use the credits you have, or upgrade. Contact support if it keeps happening |
| **Manage in iOS App**, greyed out | Your plan was bought in the App Store | Change or cancel it in the iOS app |
| "No subscription found for this account" and "Sign in with the account that has the subscription, or choose a plan." after **Restore** | This account has no subscription | Sign in with the account that bought the plan |
| "This account's billing is managed by a team admin. Contact support for billing assistance." | A team admin controls your billing | Ask your admin, or select **Contact Support** |
| "Team seat access is blocked until an admin fixes the payment. Every team admin has been notified." | Your organization's payment is past due | Ask an organization admin to fix the payment |
| **You have two paid plans** | Your team seat already includes your personal plan's access | Select **End personal plan** if you don't need it; it ends at its own period end, and nothing is canceled automatically |
See [Plans, credits, and limits](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits.md).
## Models
| You see | Why | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| "ZDR on · Some models hidden" at the top of the model picker | **Zero Data Retention only** is on, so only zero-retention models show | Pick a listed model, or select **Change** to open **Privacy & Security** and turn the setting off |
| "ZDR on until settings sync · Some models hidden", or "Settings sync is unavailable. Zero Data Retention routes remain required until Bearly reconnects." | Bearly can't load your settings, so it keeps zero-retention models only to be safe | Check your connection and wait for Bearly to reconnect |
| "Managed account · Some models hidden" | Your organization's policy limits which models you can use | Pick a listed model, or ask your admin |
| "_Model_ needs the _Plan_ plan or higher. Upgrade to use this model and unlock the rest of its tier." | The model is above your plan | Upgrade from the **Billing** pane that opens, or choose another model |
| A model marked **Unavailable** | The model is suspended | Select **Read the announcement** for details, and choose another model |
| The chat answers with a different model than the one you picked | Your choice isn't allowed right now (organization policy, **Zero Data Retention only**, or plan), so Bearly uses the first available model in the list without changing your saved choice | Pick a model that's allowed |
| No model button in the composer, and no **Model** in **This Chat** | Your organization or project fixed the model | Ask the project owner or your admin |
See [Choose and compare models](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/models.md).
## A feature or command is missing
When a `/` command or a control you expect isn't there, one of these is usually why:
- **Your plan.** Routines, Council of Experts, Best Pick, and choosing a voice model need Pro or higher. Deep Research (Standard) and People Search need Analyst; Deep Research Ultra needs Research. Above-plan features show "_Feature_ requires _Plan_ or higher." or "_Feature_ needs the _Plan_ plan or higher. Upgrade to unlock it." with an upgrade button. See [Plans, credits, and limits](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits.md).
- **Your organization.** An admin can turn off any feature, and a `/` reference can't bring it back. See [Organizations](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations.md).
- **The desktop app.** Work locally, Computer Use, Bearly Browser, Chrome control, installed skills, and running routines need it. See [Desktop-only features](#desktop-only-features-on-the-web-or-a-phone).
- **What's in the chat.** The document tools appear once the chat or its project has a file. **Read aloud** appears on answers that are all text.
- **The chat's settings.** Web Search, Image Search, and Read Site need **Web** set to **Auto** in the sliders button. Scholar runs only when **Scholar** is **Auto**; `/scholar` forces it for one message.
- **An encrypted chat.** Search Docs and Memories aren't available there. See [End-to-end encrypted chats](#end-to-end-encrypted-chats).
Messages that mean an admin turned something off:
| You see | What to do |
|---|---|
| "Routines are turned off by your team's policy." | Ask your admin to allow **Routines** |
| "Disabled by policy." on a project setting | Ask your admin |
| "Dictation is disabled by your team" or "Your team has disabled audio transcription." | Ask your admin to allow **Cloud dictation** |
| "Disabled by your workspace" in **Chrome Extension** settings | Ask your admin to allow **Chrome extension browser** |
| "Your team policy does not allow a publishing audience." | Ask your admin to allow **Public links** or **Share with people and teams** |
| "Member lookup is disabled by an organization admin." | Ask an admin to change **Member directory** |
| "Your organization doesn't allow new end-to-end encrypted chats. Your existing ones stay available." | Ask your admin to allow **End-to-end encryption** |
Other chats that look broken:
| You see | Why | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| A chat with no message box or message controls | You can only read this chat, or its project is locked with a password | Ask the project owner for more access, or unlock the project with its password |
| "Default settings are not available in project chats. Use Project Settings to configure." | Project chats use the project's settings, not **New Chats** | Change the defaults in the project's **Settings** |
## Desktop-only features on the web or a phone
| You see | Why | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| "Use the desktop app" or "_Feature_ needs the Bearly desktop app." with **Get Bearly** | The feature runs only in the desktop app | Install the desktop app from **Settings** → **Get Desktop App**, then use the feature there |
| "Use Bearly on desktop" or "_Feature_ needs Bearly on a Mac, Windows, or Linux desktop." | Same, on a phone, a tablet, or the iOS app | Open Bearly on a computer with the desktop app |
| **Work locally** opens the download pane: "Work locally lets Bearly read, edit, and run files in a folder you choose — available on the Bearly desktop app." | Local files need the desktop app | Install the desktop app |
| "npm MCP servers require the Bearly desktop app." or **Desktop required** | npm connector servers run on your computer | Add the server in the desktop app |
| "Use Skills in the desktop app" | Installed skills run local files | Install and use them in the desktop app |
| "Computer Use is available in the Bearly desktop app." | Computer Use controls apps on your computer | Ask from a chat in the desktop app |
| **Get desktop app** on the **Online meeting** card | Recording a call's computer audio needs the desktop app | Use the desktop app on Windows or macOS 13 or later, or record with **In person or voice note** |
| "_Feature_ needs a newer Bearly desktop app." or **Update Bearly** | Your desktop app is too old for the feature | Select **Update ready · Restart** if it shows, or install the latest version from bearly.ai |
| "This version of the Bearly desktop app does not support Browser." | Same, for Bearly Browser | Update the desktop app |
| "Update Bearly to continue" — "This copy of Bearly is older than one already used on this computer." | An older copy opened after a newer one | Install the latest version from bearly.ai and open it. Until then, you can start new chats in your browser at bearly.ai/dashboard |
| "We can't reach Bearly." in the desktop app | The app can't load Bearly | Check your connection and select **Try again**. If your connection works, quit and reopen Bearly |
## End-to-end encrypted chats
Signing in isn't enough to open your encrypted chats. A new device needs approval from one you already use, your recovery phrase, or a passkey.
### "Approve this device to open this chat"
You see a lock on encrypted chats in the sidebar, or the banner "Encrypted chats are locked on this device". This browser or app hasn't been approved yet. Browsers and apps need separate approval, even on the same computer, and clearing a browser's site data removes its approval.
1. On the locked device, select **Approve** on the banner, or **Approve this device** in **Settings** → **Privacy & Security** — this starts an approval request, which lasts ten minutes.
2. On a device that's already approved, open **Settings** → **Privacy & Security** and select **Approve a device** — you can now pick the new device.
3. Choose the new device and enter the **Verification code** the new device shows — the new device can then open your encrypted chats. If the approved device is a phone, select "Using an approved phone? Scan instead" on the new device, then use **Scan QR code** under **Approve a device** in Bearly on the phone.
4. With no approved device at hand, use your recovery phrase or a saved passkey on the new device instead.
| You see | Why | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| No Search Docs or **Memories** in an encrypted chat | They aren't available in encrypted chats | Use **Read Doc**, **Scan Doc**, or **Summarize Doc**, or start a chat with standard encryption |
| An encrypted chat doesn't appear in **Search chats and files** | Search leaves encrypted chats out | Find it in the sidebar |
| "Remove attachments before changing encryption" | A draft's encryption can't change once it has files | Remove the files, switch the lock, then attach them again |
| Get Video won't take a YouTube link in an encrypted chat | In encrypted chats, Get Video works only through Bearly's servers, which don't take YouTube links | Download it from a standard chat in the desktop app |
| "Files over 25 MB can't be shared from an encrypted chat yet." | Publishing from an encrypted chat has smaller limits | Share a smaller file, or publish from a standard chat |
| The desktop app stays locked on encrypted chats | Desktop versions 5.2.8 and earlier can't hold the device key | Update the desktop app |
**Lost access?** Lose every approved device, your recovery phrase, and any saved passkey, and nobody can recover your encrypted chats, including Bearly. Keep your recovery phrase somewhere safe. If you've lost it but still have an approved device, select **Replace recovery phrase** in **Settings** → **Privacy & Security** and save the new one; the old phrase stops working. Where it's offered, **Store a passkey in my keychain** adds a passkey as a second way back in. See [Privacy and security](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security.md).
## Routines
### A routine didn't run
Routines run only in the desktop app, on the device the routine is installed on, while the app is open.
1. Open the routine and check **Run location** — "Not installed anywhere — it won't run." means no device runs it.
2. In the desktop app, select **Install on this device**, or **Move to this device** if another computer owns it — this device now runs the schedule.
3. Keep the desktop app open at the scheduled times — a closed or sleeping computer can't run it.
4. Select **Run now** to test it — this runs the last saved version on this computer right away.
After the computer wakes or the app reopens, Bearly runs at most one catch-up for the latest missed time and lists older ones as "Skipped — device was away". If you use end-to-end encryption, a run waits until this device is unlocked.
| You see | Why | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| **Not installed** or **Overdue** on a routine | No device is running it, or a scheduled run is more than an hour late | Install it on a desktop device and keep the app open |
| "Runs in the desktop app. **Get it**" on the web or a phone | Routines can be managed anywhere but run only in the desktop app | Install the desktop app and the routine on it |
| "Skipped — previous run was still going" | A run was still going when the next time came; runs stop after 25 minutes | Simplify the instructions, or space runs further apart |
| "Routine paused" — "_name_ failed twice in a row. Open Routines to resume it." or **Failing** | Two runs in a row failed | Open the latest run to see why, fix the instructions or tools, select **Resume**, then **Run now** to test |
| "Paused — its chat was deleted." | The routine's chat was deleted and couldn't be recreated | Select **Resume** |
| **Full access needs review** and "Paused for permission review. Review Full access or choose Standard below, then resume the schedule." | The routine changed after you turned on Full access, or that approval no longer holds on this device | Select **Review full access** or **Use Standard**, then **Resume** |
| "Runs go without a browser because the instructions or these settings changed after you approved them. Save to approve them again." | Browser access is tied to the exact instructions you approved | Select **Save** and approve again |
| "It stopped at _site_ because that site isn't approved for this routine. To allow more, edit the routine's browser access." | Runs use only the exact sites you listed; a subdomain is a separate site | Add the site under **Browser access** → **Sites** (up to 20) |
| "Bearly Browser is off in this device's settings, so this run didn't use it. Turn on Enable Browser and Allow chats to use Browser in Settings." | The device's browser settings are off | **Settings** → **Desktop** → **Browser**: turn on **Enable Browser** and **Allow chats to use Browser** |
| "Routines can't use Chrome yet, so this run didn't use it. Use Bearly Browser instead." | Routines can't control Chrome | Turn on **Bearly Browser** under the routine's **Browser access** |
| "Your organization doesn't allow Routines to use Bearly Browser, so this run didn't use it." | **Browser in Routines** is off for you | Ask your admin |
| "Routines are a Pro feature." | Routines need Pro or higher | Select **Go Pro** |
| A routine can't run Python, make a chart, or generate images | Scheduled runs have a smaller toolset | Have it write a CSV or an HTML Page, or continue in the routine's chat afterwards. See [Building blocks](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/building-blocks.md#routines-run-a-smaller-toolset) |
| No email or text after a run | **Email each result** or **Text each result** is off, texts need a verified phone, or the notification filter held it back ("Stayed quiet — nothing met your bar") | Turn on the delivery you want, verify your phone in **Settings** → **Phone & SMS**, or loosen the **Notification filter**. Every run is still in the routine's chat |
| You can't turn on another routine | Up to 10 routines can be active | Pause or delete one |
See [Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md).
## Connectors and skills
| You see | Why | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| **Web browser required** — "Use Bearly in a web browser to connect and use services that require sign-in. Connections stay in the profile where you set them up." | Services that need a sign-in can't be connected in the iOS app or in an Android app's built-in browser | Connect it in a regular browser or the desktop app |
| A connector you connected elsewhere asks you to **Connect** again | "Connections stay in the profile where you set them up." | Select **Connect** here |
| A connected service isn't used in a chat | A connector does nothing until it's on for that chat | Open the **Connectors** chip and turn it on (**Active**) |
| **Retry** next to a connector | The connection failed | Select **Retry** |
| "Managed by your team policy" | Your admin added this server for you | Ask your admin to change it |
| Your installed skills aren't in the `/` menu | Installed skills work only in the desktop app | Use the desktop app. **Visualize** and **Bearly AI Models** work everywhere |
See [Connectors and skills](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/connectors-and-skills.md).
## Email and text
| You see | Why | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| A **Set up text messages** card instead of a text | No verified phone number | **Settings** → **Phone & SMS** → **Set up text messages**, and add a US or Canadian mobile number |
| **Action needed** and **Verify your phone again** | Bearly needs you to accept the current texting terms | Follow the steps in **Settings** → **Phone & SMS** |
| Texts stopped arriving | Texts were turned off, for example by replying STOP | Verify your number again in **Settings** → **Phone & SMS** |
| A routine sent no more texts today | Routines can send up to 3 texts in 24 hours | Use **Email each result** for more updates |
| An email to a teammate wasn't sent | Bearly emails teammates only in a managed organization, found by their exact name or address | Use their exact name or email, or have the email sent to you and forward it |
| An email with attachments wasn't sent | Attachments are limited to 10 files, 20 MB each and 20 MB in total, and an email whose attachments all fail isn't sent | Attach fewer or smaller files, or share a large file with **Share file** instead |
| Email stops working after many sends | Up to 20 emails an hour, each to up to 25 recipients | Wait an hour, or combine messages |
See [Email and text](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/email-and-text.md).
## Research tools
| You see | Why | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| "You can't start another Deep Research run right now. Wait for any run in progress to finish, or check your plan's usage." | You can run one Deep Research at a time, and runs count against your usage | Wait for the current run to finish, and check **Settings** → **Usage** |
| **Run Research** opens an upgrade | Standard needs Analyst; **Ultra** needs Research | Upgrade, or turn **Ultra** off and run Standard if your plan allows it |
| "Deep Research is handling too many requests right now. Wait a few minutes, then try again." or "Deep Research is temporarily unavailable on our side. Try again later." | A temporary problem on Bearly's side | Try again later |
| "Deep Research stopped before it finished." or "Research failed." | The run didn't complete | Type `/deep-research` to start a new run |
| "PDF email didn't send · _reason_" | The report finished but the email failed | Select **View PDF** in the chat |
| No way to cancel a running Deep Research | There's no cancel button once a run starts | Wait. The run keeps going, and the chat picks it back up after a refresh, a restart, or a switch to another device |
| People Search asks you a question before searching | With only a name, it needs one detail to tell people apart | Add a detail such as an employer, a city, or a role |
| Scholar shows "abstract only" for a paper | Bearly could read only that paper's abstract | Ask Bearly to read the paper's open-access PDF if Scholar lists one, or open the paper from its link |
| YouTube's **Find** or **Check claims** is missing | They need web search allowed and some usage left; **Check claims** also needs file uploads | Ask your admin about **Chat web search** and **File uploads**, or wait for your allowance to reset |
| YouTube's **Download to play here** or **Get transcript** is missing | They work only in the desktop app, in a chat that can take files | Open the chat in the desktop app, or ask your admin about **File uploads** |
| Best Pick shows "Limited store coverage in _country_" | Bearly has no store data for that country, so the pick comes from the product catalog and web searches | Check the price at a local store before you buy |
| A Council of Experts answer reads "This model couldn't answer." | One expert failed; Council needs at least 2 that answer | Ask again, or change the lineup in the panel's **Council settings** |
See [Research](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research.md).
## Permissions and Full access
| You see | Why | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| **Full access** with a **Paused** badge | The server or this device can't grant Full access right now. The chat keeps your choice and asks before using tools meanwhile | Open **Permissions** and read the notice; the next rows cover each one |
| "Update Bearly to keep using Full access on this device. Until then, Bearly asks before using tools." | The desktop app is too old | Update the desktop app |
| "Your team turned off Full access. Bearly asks before using tools until your team turns it back on." | Your admin turned it off | Ask your admin |
| "Full access isn't available right now. Bearly asks before using tools until it is, then turns Full access back on." | A temporary block | Nothing to do; it turns back on by itself. You can also select **Resume full access** |
| **Start new chats in Full access** shows "Full Access is not available yet.", "Full Access is unavailable for this account.", or "Your team administrator turned off Full Access." | Full access isn't available to your account here | Use **Standard**, or ask your admin |
| "Could not check Full Access availability. Try again when connected." | Bearly couldn't reach its server | Check your connection and try again |
| Full access still asks before some actions | It never covers connecting a new service, listing, reading, or deleting your chats, People Search requests, Computer Use safety checks, routine consent, or certificate warnings | Answer the card. This is by design |
| You approved something, and another device, or the same chat after a reload, asks again | Approvals stay on the device where you gave them. **This response** ends with the answer, and **This session** ends when the chat reloads | Approve it again. Choose **This chat** to keep the approval on this device until you revoke it |
See [Permissions](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/permissions.md).
## Bearly Browser, Chrome, and Computer Use
| You see | Why | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| "Chrome extension not connected" in **Settings** → **Desktop** → **Chrome Extension** | Chrome control needs the Bearly extension in Chrome | Select **Install Chrome extension**, then keep Chrome and the desktop app open until it says "Connected to Chrome". The extension doesn't need its own sign-in for this |
| "Finishing secure connection…" | Pairing is in progress | Wait; the status updates on its own |
| **Update Bearly** in the Chrome pane | This desktop version can't manage the connection | Update the desktop app |
| Chrome steps fail in a chat with Full access, and Bearly says the extension needs an update | The extension is too old for Full access | Update the extension in Chrome, or switch the chat to **Standard** |
| Chrome's debugger banner stays on after the chat ends | Finishing or closing a chat doesn't detach Bearly from Chrome tabs | Ask Bearly to detach from the tab, or quit Chrome or the desktop app |
| A Chrome step fails | The action didn't complete, often because Bearly isn't attached to that tab | Ask Bearly to attach to the tab again, then retry |
| "Browser can keep up to eight tabs open." | Bearly Browser holds up to 8 tabs across chats | Close tabs you don't need |
| No **Browser** pane under **Settings** → **Desktop** | Your organization turned off **Browser** | Ask your admin |
| Bearly Browser isn't signed in to a site you use | Bearly Browser keeps its own sign-ins | Sign in inside Bearly Browser, or use **Import browser cookies** in **Settings** → **Desktop** → **Browser** |
| "Computer Use needs Accessibility and Screen Recording access. Open System Settings → Privacy & Security and enable Bearly in Accessibility and Screen Recording, then try again." The message can name only one of them | macOS hasn't granted Bearly those permissions | Turn on Bearly in each place the message names, then ask again |
| "Computer Use is already working on another task." | One Computer Use task runs per chat | Wait, or select **Stop** on the **Computer** chip |
| **Finish setting up Computer Use** on Windows | The optional Windows helper isn't installed | Select **Finish setup** and approve as an administrator, or skip it |
| A message that Computer Use's models are blocked by your workspace's model policy | Your organization allows none of the models Computer Use needs | Ask your admin |
See [Browser and computer use](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/browser-and-computer.md).
## Voice and dictation
| You see | Why | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| **Start voice call** unavailable: "Voice isn't available in this app.", "Voice needs a secure connection.", or "No microphone is available." | Calls need a microphone, a secure connection, and an app version that supports them | Connect a microphone, and open Bearly at bearly.ai or in an up-to-date desktop app |
| "Voice is temporarily unavailable in Firefox. Use Chrome or the desktop app." | Voice calls don't work in that browser | Use another browser or the desktop app |
| "Choosing a voice model needs a paid plan." | Free calls use a fixed model | Upgrade to Pro or higher to choose the model |
| A call ended by itself | Calls end after 30 seconds of silence, including while muted, or with "Voice connection stalled." | Start a new call |
| "This voice session reached its limit. Start a fresh one anytime." | Each call has a usage limit | Start a new call |
| "Voice hit its action limit for this turn." | A single turn can run a limited number of tool steps, and the call ends when it runs out | Start a new call and ask again, or continue by typing |
| A spoken "yes" doesn't approve a card | Some voice models can't take a spoken answer, and some cards, such as routine permissions, must be answered on screen | Answer the card on screen |
| The dictation microphone opens **Settings** | Dictation is off by default | Turn on **Enable dictation** in **Settings** → **Chats** → **Dictation** |
| "Microphone access failed. Check your browser or system permission." | The browser or system blocked the microphone | Allow the microphone for Bearly in your browser or system settings; in the iOS app, in iOS Settings |
| "Transcription is unavailable. Try again." or "Dictation could not finish. Try again." | Dictation failed | Try again |
| Dictation stops on its own | Dictation stops after 10 minutes | Start it again |
| The push-to-talk key does nothing in other apps | Dictation works only while Bearly is focused | Click into Bearly first |
See [Voice](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/voice.md).
## Meetings
| You see | Why | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| "Computer audio is not supported on this device. Bearly will record your microphone only." | Computer audio needs Windows, or macOS 13 or later | Record with the microphone, or use a supported computer |
| "Screen Recording access is off, so Bearly will record your microphone only." | macOS needs Screen Recording to capture computer audio | Turn on Screen Recording for Bearly in macOS settings |
| "Microphone access is required to start recording." | The microphone is blocked | Allow the microphone for Bearly, then start again |
| "Recording stopped at the 1 hr 15 min limit." | Recordings are capped at 75 minutes; everything recorded is kept | Start a new recording to continue |
| "This device needs at least 250 MB free before starting a recording." | Recording needs at least 250 MB free on the device | Free up space, then start again |
| "Live transcript paused at the account limit. Audio recording continues." | Your allowance ran out | Keep recording; the audio is saved. Add credits or wait for the reset before the next recording |
| **Retry upload** on a recording | The upload didn't finish; the audio is still on this device | Select **Retry upload** |
| A browser refresh stopped the recording | Refreshing stops capture in a browser; what was saved stays | Avoid refreshing while recording, or use the desktop app, which keeps recording across reloads |
See [Meetings](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/meetings.md).
## Sharing and Pages
| You see | Why | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| **Publish** is greyed out: "Use Share to add a preview image and conversation brief before publishing an update." | A Page must be prepared before it's published | Select **Share file** on the Page or **Share** in the header, then **Prepare share** |
| "Choose a Page under 9 MB or a file under 300 MB." | The item is too large to share | Share a smaller version |
| "Using simple artwork; review it before publishing" | Artwork couldn't be generated | Check the preview, then publish or **Prepare again** |
| "Building stopped. Nothing was published." | You selected **Stop building** | Select **Prepare again** |
| No **Share** button | The chat is read-only, or your organization turned off **Sharing** | Ask the project owner or your admin |
See [Pages and Canvas](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas.md).
## Projects and organizing chats
| You see | Why | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| "Unarchive this chat before deleting it." or "Delete · unarchive first" | Archived chats can't be deleted | Select **Unarchive**, then **Delete** |
| A chat won't move into a project | Chats can't move into an archived project | Unarchive the project first |
| A project's chats are read-only and its **Settings** asks for a password | The project is locked with a password | Enter the project's password. **Lock all data** in **Settings** → **Account** locks every password-protected project again |
| "Only owners can manage encryption." | Only a project's owners can change its password | Ask the owner |
| "Only project writers and owners can modify shared project settings." | Your role can't change shared settings | Use **Personal Chat Settings**, or ask the owner |
See [Projects](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects.md).
## Sign-in and devices
| You see | Why | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Only an email field on the sign-in screen in the iOS app | The iOS app signs in with an emailed code only | Enter your email, then the code |
| "Codewords invalid. Make sure you typed them in correctly." | The three-word code didn't match | Paste or type the three words exactly as emailed |
| "Desktop sign-in didn't finish. Make sure Bearly is open. If your browser blocks local network access, allow it for this site, then try again." | The browser couldn't hand the sign-in to the desktop app | Keep the desktop app open, allow local network access if asked, and select **Retry desktop sign-in** |
| A device you don't recognize in **Settings** → **Devices** | Your account is signed in there | Select **Sign out** on it, or **Sign out all other devices** |
| The browser extension asks you to connect again | It was disconnected, or its key was removed under **Settings** → **Devices** → **Browser extension and API keys** | Open the extension and select **Sign in with Bearly** |
See [Get Bearly](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/get-bearly.md) and [Privacy and security](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security.md).
---
---
title: "Glossary"
description: "Plain definitions of the Bearly terms you meet in the app and in this manual, from Agentic (Compaction) and Bearly Fast to Full access, Routines, Voice Studio, and Zero Data Retention only, each with a link to the page that covers it."
canonical: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/glossary/"
markdown: "https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/glossary.md"
---
# Glossary
HTML: [https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/glossary/](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/glossary/)
> Plain definitions of the Bearly terms you meet in the app and in this manual, from Agentic (Compaction) and Bearly Fast to Full access, Routines, Voice Studio, and Zero Data Retention only, each with a link to the page that covers it.
Every term below is written the way the app shows it. Each definition links to the manual page with the details.
## Symbols
**`/` command**: Type `/` at the very start of a message to pick a tool, research feature, skill, or prompt template by name, such as `/deep-research` or `/chart`. A message can start with one `/` command. See [Write, attach, and send](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/compose.md#reference-tools-files-and-skills).
**`@` reference**: Type `@` anywhere in a message to pick a file, tool, or skill by name. It becomes a chip that tells the AI exactly what you mean, and a message can hold any number of them. See [Write, attach, and send](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/compose.md#reference-tools-files-and-skills).
## A
**Account menu**: The row at the bottom of the sidebar showing your email, plan, and usage meter. It opens **App Settings**, **Billing & Pro**, **Organizations**, **Give Feedback**, and **Logout**. See [Tour the workspace](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/workspace-tour.md#the-account-menu).
**Agent access**: A managed organization's admin setting that decides which members may turn on **Full access**. See [Organizations](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations.md).
**Agentic (Compaction)**: A **History** setting for long chats. When a conversation gets long, Bearly writes a summary of the older part and keeps recent messages word for word, so long tool-heavy work can keep going. See [Tune a chat](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/settings.md#history-modes).
**Always Search Documents**: A project chat setting that makes every answer in the project search the project's files first. It has no effect in end-to-end encrypted chats. See [Documents](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/documents.md#always-search-documents-projects).
**Analyst**: A paid plan above Pro that adds Deep Research (Standard) and People Search. See [Plans, credits, and limits](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits.md).
**Approval duration**: How long an approval lasts: **Once**, **This response** (until the answer ends), **This session** (until the chat reloads), or **This chat** (on this device until you revoke it). Approvals never sync to your other devices. See [Permissions](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/permissions.md).
**Archive**: Hides a chat from the main list without deleting it. **Archives** at the bottom of the sidebar lists archived chats, and an archived chat must be unarchived before it can be deleted. See [Organize chats](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/organize.md#archive-chats).
**Ask Experts**: The name `/council` shows in the `/` menu. See **Council of Experts**.
**Assets**: The heading in the `/` and `@` menu that lists the files in this chat and its project. See [Write, attach, and send](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/compose.md).
## B
**Bearly AI Models**: A built-in skill that lets scripts the AI writes call Bearly's AI models. It works on every platform. See [Connectors and skills](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/connectors-and-skills.md).
**Bearly Browser**: A separate browser inside the desktop app that chats can use in background tabs, with its own site sign-ins. Bearly asks before it uses a new site unless the chat has Full access. See [Browser and computer use](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/browser-and-computer.md#bearly-browser).
**Bearly Fast, Bearly Pro, Bearly Ultra**: Bearly's own model choices, described in the model picker as always kept up to date. New chats on Free default to Bearly Fast. Paid plans default to Bearly Pro, or to Bearly Fast once you've used 95% or more of your allowance. See [Choose and compare models](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/models.md#bearly-fast-bearly-pro-and-bearly-ultra).
**Best Pick**: Researches expert reviews, store listings, and owner reviews, then recommends exactly one product to buy, with a plain store link. Pro and higher. See [Research](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research.md#best-pick).
**Browse files**: The button in the chat header that lists the chat's files under **Uploaded** and **Generated**, plus **Project** in a project chat. See [Documents](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/documents.md#find-files-again-with-browse-files).
**Browser extension**: Bearly's extension for Chrome, where it's listed as Bearly Companion, and Firefox. Its side panel summarizes, explains, and answers questions about the page you're on. In Chrome, it also lets the desktop app control your tabs. See [Get Bearly](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/get-bearly.md).
**Build on previous runs**: A routine setting that lets each run see earlier runs in the routine's chat. It's on by default. See [Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md).
**Building block**: This manual's word for a capability seen as a step: what it takes in, and what it leaves in the chat for the next step. See [Building blocks](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/combine/building-blocks.md).
## C
**Canvas**: An editable document made from an answer with **Edit in Canvas**. Select text and ask the AI to change it, or edit the Markdown yourself. See [Pages and Canvas](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas.md#canvas).
**Chapters**: Short labels Bearly adds about every 5 turns to name stretches of a conversation. They show as **Chapter** ticks on the timeline rail. See [Work with answers](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/answers.md#move-around-a-long-chat).
**Chat (Dynamic)**: The default **History** setting. The AI sees the newest messages in full and shorter excerpts of older ones. See [Tune a chat](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/settings.md#history-modes).
**Chat management**: Lets the AI list, read, create, rename, move, and delete your chats. It asks before listing, reading, or deleting, even with Full access. See [Organize chats](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/organize.md#ask-bearly-to-manage-your-chats).
**Chrome control**: In the desktop app, Bearly can read and act in your regular Chrome tabs through the Bearly extension, with your approval. See [Browser and computer use](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/browser-and-computer.md#control-chrome).
**Command menu**: Opens with ⌘ K (Ctrl K on Windows and Linux) or **…** in the chat header. It holds chat actions such as **New**, **Rename**, **Download as Markdown**, and **New Routine**, and a list for switching chats. See [Organize chats](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/organize.md#the-command-menu).
**Composer**: The message box at the bottom of a chat, with its toolbar and the context strip under it. See [Write, attach, and send](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/compose.md).
**Computer Use**: In the desktop app, Bearly can look at and control the apps open on your screen to finish a task you approve. Computer use runs on your device; the screenshots you approve go to the model you picked. See [Browser and computer use](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/browser-and-computer.md#computer-use).
**Connectors**: Services and MCP servers you connect so chats and routines can use their tools. A connector works in a chat only after you turn it on there. See [Connectors and skills](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/connectors-and-skills.md#connectors).
**Context strip**: The row of chips under the message box: project, encryption lock, **Work locally**, **Connectors**, and **Permissions**. See [Tour the workspace](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/workspace-tour.md#context-strip).
**Council of Experts**: `/council` sends one question to 2 to 5 models at once, shows each answer, then combines them into one reply. Pro and higher. See [Research](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research.md#council-of-experts).
**Cowork**: Another name some screens use for **Work locally**.
**Credit Boost**: One-time credits you can buy on a paid plan to add to this month's allowance. They expire at the end of the current month, or of your seat's period. Boosts aren't sold inside the iOS app. See [Plans, credits, and limits](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits.md).
**Credits**: The AI allowance that comes with your plan. Models and paid tools draw from it, and the usage meter shows how much you've used. See [Plans, credits, and limits](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits.md).
## D
**Deep Research**: A long research run that produces a cited report after you review and edit its plan. The report shows in the chat, and its PDF is saved there and emailed to you. **Standard** needs Analyst; **Ultra** runs about twice as deep and needs Research. See [Research](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research.md#deep-research).
**Deep Summary**: The summary **Summarize Doc** (`/summarize`) writes for a long document. See [Documents](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/documents.md).
**Desktop app**: Bearly for Mac, Windows, and Linux. It adds Work locally, Computer Use, Bearly Browser, Chrome control, installed skills, running routines, and, on Windows and macOS, recording a meeting's computer audio. See [Get Bearly](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/get-bearly.md).
**Devices**: The settings pane that lists where your account is signed in, with **Sign out** for each device and the keys used by the browser extension and the API. See [Privacy and security](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security.md#devices).
**Dictation**: Speech to text in the message box. Click the microphone, or hold the push-to-talk key (Right Shift by default) while Bearly is focused. It's off until you turn on **Enable dictation**. See [Voice](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/voice.md#dictation).
**Docs & Data**: A project's files page. Files here are available to every chat in the project. See [Projects](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects.md).
**Document editor**: `/document` creates and edits PDF, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel files, including filling PDF forms and adding tracked changes to .docx files. See [Documents](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/documents.md#document-editor).
## E
**Edit in Canvas**: The button under an answer that opens it as a **Canvas**.
**End-to-end encryption**: An opt-in setting, labeled Beta, for new chats. Turn on end-to-end encryption and your new chats are encrypted on your devices. Bearly stores and syncs only the locked copies, and each message still goes to the model to be answered. See [Privacy and security](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security.md#end-to-end-encryption).
## F
**Free**: The plan with no charge. It includes a small daily and monthly allowance, and new chats use Bearly Fast. See [Plans, credits, and limits](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits.md).
**Full access**: A permission mode for one chat on one device that lets Bearly use your enabled tools without asking each time. It still asks before connecting a new service and before listing, reading, or deleting your chats. See [Permissions](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/permissions.md#full-access).
## G
**Generated**: The **Browse files** tab for files Bearly made in the chat, such as Pages, CSV files, images, and audio. See [Documents](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/documents.md).
**Get Video**: `/download-video` saves videos from sites such as X as MP4 files in the chat. YouTube links work in the desktop app only. See [Videos and posts](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/videos-and-posts.md).
## H
**History**: A per-chat setting in the sliders button that decides how older messages are kept: **Chat (Dynamic)** or **Agentic (Compaction)**. See [Tune a chat](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/settings.md#history-modes).
## I
**Imagine**: `/image` creates images from a description. Results open in an inline image editor. See [Images, video, and audio](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/images-video-audio.md#imagine).
## L
**Launcher**: The screen a new chat opens on, with a headline, the message box, a project chip, and daily tips. See [Tour the workspace](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/workspace-tour.md#the-new-chat-launcher).
**Local Directory Sync**: A project setting in the desktop app that keeps a folder on your computer synced into the project's files. See [Projects](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects.md).
**Local key encryption**: The lock label on new chats when your organization's policy requires local key encryption. You can't switch it off for those chats. See [Privacy and security](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security.md).
## M
**Managed organization**: An organization with an email domain Bearly has set up for it. It unlocks policies, usage reports, spending limits, and Agent access. See [Organizations](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations.md).
**Max**: The highest plan, sold only as organization seats. See [Plans, credits, and limits](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits.md).
**MCP server**: A server that offers tools to AI apps. Add your own as a custom connector, over HTTPS or, in the desktop app, as an npm package. See [Connectors and skills](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/connectors-and-skills.md).
**Meetings and Recordings**: The sidebar page for recording a meeting or voice note, with live and final transcripts, speaker names, and summaries on request. See [Meetings](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/meetings.md).
**Memories**: A chat setting that lets the AI search your past chats with **Recall** when you refer to earlier work. In a project chat you can limit it to **Project Only**. It isn't available in end-to-end encrypted chats. See [Tune a chat](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/settings.md#memories).
**Model picker**: The button at the right of the toolbar that shows the current model and chooses which model answers in this chat. See [Choose and compare models](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/models.md).
## N
**Needs attention**: A sidebar chip with a count of other chats that are waiting for your approval or have replies you haven't read. See [Organize chats](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/organize.md#needs-attention).
**New Chats**: The settings pane for the defaults new chats start with. Project chats use project settings instead. See [Tune a chat](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/settings.md#this-chat-and-new-chats).
**Notification filter**: A routine condition, such as "A competitor ships something new". Every run still lands in the routine's chat; Bearly compares each result with the last one and sends your email or text only when the run meets the condition, fails, or it can't tell, plus a check-in every seventh quiet run. See [Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md).
## O
**Organization**: A group of members with shared groups, projects, and billing, plus policies in a managed organization. Open it from the account menu → **Organizations**. See [Organizations](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations.md).
## P
**Page**: A single-file interactive app, such as a calculator, dashboard, game, or planner, that Bearly writes as a file and runs live in the chat. You can publish a Page to a stable bearly.sh link. See [Pages and Canvas](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas.md#what-a-page-is).
**People Search**: Identifies one named person after you confirm the right candidate, then builds a cited brief. It also finds people from a description and looks up work emails. Analyst and higher. See [Research](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research.md#people-search).
**Permissions**: The composer control for this chat's permission mode, **Standard** or **Full access**, and its saved approvals. See [Permissions](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/permissions.md#the-permissions-control).
**Personalization**: Context you write about yourself (how to address you, your work, anything else useful), added to your chats only while you have the switch on. See [Tune a chat](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/settings.md#personalization).
**PII Blocker**: An organization setting that replaces email addresses, phone numbers, credit card numbers, and US Social Security numbers in your messages with placeholders before they're sent. See [Write, attach, and send](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/compose.md#pii-blocker).
**Plan**: Your subscription level: Free, Pro, Analyst, Research, or Max. Higher plans add credits and features. See [Plans, credits, and limits](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits.md).
**Policy**: A managed organization admin's set of rules for members, covering which models and features they can use and how much they can spend. See [Organizations](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/organizations.md).
**Pro**: The first paid plan. It adds Routines, Council of Experts, Best Pick, and the choice of voice-call model. See [Plans, credits, and limits](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits.md).
**Project**: A folder for chats that shares files (**Docs & Data**), instructions, and default settings. You can share a project with people, groups, or a whole organization, and protect it with a password. See [Projects](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects.md).
**Prompt Template**: A saved prompt with fill-in fields. Pick it from the `/` menu under **Skills**, fill in the form, and select **Submit**; the filled form stays in the chat so you can run it again. See [Write, attach, and send](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/compose.md).
## Q
**Queue**: Messages you send while Bearly is still answering wait under **Up next** and go out in order. It holds up to 4 and pauses after an error or at a usage limit. See [Write, attach, and send](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/compose.md#send-while-bearly-is-working).
## R
**Read Aloud**: Turns text into speech. `/say` makes an audio file and opens **Voice Studio**; the **Read aloud** button under a text answer plays it. See [Images, video, and audio](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/images-video-audio.md#text-to-speech).
**Read Site**: `/read-site` reads one web page. Long pages, documents, images, and media it finds are saved as files in the chat. See [Research](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research.md#read-site).
**Read-only chat**: A chat you can view but not write in, such as one in a project where you can only read or one in a locked project. It has no message box. See [Projects](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/projects.md).
**Reasoning Effort**: How much a model thinks before it answers: **Default**, **None**, **Low**, **Medium**, **High**, or **Extra High**. How much each level changes depends on the model. See [Tune a chat](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/settings.md#reasoning-effort).
**Recall**: The tool **Memories** uses to search your past chats. While **Memories** is on, type `/recall` to make it search now. See [Tune a chat](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/settings.md#memories).
**Recommended**: The **New Chats** model choice that follows Bearly's default: Bearly Fast on Free, Bearly Pro on paid plans until you've used 95% of your allowance, then Bearly Fast. See [Choose and compare models](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/models.md).
**Recovery phrase**: The 24 words you save when you set up end-to-end encryption. It opens your encrypted chats on a new device. Lose every approved device, your recovery phrase, and any saved passkey, and nobody can recover your encrypted chats, including Bearly, so save it. See [Privacy and security](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security.md).
**Research**: A paid plan above Analyst that adds Deep Research Ultra. See [Plans, credits, and limits](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits.md).
**Response Style**: How answers are written: **Normal**, **Classic**, **No Style**, **Learning**, **Concise**, **Explanatory**, or **Formal**. See [Tune a chat](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/settings.md#response-style).
**Routine**: A saved prompt that runs on a schedule in its own chat, and can email or text you the result. Pro and higher; routines run in the desktop app, on the device they're installed on, while it's open. See [Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md).
**Run Python**: `/python` runs Python code in a fresh cloud sandbox on files you name and returns results, plots, and up to 5 files. See [Data and code](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/data-and-code.md#run-python).
## S
**Saved approvals**: Approvals you gave for longer than once in a chat. Review and revoke them in **Permissions**. See [Permissions](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/permissions.md).
**Scholar**: Searches academic papers, reads passages, and cites them with superscript markers. It runs when **Scholar** is **Auto**, or when you type `/scholar`. See [Research](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/research.md#scholar).
**Search chats and files**: Finds messages and files across your chats by meaning and exact words. Open it with ⌘ F (Ctrl F on Windows and Linux) or the sidebar magnifier. It leaves out end-to-end encrypted chats. See [Organize chats](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/organize.md#search-chats-and-files).
**Share**: Turns the substance of a conversation, or one file, into a Page with artwork and a link preview. You review it, then publish it to a link. See [Pages and Canvas](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/pages-and-canvas.md#share-and-publish-a-page).
**Skill**: A packaged set of instructions, with optional files and scripts, that Bearly loads when a task calls for it. Install skills in the desktop app from **Settings** → **Skills**; **Visualize** and **Bearly AI Models** are built in. See [Connectors and skills](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/connectors-and-skills.md#skills).
**Skill Store**: The section of **Settings** → **Skills** in the desktop app for finding and installing skills. See [Connectors and skills](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/connectors-and-skills.md#skills).
**Standard (permissions)**: The default permission mode: Bearly asks for approval when a tool needs it, and approvals you saved still apply. See [Permissions](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/permissions.md).
**Standard encryption**: The lock label on chats that aren't end-to-end encrypted, shown when end-to-end encryption is available to you. Chats and files are encrypted at rest, each with its own key. See [Privacy and security](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security.md).
**Standard retention**: What the model picker's **Standard** badge means: the model's main route has no verified zero-data-retention guarantee. See [Choose and compare models](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/models.md).
## T
**Temperature**: How varied answers are, from 0 to 2: **Factual** (0.5), **Default** (1), or **Creative** (1.5). Above 1.5, output can become incoherent. See [Tune a chat](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/settings.md#temperature).
**Thinking**: Collapsible steps in an answer that show a model's reasoning. See [Work with answers](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/answers.md#thinking-steps).
**This Chat**: The settings pane for the open conversation only. See [Tune a chat](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/settings.md#this-chat-and-new-chats).
**Timeline rail**: A row of ticks on the right edge of wide windows, one per prompt, for jumping around a long chat. See [Work with answers](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/answers.md#move-around-a-long-chat).
**Touch Up**: `/edit-image` edits, extends, or combines images in the chat. See [Images, video, and audio](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/images-video-audio.md#the-image-editor).
**Transcribe**: `/transcribe` turns audio and video files into a transcript with speaker names and timestamps. See [Images, video, and audio](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/images-video-audio.md#transcribe).
## U
**Unattended local access**: A routine setting, turned on only in the desktop app, that lets scheduled runs use **Work locally** and approved skill scripts without waiting for you. It asks you to confirm the risks first. See [Routines](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/routines.md).
**Up next**: The queue of messages waiting to send. See **Queue**.
**Usage meter**: The bar in the account menu showing how much of your allowance you've used. See [Plans, credits, and limits](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/plans-and-credits.md).
## V
**Version switcher**: The ‹ 2 / 3 › arrows under a message you edited or reran, for flipping between versions. See [Work with answers](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/answers.md#rerun-and-switch-versions).
**View Media**: `/analyze-media` lets the AI look at image and video files in the chat, up to 10 minutes of video at a time. See [Images, video, and audio](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/images-video-audio.md#view-media).
**Visualize**: A built-in skill, `/visualize`, for interactive Pages, charts, and diagrams. See [Data and code](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/data-and-code.md#visualize).
**Voice call**: A live spoken conversation that can use the chat's tools. Start it with **Start voice call** in the composer; the transcript is saved in the chat, the audio isn't. See [Voice](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/voice.md#voice-calls).
**Voice Studio**: The panel on your latest text-to-speech result for choosing a voice, a delivery, and a preset, then making and comparing takes. `/say` with no text opens it. See [Images, video, and audio](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/images-video-audio.md#text-to-speech).
## W
**Web**: A per-chat setting in the sliders button, **Off** or **Auto**. On **Auto**, Bearly searches and reads the web when it helps. See [Tune a chat](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/settings.md#web-search).
**Work locally**: In the desktop app, lets a chat read, write, and edit files and run commands in a folder you choose. The folder is working context, not a sandbox. See [Browser and computer use](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/capabilities/browser-and-computer.md#work-locally).
## Z
**ZDR**: Short for zero data retention. In the model picker, the **ZDR** badge marks zero-retention models. See [Choose and compare models](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/chat/models.md).
**Zero Data Retention only**: An account setting in **Settings** → **Privacy & Security**. Turn on **Zero Data Retention only** and Bearly shows only zero-retention models, and automatic fallbacks stay on them too. It applies to chat models. See [Privacy and security](https://bearly.ai/docs/manual/privacy-and-security.md#zero-data-retention-only).
---