/ Documentation

Chat Basics

Learn the fundamentals of using Veila's chat interface. This guide covers creating conversations, sending messages, and understanding the core features that make Veila unique.

Getting Started with Your First Chat

Creating a New Chat

  1. Click the "+ New Chat" button in the left sidebar
  2. Type your message in the text input area at the bottom
  3. Select an AI model from the dropdown menu (we recommend starting with gpt-4o-mini)
  4. Press Enter or click "Send" to start the conversation
💡 Pro Tip: Give your chats descriptive names by clicking the three dots menu and selecting "Rename"

Understanding the Interface

The Veila interface is designed for clarity and privacy:

Left Sidebar

  • Chat History: All your conversations organized by date or custom order
  • Folder Structure: Organize chats into folders for better management
  • New Chat/Folder Buttons: Quick access to create new conversations or folders

Main Chat Area

  • Chat Header: Shows the current chat name and privacy status
  • Message History: Your conversation with date grouping for easy navigation
  • Message Input: Text area with model selection and send controls

Header Bar

  • Veila Logo: Click to return to main chat interface
  • User Counter: See how many anonymous users are currently active
  • Privacy Indicator: "You're anonymous among X users" shows your privacy status
  • User Menu: Access settings, feedback, and logout options

Privacy Features You'll See

End-to-End Encryption Indicator

Every chat shows a 🔒 "Conversation encrypted" indicator in the chat header. This means:

  • Your messages are encrypted before leaving your device
  • Even Veila servers cannot read your conversations
  • Only you have the keys to decrypt your chat history

Anonymous User Counter

The header displays how many users have chatted with Veila in the last 30 days. This shows:

  • You're part of an anonymous group
  • Your individual usage patterns are hidden
  • No tracking or profiling is possible

Sending Messages

Basic Messaging

  • Type your message in the text area at the bottom
  • Press Enter to send (Shift+Enter for new lines)
  • Auto-resize: The text area expands as you type longer messages
  • Model Selection: Choose your AI model before sending

Message Features

User Messages (Your Messages)

  • Appear in blue bubbles on the right side
  • Include timestamp and action buttons (copy, delete)
  • Can be copied to clipboard with one click
  • Can be deleted if you want to remove them from the conversation

AI Responses

  • Appear in white bubbles on the left side, centered
  • Support full markdown formatting (bold, italic, code, lists, etc.)
  • Include copy and delete buttons for easy management
  • Show real-time streaming as the AI generates responses

Message Actions

Each message has quick action buttons:

Copy Message

  • Click the copy icon to copy message content to your clipboard
  • Works for both your messages and AI responses
  • Useful for sharing AI responses or saving important information

Delete Message

  • Click the trash icon to permanently remove a message
  • Removes the message from your encrypted chat history
  • Cannot be undone, so use carefully

Chat Management

Renaming Chats

  1. Click the three dots menu next to any chat in the sidebar
  2. Select "Rename" from the dropdown
  3. Type the new name and press Enter
  4. The chat will be automatically saved with the new name

Alternatively, you can rename from the chat header:

  1. Click the three dots menu in the chat header
  2. Select "Rename" and edit inline
  3. Press Enter to save the new name

Deleting Chats

  1. Click the three dots menu next to the chat
  2. Select "Delete" from the dropdown
  3. Confirm the deletion (this cannot be undone)
  4. The chat and all its messages are permanently removed

Chat Header Menu

In any active chat, the header menu (three dots) provides:

  • Rename: Change the chat title
  • Delete: Remove the entire conversation
  • Quick access without going to the sidebar

Understanding Message Flow

How Messages Are Processed

  1. You type your message in the interface
  2. Veila encrypts your message locally
  3. Anonymous routing sends your message to the AI provider
  4. AI responds without knowing your identity
  5. Response is encrypted and stored securely
  6. You see the response in real-time

Streaming Responses

  • AI responses appear in real-time as they're generated
  • You'll see a typing indicator (three dots) while the AI is thinking
  • Long responses stream in smoothly for better readability
  • You can scroll while streaming continues

Error Handling

If something goes wrong, you'll see helpful error messages:

Insufficient Credits

  • Yellow warning box appears in the chat
  • Direct link to purchase more credits
  • Information about free tier reset timing

Network Errors

  • Red error box with retry instructions
  • Automatic retry for temporary issues
  • Clear error messages explain what happened

Chat History and Sessions

Session Persistence

  • Your chats are automatically saved as you use them
  • Encrypted storage means only you can access your history
  • Cross-device sync (if using the same account)
  • Automatic title generation for new chats based on your first exchange

Loading Previous Chats

  • Click any chat in the sidebar to load its full history
  • Instant loading for recent conversations
  • Scroll to see older messages in long conversations
  • Date grouping helps you find specific timeframes

Keyboard Shortcuts

Message Input

  • Enter: Send message
  • Shift + Enter: New line without sending
  • Escape: Clear current message (if in draft)

Navigation

  • Click chat titles to switch conversations
  • Use sidebar scroll to find older chats
  • Header breadcrumbs for quick navigation

Next Steps

Now that you understand the basics:

  1. Learn about AI model selection - Choose the right AI for your tasks
  2. Organize your chats - Use folders and sorting effectively
  3. Understand credits and billing - Manage your usage and costs
  4. Explore settings - Customize your experience

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Can't see my previous chats?

  • Make sure you're logged into the same account
  • Your chats are encrypted and tied to your login
  • Try refreshing the page if chats don't load immediately

Messages not sending?

  • Check your credit balance in the bottom status area
  • Try switching to a different AI model
  • Check your internet connection

Interface looks different?

  • We regularly update the interface for better usability
  • Core functionality remains the same
  • Your data and chats are always preserved

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