User Interface Guide

Learn about ZenoMind Desktop's interface and navigation.

Main Interface Overview

ZenoMind Desktop features a clean, intuitive interface designed for efficient AI interaction. The main window consists of several key areas:

Chat Interface

The central area where you interact with your AI assistant:

  • Message Input: Type your queries, questions, or commands
  • Response Area: View AI responses with rich formatting
  • Streaming Display: Watch AI thinking process in real-time
  • Message History: Scroll through conversation history

The left sidebar provides quick access to:

  • New Conversation: Start fresh conversations
  • Conversation History: Browse previous sessions
  • Settings: Configure application preferences

Artifacts Panel

The right panel shows real-time artifacts and tool outputs:

  • Search Results: Web and local search outcomes
  • File Operations: File system operations
  • Document Viewer: View processed documents
  • Task Progress: Monitor ongoing operations

Key Features

Conversation Management

Starting New Conversations

  • Click the "+" button or use Cmd+N
  • Begin typing in the input area
  • The AI will respond using available tools as needed

Managing Conversation History

  • View all conversations in the sidebar
  • Search conversations by content
  • Delete old conversations
  • Export conversations for sharing

Message Composition

Text Input

  • Type naturally in the message box
  • Use Enter to send messages
  • Drag and drop files to include them in conversations

Rich Content Support

  • Paste images directly into conversations
  • Upload documents for analysis
  • Include code blocks
  • Add links and references

Real-time Artifacts

Streaming Interface

  • Watch AI compose responses in real-time
  • See tool usage during response generation
  • View search results as they appear
  • Monitor file operations in progress

Human-in-the-Loop

Interactive Control

  • Provide feedback while AI is working
  • Insert guidance during task execution
  • Redirect AI's approach mid-process
  • Review and approve actions

Thread Sharing

Share Button

Access sharing options from the top menu:

Local HTML Sharing

  • Generate standalone HTML file
  • Save conversation locally
  • Share file with others

Remote URL Sharing (if configured)

  • Upload to remote server
  • Generate shareable URL
  • Access from anywhere

Settings and Configuration

Model Configuration

Supported Providers

  • OpenAI (GPT models)
  • Anthropic (Claude models)
  • Azure OpenAI

Required Settings

  • API Key
  • Model selection
  • Usage preferences

Search Configuration

Search Providers

  • Configure web search
  • Set API keys
  • Adjust search scope

Tool Permissions

File System Access

  • Set allowed directories
  • Configure read/write permissions
  • Security restrictions

Command Line Access

  • Enable/disable terminal operations
  • Set execution permissions
  • Safety controls

Keyboard Shortcuts

Essential Shortcuts

  • Cmd+N - New conversation
  • Cmd+, - Open preferences
  • Enter - Send message
  • Escape - Cancel generation

Tips for Efficient Use

  1. Use keyboard shortcuts for faster navigation
  2. Organize conversations by topic or project
  3. Use search to quickly find past discussions

Interaction Tips

  1. Be specific in your queries for better results
  2. Use follow-up questions to drill down into topics
  3. Take advantage of file uploads for document analysis
  4. Experiment with different AI models for varied perspectives

Collaboration Features

  1. Use sharing to collaborate with others
  2. Export important discussions for documentation
  3. Leverage human-in-the-loop for guided assistance

Troubleshooting

Common Interface Issues

Application Not Responding

  • Check system resources
  • Restart the application
  • Verify internet connection

Tool Operations Failing

  • Check tool configuration in settings
  • Verify permissions
  • Review error messages

Performance Issues

  • Close unnecessary conversations
  • Clear conversation history if needed
  • Monitor system resource usage

Need more help? Check the Installation Guide or explore MCP Integration.