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Chat (Overview)

A secure multi-model interface for AI conversations.

Written by Daniel
Updated today

Chat

Your secure interface for AI conversations across multiple models

Chat is BlackMountain's core feature for working with AI. Access GPT-4, Claude, Gemini, and Mistral in one unified interface. Every conversation becomes a retrievable, shareable asset for your organization.


Why Chat?

BlackMountain Chat replaces scattered AI subscriptions with one governed workspace. Instead of managing separate ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini accounts across your team, everyone works in one place with:

  • Multiple AI models in one interface

  • Unified billing for your organization

  • Shared conversations across teams

  • European data sovereignty with zero-knowledge encryption

  • Full conversation history that's searchable and exportable


Key Features

Multi-Model Access

Switch between AI models based on your task. Each model has unique strengths:

Model

Best for

GPT-4

Complex reasoning, coding, creative writing

Claude

Long-form analysis, nuanced conversations

Gemini

Multimodal tasks, data analysis

Mistral

Efficient processing, European alternative

Select your model from the dropdown at the top of each conversation. You can switch models mid-conversation without losing context.

File & Image Upload

Upload documents and images directly into your conversations:

  • Supported formats: PDF, DOCX, TXT, CSV, XLSX, PNG, JPG, JPEG

  • Use cases: Analyze contracts, extract data from spreadsheets, discuss visual content

  • File handling: Files stay attached to the conversation for future reference

Real-Time Web Access

Enable web access to ground your conversations in current information. The AI can search the web, retrieve recent data, and cite sources directly in responses.

When to use web access:

Enable web access for tasks that require current information—market data, recent news, technical documentation, or fact-checking.

Organizing Conversations

Keep your workspace organized with folders and labels:

  • Folders — Group related conversations by project, client, or topic

  • Labels — Tag conversations for quick filtering (e.g., "Research," "Client Work," "Internal")

  • Search — Find any conversation instantly with Ctrl+K (Cmd+K on Mac)

  • Archive — Move completed conversations out of your active workspace

Pinning Notes

Pin important insights from any message to keep them visible throughout your conversation. Pinned notes stay at the top of your chat, making it easy to reference key information without scrolling.

Create a new conversation from any message. This lets you:

  • Explore different solutions simultaneously

  • Test alternative approaches without losing your original thread

  • Deep-dive into specific topics while keeping the main conversation intact

Canvas

Generate and edit documents directly in your chat. Canvas provides a side-by-side workspace where you can:

  • Draft and refine long-form content

  • Edit documents collaboratively with AI

  • Export finished documents as Markdown or PDF

Adding Context

Provide organization, workspace, or team context to your conversations. When context is active, the AI generates responses grounded in your company's tone, guidelines, and internal knowledge.

Context types:

Organization context — Company-wide tone and values

Workspace context — Department-specific guidelines

Team context — Project or client-specific information


Conversation Management

Export & Import Conversations

Export: Download any conversation as a JSON file containing:

  • Full message history

  • File attachments

  • Labels and metadata

  • Conversation settings

Import: Upload a previously exported JSON file to restore conversations, including all messages, files, and labels.

Sharing Conversations

Share conversations with team members or across workspaces. Control who can view, edit, or continue the conversation.


Getting Started with Chat

  1. Select a model from the dropdown (GPT-4, Claude, Gemini, or Mistral)

  2. Type your message or upload a file to start the conversation

  3. Enable features like web access or context as needed

  4. Organize your conversation with folders and labels

  5. Pin notes or create branches to explore different directions


Related Articles

  • Working with Multiple AI Models

  • File & Image Upload in Chat

  • Organizing Chats with Folders & Labels

  • Pinning Notes & Context Branching

  • Canvas — Document Editing in Chat

  • Adding Context to Your Conversations

Need help? Visit our FAQs & Troubleshooting or contact support.

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