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Using the AI chatbot

The ONLYOFFICE editors include an AI chatbot that acts as an on-demand assistant while you work. Instead of switching between your document and external resources, you can ask questions, get explanations, and request suggestions directly within the editor.

By default, AI is not connected to editors for security reasons. To use the AI chatbot, you need to install and configure the AI plugin first. Refer to the AI assistants: setup and configuration guide for detailed instructions.

Accessing the AI chatbot

To open the AI chatbot in any ONLYOFFICE editor:

Go to the AI tab on the top toolbar and select Chatbot, or
Open the context menu using the right mouse button and select Chatbot.

The chatbot opens as a prompt where you can type questions or requests. Unlike the text-specific AI features (such as Summarize or Translate), the chatbot is designed for open-ended conversation — you can ask anything relevant to your work without needing to select text first.

When to use the chatbot

The AI chatbot is most useful when you need:

Answers to questions — get quick explanations without leaving your document.
Guidance on approach — ask how to structure, organize, or present information.
Ideas and suggestions — brainstorm options when you're unsure how to proceed.
Clarification on concepts — understand terminology, methods, or requirements.

For tasks involving specific text you've already written, such as rewriting, summarizing, or translating, use the dedicated AI features available through the context menu or AI tab instead.

Using the chatbot in your workflow

Document Editor

The chatbot can support your writing process by helping you think through structure, content, and approach:

Planning documents — ask for guidance on how to organize a report, proposal, or article before you start writing.
Understanding requirements — get clarification on document standards, formatting conventions, or terminology.
Overcoming blocks — when you're stuck, ask for suggestions on how to approach a section or transition between ideas.
Fact-checking context — ask background questions about topics you're covering to ensure your understanding is correct.

Spreadsheet Editor

The chatbot can help you work with data more effectively by explaining concepts and guiding your analysis:

Asking questions about your data — describe what your data contains and ask how to approach analysis, what patterns to look for, or how to structure your findings.
Getting explanations — ask the chatbot to explain statistical concepts, formula logic, or analytical methods in plain language.
Choosing approaches — when you're unsure which function, chart type, or analysis method fits your needs, describe your goal and ask for recommendations.
Understanding results — after running calculations, ask the chatbot to help interpret what the numbers mean in context.

Presentation Editor

The chatbot can help you develop content and structure for your presentations:

Researching topics — ask background questions about your presentation subject to deepen your understanding and ensure accuracy.
Getting content suggestions — describe your presentation goal and audience, then ask for ideas on what points to cover or how to structure your narrative.
Developing talking points — ask for help expanding on key messages or explaining complex topics in accessible terms.
Refining your angle — discuss your approach with the chatbot to clarify your main argument or find a more compelling way to present information.

Tips for effective chatbot use

Provide context — the chatbot doesn't see your document unless you describe it. Briefly explain what you're working on so responses are relevant to your situation.
Be specific about what you need — instead of asking broad questions, focus on the particular decision or problem you're facing. The more specific your question, the more useful the response.
Ask follow-up questions — the chatbot maintains context within your conversation. If an initial response isn't quite right, refine your question or ask for clarification rather than starting over.
Use it as a thinking partner — the chatbot is helpful for talking through ideas, not just getting final answers. Use it to explore options and clarify your own thinking before making decisions.
Verify important information — the chatbot provides helpful guidance, but you should verify facts, figures, and specialized information from authoritative sources before relying on them in your work.

Chatbot vs. dedicated AI features

Use the chatbot when...	Use dedicated features when...
You have a question or need guidance	You have specific text to transform
You want to brainstorm or explore ideas	You want to summarize, translate, or rewrite
You need something explained	You need grammar or style corrections
You're planning or researching	You're editing existing content

Limitations and considerations

The chatbot cannot see or access your document content directly — describe relevant details in your questions.
Responses are generated based on the AI model's training data and may not reflect the latest information.
For specialized fields (legal, medical, financial), treat chatbot responses as a starting point and verify with qualified sources.
Conversation context is maintained during your session but does not persist after you close the editor.

WarningChatbot responses are generated by an AI service of your choosing. ONLYOFFICE assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of AI-generated information. Always verify important facts.