Choosing between keyword Search, AI answers, and Chat

The three tools solve different retrieval problems.

Best for: Everyone looking for project information · Outcome: Use the right mode and avoid treating a generated answer as a source record.

Use Search Keywords when:

• You know a record number, name, phrase, or company.
• You want to browse several matching source records.
• You want photo or Photo Album results alongside text-based records.

Use Ask Question when available and:

• One synthesized answer is enough.
• You can ask a specific question with a clear project scope.
• You want to review a recent one-question answer.

Use Chat when:

• You expect follow-up questions.
• You want to attach a file.
• You want to return to a saved conversation later.

Changing Search mode does not convert existing keyword results into an AI answer. Submit the question separately in Ask Question or Chat.

Back to AI and Search Help