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Multi-Window Chat

Real work isn't linear. You might be debugging code in one conversation while researching an API in another and drafting documentation in a third. Osaurus supports multiple independent chat windows—each with its own persona, theme, and history—so you can work the way you think.

Features​

  • Independent Windows — Each window maintains its own persona, theme, and session
  • Persona per Window — Different personas in different windows simultaneously
  • Session Management — Open any session in a new window
  • Pin to Top — Keep specific windows floating above others
  • Cascading Windows — New windows are offset for visibility

Opening New Windows​

From the Menu​

  1. Click File in the menu bar
  2. Select New Window (or press ⌘N)
  3. A new chat window opens with the default persona

From Keyboard​

Press ⌘N to open a new chat window instantly.

From Session History​

  1. Open the session history sidebar
  2. Right-click on any saved session
  3. Select Open in New Window
  4. The session opens in a new window with its original persona

Working with Multiple Windows​

Independent Conversations​

Each window is completely independent:

  • Separate conversation history
  • Separate active persona
  • Separate theme (if persona has a custom theme)
  • Separate model selection

Changes in one window don't affect others.

Switching Personas per Window​

Each window can have a different active persona:

  1. Click the persona selector in the window
  2. Choose a persona
  3. That window now uses the selected persona
  4. Other windows remain unchanged

Example workflow:

Window 1Window 2Window 3
Code AssistantResearch HelperCreative Writer
Dark blue themeLight themeWarm theme
Git & filesystem toolsSearch & fetch toolsNo tools

Cascading Windows​

When you open multiple windows, they automatically cascade:

  • Each new window is offset slightly from the previous
  • All windows remain visible and accessible
  • Drag windows to arrange them as needed

Pin to Top​

Keep important chat windows floating above all other applications.

Enabling Pin to Top​

  1. Click the pin icon in the window title bar
  2. The window now stays on top of all other windows
  3. Click again to disable

Use Cases​

  • Keep a reference conversation visible while coding
  • Monitor an ongoing task in one window
  • Quick access to a specific assistant

Use Cases​

Side-by-Side Comparison​

Compare responses from different personas:

  1. Open two windows (⌘N)
  2. Set different personas in each
  3. Ask the same question in both
  4. Compare the responses side-by-side

Project-Based Organization​

Dedicate windows to specific projects:

WindowPersonaPurpose
Backend DevCode AssistantAPI and database work
Frontend DevCode AssistantUI and styling
DocumentationCreative WriterWriting docs and READMEs
ResearchResearch HelperLooking up libraries and APIs

Reference Conversations​

Keep useful conversations open while starting new ones:

  1. Find a helpful past conversation
  2. Right-click → Open in New Window
  3. Pin it to top for reference
  4. Start a new conversation in another window

Multi-Tasking​

Run multiple AI tasks simultaneously:

  • Window 1: Generating code
  • Window 2: Researching documentation
  • Window 3: Writing commit messages

Each window processes independently.

Window Management Tips​

Arranging Windows​

  • Drag title bar — Move windows anywhere on screen
  • Resize corners — Adjust window size
  • Mission Control — Use macOS Mission Control (F3) to see all windows
  • Stage Manager — Works with macOS Stage Manager

Quick Switching​

  • ⌘` — Cycle between Osaurus windows
  • Mission Control — Click any visible window
  • Dock — Click Osaurus icon to show all windows

Closing Windows​

  • ⌘W — Close the current window
  • Click the close button (red circle) in the title bar
  • Closing a window doesn't delete the conversation — it's saved in history

Sessions and Windows​

How Sessions Work​

  • Each window can display one session at a time
  • Sessions are saved automatically
  • The same session can be opened in multiple windows (changes sync)
  • Creating a new chat starts a new session

Opening Sessions​

  1. Click the sidebar toggle to show session history
  2. Click any session to open it in the current window
  3. Right-click → Open in New Window to keep your current window unchanged

Session Continuity​

When you close a window:

  • The session is preserved in history
  • Reopen it anytime from any window
  • The persona and context are remembered

Keyboard Shortcuts​

ShortcutAction
⌘NOpen new window
⌘WClose current window
⌘`Cycle between Osaurus windows
⌘;Toggle chat overlay (separate from windows)

Combining with Other Features​

Multi-Window + Personas​

The real power comes from combining multi-window with Personas:

  • Create specialized personas for different tasks
  • Open each persona in its own window
  • Visual themes help you identify which assistant you're talking to

Multi-Window + Voice Input​

With Voice Input enabled:

  • Voice input goes to the focused window
  • VAD activation opens the main chat overlay (not a window)
  • Use windows for persistent, organized conversations

For creating custom personas, see the Personas guide.