Get started with Theta Assist

Get started with Theta Assist to find assistants, start a conversation, attach files, and use the tools available to you.

This guide is for end users who want a simple overview of how to begin using Theta Assist day to day.

What you can do in Theta Assist

Theta Assist helps you complete tasks by chatting with assistants designed for specific jobs.

Depending on the assistant you are using, you may be able to:

• ask questions and get answers
• summarise content
• draft emails or documents
• work with uploaded files
• search connected systems such as Microsoft 365
• use specialist assistants created by your team or organisation

Most organisations have a general assistant set up with good general capabilities. This can be a good place to start.

Quick guide — get started in Theta Assist

Before you start

• Sign in to Theta Assist using your M365 log in

Find an assistant

1. Open Theta Assist.
2. Go to Home to see assistants already added for you.
3. If you do not see the assistant you want, open Library.
4. Browse the list or use the available tabs to narrow what you see.
5. Click the arrow icon to open an assistant.
6. If you do not have access, request access if that option is shown.

Start a thread

A thread is a conversation between you and the assistant.

1. Open the assistant you want to use.
2. Type your question or request in the message box, or click a quick prompt button.
3. Press Enter or send your message.
4. Continue the same thread if you want to keep the conversation context.
5. Start a new thread if you want to begin a separate task.

Use one thread per task where possible for best results.

Attach a file

1. Open a thread with the assistant you want to use.
2. Drag and drop the file into the message area
3. You can also click the paperclip icon in the message box
4. Select the file you want to upload.
5. Add a message explaining what you want the assistant to do with the file.
6. Send your message.

You can use message files to ask the assistant to summarise, review, extract, rewrite, combine, analyse content, and more!

Use tools or connectors if available

Some assistants can use tools or connected systems such as Microsoft 365.

1. Open the assistant you want to use.
2. Look for the wrench icon in the message box.
3. If there is a red dot, one or more tools still need authentication.
   
   
4. Click the wrench and click Authenticate if needed.
5. Once connected, ask the assistant to help with the relevant system, such as email, calendar, Teams, OneDrive, or SharePoint. Learn more about M365 tools.

Manage what you see on Home

1. Open Library.
2. Click the house icon to add or remove an assistant from your Home page.
3. Click the heart icon to favourite or un-favourite an assistant.

Favourites appear at the beginning of your Home page.

Share a thread

• To share a thread, click the three dots next to a thread name, and click Share.
• Threads are private to you unless shared (exception: if the assistant has memory enabled)

You can also pin, rename, download and delete threads from this menu. Learn more about threads.

Tips for better results

• Be specific about what you want.
• Include the outcome, format, or audience if that matters.
• Attach the source or reference file if you want the assistant to work from a document or other file, or produce another file in a similar format.
• Use a new thread for a new task.
• Check the assistant response before sending or publishing anything important.

Troubleshooting

I cannot find the assistant I need

Check Library. If it still does not appear, you may not have access or it may be hidden from the Library.

I can see the wrench icon with a red dot

This means a tool or connector still needs authentication. Open the wrench menu and complete the sign-in steps.

I uploaded a file but the assistant did not use it properly

Try sending a clearer instruction with the file, such as what to summarise, extract, or review.

I want to start over

Start a new thread to begin a fresh task without the earlier conversation context.

I got an error message

Follow any instructions in the message (e.g. delete attachment), or simply start a new thread.

Related guides

• Key concepts
• Library
• Files in Theta Assist
• Connect Microsoft 365 apps like Outlook and Teams
• Sharing threads and assistants