Files that stay in a chat

When you attach a file in a chat, it stays attached. The model reads it again with every later message, so you can keep asking about it without re-uploading.

The “Reading with every message” row

Above the message box, a row lists each attached file, what’s being read (“all 12 pages”, “pages 1-3”, “relevant parts”, “summary (all 120 pages)”…), and roughly what it adds to each message (“≈ $0.01/msg”).

• Change pages — read a different part.
• Pause — stop sending the file for now, without losing it. Resume brings it back.
• Remove from chat (in the file’s options) — stop sending it.

Because files are re-read every time, a big file makes every message dearer. Pause files you’ve finished with.

Editing and regenerating

Editing a message or regenerating a reply reads the files the same way that message did. When you edit, the box shows which files will be read, with a Change button.

Long chats

Compacting a chat summarises the conversation, not the files: attached files are still read in full with each message. See Long chats and compaction.

Where your files are kept

Files you attach are kept with your account until you delete them. Pausing or removing a file from a chat, or removing it from a project, stops it being read but keeps the file. Deleting a project deletes its files, except any you also use in another project or chat.

To delete a file for good, tap the trash button beside it on your own message, then Delete file. It’s removed everywhere you used it and can’t be recovered; the message then shows “File removed”. If the file is still being prepared for search, wait a moment and try again.

Deleting your account deletes all your files — see Delete your account and data.