> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.minibuddies.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Brain

> Your main AI assistant in Minibuddies. Learn how to use the Brain for chat, attach files, choose agents, and get the best results.

## What is Brain?

**Brain** is Minibuddies' general-purpose AI assistant. It's the default agent when you open the chat -capable of handling a wide range of tasks from answering questions and writing content to analyzing data and explaining concepts. Unlike specialized agents (e.g., Luma for social, Optimus for SEO), Brain is designed for open-ended, multi-domain work.

Use Brain when you need flexibility, when your task doesn't fit a single specialty, or when you're exploring what Minibuddies can do.

## How to use Brain

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the Brain">
    From the dashboard, click **Brain** in the sidebar. The main chat area loads with Brain selected by default. If you're using another agent, switch back to Brain using the agent selector near the prompt box or in the chat header.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Type your prompt">
    In the prompt box at the bottom, type your question or instruction. Be as specific as you need - include context, examples, or constraints. Press **Enter** or click **Send** to submit. Your message appears in the conversation, and the response streams in below it.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Attach files (optional)">
    Click the **paperclip** icon to attach images, videos, or code files. Attachments are sent with your prompt and give the AI additional context. For example, attach a screenshot for analysis, a CSV for data work, or a code file for review.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Read and interact with the response">
    Responses appear in real time. They can include formatted text, lists, code blocks, tables, and links. You can copy parts of the response, ask follow-up questions, or request changes. The conversation continues until you start a new chat.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Supported attachments

Brain accepts several attachment types. Each enables different use cases:

| Type         | Use case                               | Example                                         |
| ------------ | -------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------- |
| **Image**    | Visual analysis, diagrams, screenshots | "What's wrong with this UI?" with a screenshot  |
| **Video**    | Summarization, content extraction      | "Summarize the key points of this video"        |
| **Code**     | Review, explanation, debugging         | "Review this function and suggest improvements" |
| **Text/CSV** | Data analysis, summarization           | "Summarize the trends in this data"             |

<Tip>
  Keep file sizes reasonable. Very large files may slow processing or hit platform limits. When possible, use compressed or optimized versions.
</Tip>

## Understanding responses

Brain returns structured, readable output:

* **Markdown**  - Headings, bold, italic, lists, links
* **Code blocks**  - Syntax-highlighted code when relevant
* **Tables**  - For comparative or tabular data
* **Images**  - When the agent generates or references images

If the agent uses tools (e.g., searching the web or querying an integration), you may see tool activity indicated in the response. The final answer incorporates the results of those tools.

## Tips for better results

* **Be specific**  - "Write a 200-word blog intro about sustainable packaging" works better than "Write something about packaging."
* **Provide context**  - Mention your audience, tone, or constraints. "For a B2B SaaS audience, formal tone" helps the AI match your needs.
* **Use follow-ups**  - If the first response isn't quite right, ask for edits. "Make it shorter" or "Add a call-to-action" refines the output.
* **Attach when relevant**  - Screenshots, data files, and code give the AI more to work with and improve accuracy.
* **Choose the right agent**  - For specialized tasks (social posts, SEO audits, legal review), switching to the matching agent often yields better results than Brain.

<Info>
  Brain uses your connected integrations and memories when relevant. Connect Gmail, Drive, Calendar, and others to expand what Brain can do. Add memories (URLs, text, files) to give it lasting context about your brand or projects.
</Info>

## When to use Brain vs. specialized agents

| Use Brain when...                  | Use a specialized agent when...                       |
| ---------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- |
| Task is general or exploratory     | Task fits a clear domain (social, SEO, finance, etc.) |
| You need flexibility across topics | You want domain-specific tools and prompts            |
| You're testing or learning         | You're doing production work in that domain           |
| No single agent fits               | Agent exists (e.g., Luma, Optimus, Ledger)            |

You can switch agents mid-conversation. The chat history remains; the new agent brings its own expertise and tools.

## Troubleshooting

### Response is slow or stops mid-stream

* Check your internet connection.
* Very long or complex prompts can take longer.
* If the stream stops, try rephrasing or breaking your request into smaller steps.

### Attachment didn't work

* Verify the file format is supported (images, video, code, text).
* Ensure the file isn't too large.
* Try attaching again or using a different file.

### Response doesn't match what I asked

* Rephrase your prompt with more detail.
* Add examples of what you want.
* For domain-specific work, try the relevant specialized agent.

## What's next?

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Understanding agents" icon="rocket" href="/using/agents">
    Learn about specialized agents and when to use each.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Prompting best practices" icon="lightbulb" href="/prompting/best-practices">
    Write clearer prompts for better results.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Add memories" icon="file" href="/using/memory">
    Give Brain lasting context with URLs, text, or files.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Integrations" icon="plug" href="/integrations/overview">
    Connect tools so Brain can act on your data.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Need help?

<Info>
  Questions about Brain or chat? Reach out at [contact@minibuddies.ai](mailto:contact@minibuddies.ai) or join our [Discord community](https://discord.com/invite/ZJDSJxwx).
</Info>
