Copilot’s Chat vs. Compose tabs in Microsoft Edge

Unlock the benefits of AI-powered tools with Copilot in the Microsoft Edge sidebar. Whether you want to experience next-level search or create images, text, and tables, you can do all that and more with this built-in AI assistant. Once you’re in the Copilot pane of your Edge sidebar, you’ll find two tabs with countless uses: Chat and Compose. Get to know the unique functionality of each to take advantage of these free, powerful AI tools right in your Microsoft Edge sidebar.

What is Copilot in the Microsoft Edge sidebar?

Copilot in the Edge sidebar is your AI-powered assistant ready to provide information, summaries, images, text, and more. Open it by selecting the Copilot icon in the upper-right corner of your sidebar. The Copilot pane will then appear, and it will offer tabs to choose from, including Chat and Compose. Select the first tab, Chat, for full access to the vast functionalities of Copilot. Select the Compose tab to zero in one specific Copilot function: text generation. While you can also generate text in the Chat tab, the Compose tab offers ready-made options to deliver the text you want with ease. Learn more about these tabs and try sample prompts to see what each can do for you.

Chat tab

Use the Chat tab to engage in a conversational, AI-powered search that goes beyond traditional search engine capabilities. You can engage in a back-and-forth with Copilot, asking for more details, resources, links, etc. on any topic you can imagine. You can also create images via the Chat tab thanks to the integration of Designer in Copilot. Ask Copilot to generate text, from bedtime stories to blog posts, make tables, from sports stats to airline deals, and much, much more, all right in your Edge sidebar.

Chat tab prompts

Get the most out of your AI-powered search engine, image generator, and more when you try prompts like these in the Chat tab:

• I want new ways to cook broccoli. Give me five unusual recipes with broccoli that are also heart-healthy.
• Make an image of kids sledding down a hill in Vermont in the winter.
• Make a list of all the professional sports games happening in Florida in the next six months.
• I’m planning a trip to go hiking in the Adirondacks. What should I bring, what should I do, and where should I stay?

Compose tab

The Compose tab is designed to help you get the most out of Copilot’s text-generating AI. Quickly create what you need by using built-in format, tone, and length options in the Compose tab.

If you want help writing an email to a friend, for instance, you might choose the format of an email, a casual tone, and a short length. Just add a few details in the Ask me anything... search box. For instance, you might enter this prompt: “Write an email to Bob saying that I had so much fun at his dinner party. Suggest three ideas of games we can play at our upcoming game night.” Select Generate draft, and you’ll have a draft of an email in seconds!

The Compose tab can also be your personal AI essay writing helper. To use the Compose tab in the outlining stage, choose the bullet points format. If you’re trying to find just the right tone for your essay, paste part of your draft into the Ask me anything... search box and ask it to rewrite in a variety of tones.

Compose tab prompts

Since the Compose tab is your on-hand AI text generator, try prompts like these:

• Write a birthday party invite for Natalie’s sixth birthday. It has a science theme and is happening from 1-3 p.m. on Saturday, January 15.
• I need to write an essay about modern philosophy. Write an outline that lays out key ideas in modern philosophy, who’s associated with them, and what questions they sought to answer.
• Write a fun itinerary for a romantic getaway to Paris. Include ideas for cozy dinners, scenic walks, and dancing. Make the language playful and a little flirty.
• Write our family’s annual holiday letter. Mention Tommy’s new job as a chef, getting Penny, our golden retriever, and Marie’s leg healing after the break.

Use AI in Microsoft Edge to inspire essay writing drafts

If you’re embarking on a long-form writing project, like an essay, Copilot in the Edge sidebar is a powerful tool you should have under your belt. The language models behind the scenes use common wording to help generate your content. Upload original essays that you’ve written and ask for feedback. Microsoft Edge-integrated AI can give you tips to improve your essay’s grammar, spelling, sentence structure, organization, and more. Refine your essay’s ideas, and refine some more, to strengthen your arguments.

What can AI do for me?

Using Copilot in the Edge sidebar is just like talking to a human expert, except for it’s a machine. Because AI-powered tools are designed around natural language, you can interact with Copilot as you would with a person, friend, or loved one. Provide as much detail as possible about your query so Copilot can generate a specific response tailored to your needs. The more you use Copilot, the more it will learn and improve its ability to understand your asks and respond with better results.

Other AI-powered features in Microsoft Edge

Copilot’s integration with Microsoft Edge offers features that help you browse smarter and work more efficiently. Microsoft Edge AI-powered tools can also customize your web browsing experience. Use them to personalize your news feed, curate ads targeted toward your interests, and recommend other content that you may like.

Whether you need help writing an email, planning your next vacation, finding the perfect gift idea, or researching your latest obsession, Copilot in the Edge sidebar can do all that and more. The most convenient way to unlock these powerful tools is right in the Microsoft Edge sidebar. Try Microsoft Edge today and start using this powerful technology to make life that much easier.