---
title: Chat with Runner
description: Start a project conversation, send a request, and follow Runner while it works.
---

**What this covers:** You will send a focused request in the right store project and know what each chat control does.

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![Runner composer Add menu with Upload image and Take screenshot](https://ixft9x6szo.ufs.sh/f/Cc8uxBgAYTzgp8ibn6ICxDSIARi49OmM2pVWo5j6KyPnuhlZ)

</Frame>

Chat is the main place to ask Runner to build, change, inspect, or explain something about your
store. Keep one main outcome in each request so the result is easier to review.

**Entry path:** Workspace **Home** → select a store → use the open conversation, or choose
**New Chat** in the project sidebar.

## Before you start

- Confirm the store and conversation before sending a request.
- Keep one main outcome in the draft and remove secrets or unnecessary customer data.
- Wait for a conflicting composer action to finish before selecting **Send**.

## Chat controls

| Control | Why it is useful | What happens when you select it |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **New Chat** | Separates a new task from earlier discussion. | Runner creates and opens a blank conversation. No work starts until you send a message. |
| Message box | Holds the request and any follow-up instructions. | Your text stays as a draft until you send it. |
| **Add** | Gives Runner visual context. | On desktop, opens **Upload image** and, when supported, **Take screenshot**. On mobile, the upload button opens **Picture**. Videos, spreadsheets, and other files are not added. |
| Profile selector | Changes the available Runner working profile. | The selected profile is used for the next request; locked choices open the relevant plan path. |
| **Voice input** | Turns speech into draft text. | Requests microphone access, shows **Listening…**, then **Processing…**, and appends the transcript to the current draft. It does not send the request. |
| **More actions** | Keeps less frequently used tools available on smaller layouts. | Opens actions such as **Voice input** or **Enhance prompt** when they do not fit in the toolbar. |
| **Send** | Starts the request. | Your message is added to the conversation and the task begins. |
| **Stop** | Interrupts a running task. | Runner stops the current turn and preserves the conversation so you can review or continue later. |
| **Helpful** / **Not helpful** | Give feedback on a Runner response. | Opens editable feedback. **Not helpful** requires a reason or description. Nothing is saved until **Submit**; sharing conversation context is optional. |

## Send a request

1. Confirm that the project name in the sidebar or header is the store you intend to change.
2. Choose **New Chat** if the request is separate from the current conversation.
3. Enter the result you want in the message box.
4. Add important context, constraints, and reference images.
5. Select a profile or skill only when it helps this task.
6. Select **Send**.
7. Keep the conversation open while Runner works, or return to it from **Recent Chats** later.
8. If Runner asks a question, answer it to let the task continue.

## Draft with voice input

1. Select **Voice input**. If the browser asks, allow microphone access only on a trusted device.
2. Wait for **Listening…**, then speak one focused instruction.
3. Select **Stop voice input** when you finish.
4. Keep the composer open while Runner shows **Processing…**.
5. Review the text added to the draft. Runner appends it after text that was already present.
6. Correct names, numbers, URLs, and product details before selecting **Send**.

Voice input prepares text only. No request starts until you select **Send**.

## While Runner is working

- A running task shows active progress in the conversation.
- **Details** opens the step-by-step task record when it is available.
- **Stop** is available during work that can be interrupted.
- The preview or other canvas tabs can update as Runner produces results.
- A waiting-for-input task needs your answer before Runner can proceed confidently.

## Troubleshooting

| What you see | What it means | What to do |
| --- | --- | --- |
| **Send** is unavailable | The draft is empty, required input is missing, or another action is still being prepared. | Add a clear request and wait for the current composer action to finish. |
| A profile is locked | It is not included in the current plan or account access. | Keep the current profile or follow the **Plan & Billing** path Runner opens. |
| **Voice input unavailable** | The browser or device cannot record through this control. | Type the request or use a supported browser and device. |
| Microphone permission denied | The browser blocked recording. | Allow access only if appropriate, then start voice input again; otherwise type the request. |
| **No speech detected** or transcription failed | Runner did not add usable text to the draft. | Keep the existing draft, check the microphone, and retry once or type the missing text. |
| The task is waiting | Runner needs a decision or more information. | Answer the visible question, or choose **Skip** if Runner should use its best judgment. |
| The task failed | Runner could not complete the turn. | Read the error and **Details**, then use **Try again** when offered or send a narrower follow-up. |
| You opened the wrong store | The conversation belongs to another project. | Return to the workspace, open the intended store, and start the request there. |

## Related guides

- [Write effective requests](./write-effective-requests.mdx)
- [Images, models, and skills](./attachments-profiles-and-skills.mdx)
- [When Runner asks a question](./answer-runner-questions.mdx)
- [Task states and details](./task-states-and-details.mdx)