Workspace layout
The Atlas workspace is built around three functions: finding project material, doing focused research work, and asking grounded questions. The layout keeps those functions close without forcing a single linear workflow.
Main areas
| Area | Primary role | Common contents |
|---|---|---|
| Left panel | Find and organize project material. | Projects, sources, notes, chats, maps, account controls. |
| Main panel | Do the focused work. | PDF viewer, note editor, maps, summaries, tabs. |
| Right panel | Ask and verify questions. | Chat, citations, context-aware assistance. |
| Tabs | Keep multiple artifacts open. | Sources, notes, maps, generated views. |
| Split view | Compare surfaces. | PDF plus notes, source plus chat, map plus summary. |
Left panel
Use the left panel to choose the project and artifact. Check this area before importing a source or asking a question so you do not add work to the wrong project.
Main panel
The main panel is where reading, writing, and visual exploration happen. It should show the artifact you are actively working on, not just the most recently opened item.
Right panel
The right panel is for grounded assistance: asking questions, checking citations, summarizing, and turning findings into notes or next steps.
Tabs and split view
Tabs prevent context loss when moving between several sources or notes. Split view is best when the task requires comparison, such as checking a citation while writing a note.
Responsive behavior
On small screens, panels may collapse or stack. Mobile is useful for review and capture, but desktop is better for dense PDF, map, and multi-panel work.
Workflow pattern
- Pick the correct project in the left panel.
- Open the source, note, or map in the main panel.
- Use chat in the right panel for questions and cited checks.
- Save durable findings into notes.