# Start a chat

> Start a DIA chat: choose who sees it, pick a model, check the credit estimate, stop a reply and recover when one fails.

Source: https://docs.dia.now/start-a-chat

> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.dia.now/llms.txt).

# Start a chat

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open a new chat">
    Click **New chat** in the sidebar, or the plus button next to the Shared or Private section.
  </Step>
  <Step title="Choose who sees it">
    Under **Who sees this chat**, pick **Shared** or **Private**. [Shared and Private chats](/shared-and-private-chats) explains the difference.
  </Step>
  <Step title="Pick a model">
    Open the model picker and choose one. Each model shows its approximate cost in credits.
  </Step>
  <Step title="Send">
    Type your message, check the credit estimate and click **Send**.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## While DIA replies

To cancel a reply, click **Stop**, which appears where **Send** was while your message box is empty. Nothing is charged for a stopped reply. Only the person who asked, an Owner or an Admin can stop it.

You can keep typing and send another message during a reply. DIA holds it until the reply finishes.

## If a reply fails

A notice with **Try again** appears in the chat. Problems with credits, limits or the model appear as a warning above your message box, and your message stays there so you don't lose it. If the workspace is out of credits, see [When credits run out](/credits#when-credits-run-out).

## Find a chat later

Click **Search** in the sidebar, or press ⌘K on a Mac or Ctrl K on Windows. Search looks through the chats loaded in your sidebar. It doesn't search the text of messages.