Quick answer
Use Le Chat's web search for cited answers, Think mode for harder reasoning, Deep Research (listed as a preview feature) for longer investigations, Canvas to edit drafts in place, and Projects or Libraries to keep documents and instructions together. Check the citations and remember every output is a draft.
Features worth knowing
| Feature | What it does | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Web search | Searches the web and returns inline citations | Current facts and quick research |
| Think mode | Uses a reasoning model for multi-step problems | Logic, planning, technical questions |
| Deep Research (preview) | Plans, clarifies, searches and writes a structured report | Longer investigations |
| Canvas | Lets you edit documents or code in place without regenerating | Drafting, revising, mockups |
| Projects and Libraries | Groups chats, files and settings; stores reference documents | Ongoing work with the same materials |
| Memories (beta) | Saves details for later conversations | Consistent preferences |
| Image generation and editing | Creates images and edits by text instruction | Illustrations and quick visuals |
| Voice | Talk to the assistant | Brainstorming and note capture |
| Connectors | Links to tools such as email, calendar and drives | Work tasks, subject to admin settings |
Mistral's pricing page lists many of these as beta or preview and scales limits by plan. Mid-2026 third-party listings also describe Le Chat as organized into modes for chat, work, and code, but confirm the current interface yourself.
Prompting Le Chat well
Writing task
Draft a 500-word newsletter for customers of a small bicycle repair shop announcing new Saturday hours. Tone: friendly, plainspoken. Include one practical tip about winter tire pressure. End with a call to action to book online. Here are two past newsletters for voice: [paste].
Research task
Search for current information on EU rules for e-invoicing for small businesses. Summarize the main obligations, list the official sources you used, and tell me which points depend on my country so I know what to check locally.
Reasoning task
Use Think mode. I have a budget of 2,000 euros and three equipment options for a home studio (details below). Compare them on cost, capability and upgrade path, state your assumptions, and tell me what additional information would change your recommendation.
Give the audience, tone, length and a sample of your own writing whenever style matters.
Workflows
Turn a document pile into a working project
- Create a Project and upload the documents you will keep referring to.
- Ask for a summary of each with open questions.
- Open Canvas and draft your deliverable, revising sections rather than regenerating.
- Check names, figures and claims against the originals.
Cited quick research
- Ask a specific question with web search on.
- Open the cited pages; prefer official and primary sources.
- Ask a follow-up for opposing views.
- Copy verified facts into your own notes.
Verification
- Deep research tools can produce reports with errors and uneven source quality, as reviewers of Le Chat's feature noted. Read the sources.
- Recompute figures and verify dates and legal points independently.
- Ask what the answer is uncertain about, and which claims lack a source.
- For regulated topics, consult official texts or a professional.
Common mistakes
- Assuming beta features behave like finished products.
- Ignoring plan limits and being surprised mid-project.
- Uploading sensitive documents without reading the privacy policy and settings.
- Using search-off mode for questions that need current information.
Limitations and alternatives
- Some features are labeled beta or preview and may change.
- Compared with the largest assistants, its ecosystem of third-party integrations is smaller, though connectors are growing.
- Strong data-residency requirements should be checked against Mistral's enterprise offerings rather than assumed for free accounts.
FAQ
What is Le Chat?
The AI assistant from Mistral AI, available on web and mobile.
What are Libraries and Projects?
Projects group chats, files and settings; Libraries store reference documents. Limits vary by plan.
Does Le Chat cite sources?
Its web search includes inline citations. Open them to verify.
Is Le Chat good for privacy-conscious users?
Mistral is European, but read the current privacy policy and settings rather than assume.