A visual walkthrough of the Sandbox interface. This page shows you where things are and what they do.
When you log in, you see the main chat interface. Three areas:
- Sidebar (left): Your conversation history, workspace access, settings
- Chat area (center): The conversation thread and input box
- Top bar: Model selector, settings, profile
The sidebar has several sections:
Chats
- Your conversation history
- Click a chat to reopen it
- Hover over a chat title to see options (rename, archive, delete)
Workspace
- Models — Create custom AI configurations
- Knowledge — Build document collections
- Tools — Browse available tools (if you have access)
Settings
- User settings (preferences, defaults)
- Admin panel (if you're an administrator)
Click the + New Chat button at the top of the sidebar (or press Ctrl/Cmd + Shift + N).
A new conversation opens. You'll see:
- An empty chat area
- The input box at the bottom
- The current model name at the top
Type a message and press Enter to send.
Click the model name at the top of the chat area.
A dropdown appears showing all available models. Click one to switch.
Your conversation history stays the same. Only the model responding changes.
The input box has several buttons:
➕ (Plus icon)
- Add tools to the current conversation
- Tools appear as options (Web Search, Code Interpreter, etc.)
- Toggle them on/off for this chat
📎 (Paperclip icon)
- Attach files to your message
- Upload images, PDFs, or documents
- The model can analyze or reference them
↑ (Send button)
- Send your message
- Or press Enter on your keyboard
Go to Workspace > Models in the sidebar.
You'll see:
- A list of models you've created
- Models shared with you
- A + New Model button to create one
Click + New Model to open the model editor.
The model editor has several sections:
Basic Info
- Name your model
- Choose a base model
- Set visibility (Private, Limited, Public)
System Prompt
- Write instructions for the model
- Define its role and boundaries
Knowledge
- Attach knowledge bases (document collections)
Tools
- Enable tools (Web Search, Code Interpreter, etc.)
Skills
- Bind domain expertise (if available)
Go to Workspace > Knowledge in the sidebar.
You'll see:
- A list of knowledge bases you've created
- Knowledge bases shared with you
- A + Create a Knowledge Base button
Click + Create a Knowledge Base to start building a document collection.
When creating or editing a knowledge base:
Basic Info
- Name it
- Describe its purpose
- Set visibility
Upload Files
- Drag and drop PDFs, Markdown, or plain text
- Multiple files at once
- Processing happens automatically
Connected Models
- See which models use this knowledge base
- Add or remove connections
Click your profile avatar (top right) and select Settings.
You'll see several tabs:
General
- Default model
- Interface theme (light, dark, auto)
- Chat input mode
Account
- Profile picture
- Display name
Advanced
- Temperature (controls response creativity)
- System prompt (global instructions for all chats)
In any conversation, click the three dots next to a message to:
- Edit the message (useful if you want to rephrase and regenerate)
- Copy the message text
- Delete the message
- Regenerate the response (ask the model to try again)
Hover over a chat in the sidebar and click the three dots that appear.
Options:
- Rename — Give the chat a descriptive title
- Archive — Remove from active list (still accessible)
- Delete — Permanently remove
- Share — Generate a share link
Renaming helps you find conversations later.
Now that you've toured the interface, you can:
- Start using the Sandbox: Getting Started
- Build your first custom model: Custom Models
- Learn about teaching strategies: Teaching Tips
The CUNY AI Lab maintains the Sandbox and provides support through workshops and office hours. Check the AI Lab website for schedules and contact information.