Interface Overview

The PaperPilot workspace is designed for efficient document editing with AI assistance. Let's explore each component.

Main Workspace

The workspace is divided into several key areas:

1. File Explorer (Left Sidebar)

The file explorer shows your project structure:

• Files & Folders → Click to open files, right-click for context menu
• Quick Actions → Create new files, folders, or import content
• File Icons → Visual indicators for .tex, .bib, images, and more

2. Editor Panel (Left Panel)

The Monaco-powered editor provides:

• Syntax Highlighting → LaTeX commands are color-coded
• Autocomplete → Suggestions for commands and environments
• Multi-tab Editing → Work on multiple files simultaneously

3. PDF Preview (Middle Panel)

Live preview of your compiled document:

• Auto-refresh → Updates as you type and auto compiles on save
• Zoom Controls → Adjust zoom level for comfortable reading
• Page Navigation → Jump to specific pages

4. AI Chat Panel (Right Panel)

Access the AI assistants from the sidebar:

• Research Agent → For literature search and citations
• Writing Agent → For drafting and editing content
• Conversation History → Previous chats are saved per project

Window Management & Docking

PaperPilot features a flexible window management system that allows you to customize your workspace exactly how you like it.

• Dock Anywhere: Drag any panel tab to the edges of the workspace to dock it. You can create split-screen views (side-by-side or top-and-bottom).
• Stacking: Drop a panel onto the center of another panel to stack them into a single tabbed group.
• Resize: Hover between panels and drag the handles to resize them.
• Toggle Visibility: Use the panel toggle buttons in the top-right of the header to show or hide specialized views.

Layout Options

Choose the layout that fits your current workflow.

Application Menu Bar

The top-left menu bar provides comprehensive control over your project and workspace layout.

File Menu

• New File (Cmd/Ctrl + N): Create a new LaTeX or Bibliography file.
• Upload File: Import images or existing documents from your computer.
• Save (Cmd/Ctrl + S): Manually save the current file (auto-save is also active).
• Download PDF: Export the latest compiled version of your document.
• Download Source (Shift + Cmd/Ctrl + S): Download the entire project as a ZIP file.

View Menu

• Toggle Panels: Quickly show or hide the Editor, PDF Preview, or AI Assistant.
• Layout Presets: Switch between predefined layouts like "Editor Only", "PDF Only", or "All Panels".

Help Menu

• Documentation: Access this guide and other helpful resources.
• Keyboard Shortcuts: View and customize all keyboard bindings.
• LaTeX Help: Quick reference for LaTeX syntax and commands.

Header Bar

The header provides quick access to project-wide actions and workspace controls:

Keyboard Shortcuts

Master these shortcuts to control your workspace without leaving the keyboard.

File & Editor Shortcuts

Window Management Toggles

Customizing Shortcuts

You can change any of these shortcuts to match your preference:

1. Go to the Help menu in the top-left menu bar.
2. Select Keyboard Shortcuts.
3. Shortcut customization is saved to your local device.

Theme Support

PaperPilot supports both light and dark themes: