> For the complete user guide index, see [llms.txt](https://portraitresearch.com/documentation/llms.txt).

# Choose Easel or Deep Research

[Canonical page](https://portraitresearch.com/documentation/research/deep-research-vs-quick-search/)

## Applicability

- **Task:** Match a research question to the current conversational or report workflow
- **Access:** Portrait account with mode-specific usage
- **Audience:** Portrait users choosing between Easel and Deep Research
- **Surfaces:** web; ios
- **Availability:** Production; available actions depend on account and usage
- **Content type:** explanation
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-09-07

There are two current starting points for research: Easel for conversational work and Deep Research for a report with a scope defined before execution.

| | Easel | Deep Research |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Open-ended, iterative, or multi-step work | A structured report with a defined scope |
| Scope | Can evolve through follow-ups | Companies, documentary sources, period, and question set before the run; supported financial and private context can also apply |
| Interaction | Conversational; you can redirect the work | Runs from the scope you submit; review the report when it is ready |
| Typical result | An inline response; files when requested or warranted | Portrait Review and Appendix |
| Duration | Depends on the work and tools used | Depends on scope and processing; an accepted run continues after you leave the page |
| Availability | Portrait accounts, subject to applicable usage | Portrait accounts; applicable usage and concurrency policy may apply |

## Use Easel

Choose Easel when you expect the plan to change as you inspect evidence, need several tools in sequence, or want to continue from earlier Portrait work.

## Use Deep Research

Choose Deep Research when you can state the scope in advance and want a repeatable report structure. Review the Portrait Review and use the Appendix to inspect supporting evidence. Review [all context included in the scope](https://portraitresearch.com/documentation/research/select-companies-and-sources/) and [the run's status](https://portraitresearch.com/documentation/research/research-status-and-recovery/) before starting another attempt.

## Quick Chat is a legacy workflow

Use **Ask Easel** for new conversational research. To find or continue an earlier thread, follow [Quick Chat (legacy)](https://portraitresearch.com/documentation/more/legacy-chats/). Available chat controls depend on your account and where you are working.

## Review every result

Both workflows generate analysis. Check the requested scope, inspect available citations, and verify material claims against primary sources.

### Next

[Select Deep Research companies and sources](https://portraitresearch.com/documentation/research/select-companies-and-sources/) for a Deep Research run.