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 and the run's status 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). 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 for a Deep Research run.