The “Branch in new chat” feature allows users to continue a conversation from a chosen point while keeping the original dialogue unchanged. Instead of restarting from scratch or copying context manually, branching creates a parallel conversation that inherits the discussion up to a specific message. From that moment on, the new chat develops independently. This approach makes it possible to explore alternative ideas, structures, or strategies without disrupting the original thread. In essence, branching turns a single conversation into multiple parallel paths. It is a powerful organizational tool rather than a change in how answers are generated.
What Happens When a Chat Is Branched
When a user creates a branch, the system copies the conversation history up to the selected message into a new chat. Messages that appear later in the original conversation are not included, because the goal is to diverge at that exact point. From then on, both conversations exist independently. Each can evolve in different directions, receive different instructions, or follow different constraints. This separation allows experimentation without risk of losing or altering prior work. The original conversation remains intact as a reference point.
Why Branching Is Useful
Branching is especially useful when working with complex tasks that benefit from comparison or iteration. For example, a user may want to explore multiple versions of a text, test different assumptions, or evaluate alternative solutions. Instead of rewriting the same setup repeatedly, branching preserves context and saves time. It also reduces confusion by keeping each line of thinking contained within its own conversation. This makes the feature valuable for planning, writing, analysis, and creative exploration.
Branching as Parallel Thinking
The core idea behind branching is parallel thinking. A single starting point can lead to multiple outcomes depending on the questions asked or constraints applied. One branch might focus on a concise explanation, while another explores the same topic in depth. Another branch might change tone, audience, or format entirely. All of this can happen without interference between conversations. Branching therefore supports structured experimentation rather than linear trial and error.
How Branching Improves Workflow
Without branching, users often rely on copying and pasting summaries or re-explaining prior context. This introduces the risk of losing details or changing meaning unintentionally. Branching avoids this problem by preserving the full context automatically. It also makes conversations easier to organize, especially for long projects. Each branch can be named, revisited, or abandoned without affecting others. Over time, this leads to cleaner workflows and clearer thinking.
What Branching Does Not Do
Branching does not merge conversations back together automatically. Each branch remains separate unless the user manually combines results. It also does not guarantee identical outcomes if the same question is asked again, since each conversation develops independently. Branching is not a collaborative editing tool where multiple people modify the same conversation simultaneously. Instead, it is a controlled way to explore alternatives without overwriting prior progress.
When to Use Branching
Branching is most effective when a conversation reaches a meaningful decision point. This might be after defining requirements, outlining a plan, or drafting an initial version. From there, branching allows different directions to be explored safely. It is less useful for short, one-off questions, but extremely valuable for long-form thinking and iterative work. Knowing when to branch is part of developing an efficient workflow.
Why Branching Changes How People Use Chats
By allowing conversations to split rather than restart, branching encourages deeper exploration and creativity. Users can take risks, ask “what if” questions, and test unconventional ideas without losing their main thread. This reduces hesitation and increases productivity. Over time, branching turns conversations into flexible workspaces rather than disposable exchanges. It supports a more thoughtful and modular approach to problem-solving.
Interesting Facts
- Branching creates parallel conversations from a single starting point.
- The original chat remains unchanged and preserved.
- Branches can follow completely different goals or tones.
- Context is inherited automatically, reducing setup repetition.
- Branching supports comparison without confusion.
Glossary
- Branch — a new conversation created from a specific point in an existing chat.
- Original Thread — the initial conversation that remains unchanged.
- Context — prior messages included in a branch up to the split point.
- Parallel Conversation — an independent dialogue developed from the same starting history.
- Workflow — an organized process for working through tasks or ideas.
