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Interface Overview

Open WebUI presents a thoughtfully designed interface that balances simplicity with comprehensive functionality. The layout is intuitively organized into three main regions, each serving a specific purpose in your workflow.

Access Requirements

The platform is accessible within your institutional network. If you're located outside the campus network (such as working from home), you must establish an active VPN connection to access the interface.

Interface Layout

When you open Open WebUI, you'll see a clean interface divided into three main areas:

A) Left Sidebar: Your Organization Center

The left sidebar serves as your navigation and organizational hub. Here you'll find:

  • New Chat: The most prominent button at the top to start fresh conversations
  • Chat History: List of your previous conversations for easy continuation
  • Workspace: Area to manage your own files, organize them in knowledge stores, and create custom assistants
  • Settings (Gear Icon): Located at the bottom left for account settings, including API key generation

B) Main Chat Window: The Dialog Area

The largest area in the center is where the actual conversation with the AI model takes place. Here you select the model and see both your questions (prompts) and the AI's responses displayed clearly.

C) Input Field: Where Interaction Begins

Centrally located at the bottom, the input field is where you type your messages to the AI. Additional functionality is available through icons:

  • Model Selection: Choose your desired AI model from the dropdown menu above the input field
  • File Attachment: Use the paperclip icon to upload files for context during your current chat

Typical Workflow

Your workflow follows a natural progression through these interface elements:

  1. Start a new conversation through the sidebar
  2. Select an appropriate model for your task
  3. Input your question in the text area
  4. Optionally add documents for additional context
  5. Review the AI's response in the conversation window

The workspace features accessible through the sidebar enable you to manage documents, prompts, and assistants, while sharing capabilities support collaboration with team members throughout your organization.

This interface design prioritizes efficiency and user experience, ensuring all necessary tools are readily available while maintaining a clean workspace that supports both quick interactions and complex workflows.