When you chat with a document, the quality of the answer depends on the quality of the question. Vague questions get vague answers. Specific questions, asked in the right order, can save you a lot of reading. Here are question types that work, with examples.

Start broad, then narrow

Begin by getting your bearings, then go to the details.

Overview questions

  • "Summarize this document in a few sentences."
  • "What is the main purpose of this document?"
  • "What are the key points?"

Then focus

  • "What does it say about refunds?"
  • "What is the deadline for submitting the form?"

This approach lets you decide which parts deserve a close read.

Ask for facts, with sources

Questions about a specific fact usually work best, because the answer can be pointed to on a page.

  • "What is the notice period for ending the agreement?"
  • "What dates or deadlines are mentioned?"
  • "What are the total costs listed?"
  • "Who is responsible for ______?"

Ask for page numbers if the answer does not include them: "Which page is that on?" Then open the page and check.

Ask what it means

If a passage is dense, ask for an explanation:

  • "Explain the section on liability in plain language."
  • "What does 'force majeure' mean in this document?"
  • "Give me an example of how this rule would apply."

Remember that an explanation is an interpretation. For legal or technical content, treat it as a guide for your reading, not an authority.

Ask what it requires of you

Documents often hide obligations in the middle. Try:

  • "What must I do, and by when?"
  • "What actions or next steps does this call for?"
  • "What are the conditions or exceptions?"

Compare and look for gaps

  • "How does section 2 differ from section 5?"
  • "Does the document mention anything about insurance?"
  • "What does the document not say about ______?"

A good answer to a question about something missing is "The document doesn't say." Be wary of an answer that sounds sure but has no page reference.

Research papers and reports

  • "What question does the study try to answer?"
  • "What method did the authors use?"
  • "What were the main results?"
  • "What limitations do the authors mention?"

Then read the relevant sections yourself. A summary of a study is not a substitute for judging it.

Manuals and policies

  • "How do I reset the device?"
  • "What does the warranty cover and exclude?"
  • "What is the process for requesting leave?"

Tips for better answers

  • Be specific. "What are the payment terms?" beats "Tell me about money."
  • One question at a time. Combined questions get muddled answers.
  • Follow up. Ask "Can you quote the passage?" or "Where is that?"
  • Rephrase if the answer seems off. A different wording can change the result.
  • Notice limits. Chats have a question limit per session, so make each question count.

Check before you rely on it

An answer is only as good as the match between it and the page. For anything important:

  1. Note the page number.
  2. Open the PDF to that page.
  3. Read the passage yourself.

Never rely on a chat answer alone for legal, medical or financial decisions.

Try it

Upload a document to Chat with PDF and start with "Summarize this document in a few sentences", then narrow down. If you only need an overview, the PDF Summarizer is faster.