> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://wiki.secrets.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://wiki.secrets.ai/get-started/chat-features.md).
# Chat Features
Chat feels best when you use the right mode, steer replies clearly, and edit when needed.
### Chat basics
* Send normal text messages
* Use `*action*` for roleplay
* Your companion matches your language automatically
* Companions remember recent context and adapt to your tone
* Important details can be saved to memory automatically
* On desktop, you can **pop out** the chat into its own separate window using the pop-out button in the chat toolbar, next to the audio call button
Want multiple companions in one thread? See [Group Chats](/get-started/group-chats.md).
### Choose reply length
| Option | How it feels | Best for |
| ------------------ | ------------------------ | ------------------------------- |
| **SMS mode** | Several shorter messages | A more natural texting feel |
| **Paragraph mode** | One longer message | Fuller replies with more detail |
* **Current chat:** Open **Chat Settings**
* **Future chats:** Set your default in **User Settings**
{% hint style="info" %}
If you switch an existing chat from **SMS** to **Paragraph**, the AI may still follow the earlier short-message pattern.
Send this once to fully switch it over:
`(OOC: Please review your response instructions as they have changed - please remember to generate detailed paragraphs of natural responses rather than short texts.)`
{% endhint %}
### Edit and steer the conversation
You can edit any message you sent to generate a new reply.
Edits work like [Time Travel](/get-started/time-travel.md). Everything after that message is removed.
If you want to keep the old branch, start a new chat first.
To steer roleplay without breaking immersion, use [OOC Commands](/get-started/ooc-commands.md).
For roleplay:
* Use `*action*` for actions
* Set the scene clearly
* Be specific about what you want next
### Set your Spice Level
Spice Level controls how bold or intimate your conversations feel. It replaces the old Core/Edge content mode system.
| Level | Icon | Feels like | Best for |
| ---------- | ---- | -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------- |
| **Mild** | ☕ | Wholesome & friendly | Everyday chat, emotional support, casual hangouts |
| **Medium** | ❤️ | Romantic & emotional | Deeper connections, light romance (formerly Core) |
| **Spicy** | 🔥 | Open & uninhibited | No holds barred conversations (formerly Edge) |
**Where to change it:**
* **Default for new chats:** Settings → Companion Preferences → Default Spice Level
* **Per chat:** Change the spice level when creating or editing a chat by selecting it in the Mode Selector or in the chat settings
{% hint style="info" %}
If you change the spice level on an existing chat, it may take a few messages for the conversation to fully transition to the new tone. The companion adjusts gradually based on the conversation's history.
{% endhint %}
### Chat background photos
Set a custom background photo for any chat to personalize the look and feel of your conversations.
**How to set a background:**
1. Open **Chat Settings** for any chat
2. Select **Background Photo**
3. Choose a generated image to use as your background
{% hint style="info" %}
**Recommended sizes:**
* **Mobile:** Use a **portrait** image for the best fit
* **Desktop:** Use a **landscape** image — try generating one in Advanced mode
{% endhint %}
### Limits and language
| Item | Details |
| ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **What counts** | Only **your** messages count toward limits |
| **Reset** | Limits reset 24 hours after your first message |
| **Rollover** | Unused messages do not roll over |
| **Upgrade timing** | Higher limits apply immediately |
| **Max length** | **Ultimate** supports up to **2,000 characters** per message |
| **Languages** | All major languages are supported automatically |
{% hint style="info" %}
[Time Travel](/get-started/time-travel.md) requires **PREMIUM** or **ULTIMATE**.
{% endhint %}
### Text-to-Speech
Click the speaker button on a message to hear it out loud.
In group chats, each companion uses their own voice.
{% hint style="info" %}
TTS costs **10 moments per 100 characters**.
{% endhint %}
| Characters | Cost |
| ---------- | ---------- |
| 50 | 10 moments |
| 150 | 20 moments |
| 500 | 50 moments |
Notes:
* Messages must be at least **20 characters**
* Cost uses the final enhanced text
* Audio tags like `[laughing]` count if the AI adds them
### Quick fixes
**Unwanted response**
* Use [Time Travel](/get-started/time-travel.md)
* Try a different content mode
* Be more specific
**Hit your message limit**
* Wait for reset
* Upgrade your tier
### Quick answers
| Question | Answer |
| --------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------- |
| **Can I edit sent messages?** | Yes. |
| **Do companion replies count toward limits?** | No. |
| **Can I choose short or long replies?** | Yes. Use **SMS** or **Paragraph**. |
| **Do companions remember me across chats?** | They can with memory groups. |
***
Next steps: Learn [Memory System](/get-started/memory-system.md), [Time Travel](/get-started/time-travel.md), or [Image Generation](/create/image-generation.md).