> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.calderapbc.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Getting started with Mesa
> Log in, ask your first question, and learn where everything lives, all in about five minutes.
Mesa is built to help governments research faster, draft with confidence, and keep every document in one place. This walkthrough takes you from logging in to your first completed request.
When you log in, you land on the Mesa home page. The chat box sits in the center, your organization name is in the top-left, and the sidebar on the left holds your conversations, library, files, and customization options.
For a full tour of the interface, see [Navigation](/navigation).
Above the chat box, use the dropdown to pick a model and effort level. As a rule of thumb: use a lighter model on **Fast** for quick questions, and a higher-capability model on **Balanced** or **Deep Research** for research and drafting.
Not sure which to pick? [Models](/models) compares every option and when to use it.
Use the toggle above the chat box to choose between **Search**, which searches a curated legal corpus, and **Ask AI**, which sends your request to Mesa's agents.
Specific prompts get better answers. Instead of "What are the reporting rules?", try:
> Summarize the financial reporting obligations for public companies in Delaware, formatted as a short memo for a senior partner.
Press `Enter` to send your message.
[Writing effective prompts](/prompting) covers how to phrase requests for the best results.
Mesa can ground its answers in your own documents. You have two options:
* Click the paperclip icon or drag and drop a file into the chat box to attach it to this conversation only.
* Type `@` to tag a file you've already saved to Mesa, so you can reuse it across conversations.
Learn the difference between one-off uploads and saved files in [Attachments](/attachments) and [Tagging files](/tagging-files).
Long-running requests, like deep research or an exhaustive search, don't need you to watch the screen. While an agent is running, click **Notify me when done**. Mesa sends you an in-app notification and an email the moment your request finishes.
## Where to go next
You've completed your first request. From here, build out the rest of your workspace:
Set your theme, sidebar layout, and how you send messages.
Upload the documents you use most so they're always ready to tag.
Pin the jurisdictions and collections relevant to your practice.
Give Mesa standing instructions so every conversation starts smart.