How to create Entries and Templates with the Compose Agent

Note: Compose is a Benchling AI feature. See the AI at Benchling page for information on how to enable data entry assistant and other AI-based features.

This feature is in Preview, so keep in mind that it is a work in progress. Usage limits may apply as we prepare for general availability.

Compose accelerates notebook entry and template creation using conversational chat inputs and attached files. Use the Compose to:

• Organize experimental data
• Extract information from uploaded notes
• Draft an entry for your experiment and insert structured tables
• Create a notebook template from an image of a protocol 

Create a new Compose chat

Create a new chat for document creation. 

1. In the home menu, click the sparkle icon to access the Benchling agents
2. Click Compose in the chat box
3. Type your prompt in plain language, and attach supporting files such as PDFs
4. Send the chat, and the side panel will expand with your document draft 

Tip: Compose performs best when your prompt is clear and specific. 

Edit and adjust your draft

Modify the outputs from the agent, or follow up with a clarifying prompt in the same chat interface 

1. Edit the draft document directly in the right side draft workspace
2. Send followup chat messages to clarify your prompt or try again 

Save your draft

Finalize your draft and save the outputs of Compose

1. Click Save as on the top right corner of your draft document
2. Pick whether your draft should be saved as:
   1. A new entry
   2. A new template

Viewing previous chats

1. In the home menu, click the sparkle icon
2. Click the clock icon on the top left of the panel
3. Click into past chats to see more

Limitations

• Larger operations can take longer to run. You can close the side panel and return later to review the results.

Risks from AI mistakes

As with any AI tool, Compose may make mistakes, so it is critical to verify the results to ensure the data is properly entered into the system. 

Data protection and security

For more information about data protection and security for AI-powered features, see Data protection and security for AI at Benchling.