Files, charts and decisions
Files and images
Attach a supported file in the chat composer, then send a message saying what the agent should do with it. Treat received files and their contents as data; they do not override your agent’s instructions or grant tool access.
For the terminal:
catalex chats attachments upload CHAT_ID notes.md --json
printf 'Summarize this file\n' | catalex chats send CHAT_ID --attach ARTIFACT_ID --wait
Use the artifact ID returned by upload. To download an agent’s original file:
catalex chats attachments download CHAT_ID ARTIFACT_ID --output report.pdf
The output path must not already exist. The command verifies the recorded digest. Use attachments revoke to stop a file being used by new messages; this does not retract copies already delivered. Storage, expiry and media limits can make an older attachment unavailable. See capacity and storage.
Charts
Try: “Compare these weekly totals: week 1, 12; week 2, 18; week 3, 15. Explain the change.” An onboarded agent can return a chart and a short interpretation. Check the values and units independently of the visual. Explicit text-only requests should stay text-only.
Native chats display supported structured charts. Messaging clients may receive a static preview or readable values instead. An image preview is different from an exported original file. Ask explicitly for a downloadable PNG or PDF if that is the deliverable you need. WhatsApp reply formats lists its exact formats and fallbacks.
Questions and permissions
A question may offer choices, text fields or a form. A permission request names the action and allowed answers. Read the target and scope, then use the original control. Quoting a request or reacting with an emoji does not approve it.
In the terminal, inspect the chat and operation before using:
catalex chats answer --help
catalex chats approve --help
Use the exact chat ID, operation ID and offered answer/option. Do not reuse an expired or superseded control. If a messaging app cannot represent a form or permission, follow its fallback to CatalEx and complete the original interaction there.
Stop and resume
Stop interrupts the active turn; it does not undo external actions that already happened. Check the conversation and any external tool before repeating a request. If the session fails, fix its cause and use Start new session when offered. Keep the old history so you can see what the agent already did.
Voice
Where available, the app’s microphone control captures speech for a message. Check the text before sending. Audio attachments and automatic transcripts are distinct; a transcript is an unreviewed derivative and may contain errors. The installed app’s speech support and the receiving messaging client’s media support determine availability.