# How to use the lab

1,000 Minds is a **run**, not a chat. You set up a problem, start the population, watch nodes appear, then open one synthesized answer.

## Before you run

1. Open [the lab](/) and sign in with Google.
2. **Hosted trial:** three runs per account, up to 50 minds, quick depth, no key required.
3. **Your key (optional):** paste a Cerebras key and Save if you want more runs, larger populations, balanced depth, or deep research on a clicked mind. The key is stored encrypted. The browser never shows it again.

## Write one problem

Use the “What should we solve?” box. One decision or design problem per run works best. Name the real constraint (time, team size, what you refuse to build). A file can add context; it does not replace this box.

Optional **ATTACH CONTEXT**: PDF, Markdown, text, PNG, or JPEG. Up to four files, 8 MB each. The lab compresses them into a short brief; later stages see that, not the raw PDF.

Optional **Population** field: leave blank for a mixed cast, or type a guild such as `marketers` or `clinicians`. Most seats follow that world; a few outsiders stay in the room.

## Choose how hard to search

- **Population size** — how many perspectives are generated. On the hosted trial, larger sizes stay locked until you save a key.
- **Search depth** — **Quick** is the free-tier default. **Balanced** adds mutation and red-team passes; it needs a saved key.
- **Web grounding** — defaults to **off** (faster). Turn **on** to search what already exists before casting, and to check finalist assumptions later. Free users can toggle it. You can still click a mind to search after the run. Details: [Web search](/docs/web-search).

Press **Think**. The lab streams the run. Do not close the tab until it converges or you cancel.

Signed in, your photo in the header opens your account: remaining hosted runs, your activity, past searches, and sign out. Opening a run hydrates the lab from the saved snapshot. It does not continue a chat.

## While it runs

Nodes are sampled perspectives, not separate agents. Click a node to read that seat. The side panel shows phase, scores, and telemetry. When it converges, open the result sheet for the single answer, then download markdown if you want a copy.

## Next

- [What each feature means](/docs/features)
- [How web search works](/docs/web-search)
- [What to ask](/how-it-works)