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Documentation Index

Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.ontoic.com/llms.txt

Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

Dossier is an agentic research loop that reads your graph, identifies what’s missing, pulls in external sources, and produces a fully-cited document — all without you having to manage the process step by step. Where Ask queries what you already have, Dossier actively expands your knowledge base.

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How Dossier works

Dossier runs in iterations. Each iteration tightens the research and deepens the synthesis. Here’s what happens inside the loop:
  1. Reads your graph — Ontoic scans your existing nodes and documents for everything relevant to your research question.
  2. Identifies gaps — it maps what the graph covers and what it doesn’t, noting missing perspectives, conflicting claims, or thin evidence.
  3. Searches external sources — Ontoic reaches out to external sources to fill those gaps.
  4. Promotes relevant sources — sources that pass relevance and quality checks are promoted into your graph as new nodes.
  5. Balances opposing views — Dossier deliberately sources counterarguments and dissenting perspectives, not just supporting evidence. Dialectical balance is maintained throughout.
  6. Synthesises — once the iterations are complete, Ontoic produces a fully-cited document drawing on everything it found.
You’ll see progress in real time — for example: iter 4 / 8 · 29 sources read · 5 external promoted · dialectical balance maintained · synthesising · high confidence.

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Starting a dossier

1

Navigate to Research

Open the Research section from the sidebar.
2

Create a new dossier

Click New Dossier to open the dossier setup panel.
3

Enter your research question

Type your research question or topic in plain language. Be as specific or as broad as your needs require — Dossier adapts its loop accordingly.
4

Set iterations (if prompted)

If you’re given the option, choose the number of iterations. More iterations mean deeper coverage and more external sources evaluated.
5

Run the dossier

Click Run. Ontoic begins the loop immediately. You can monitor progress in real time and review the output once synthesis is complete.

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Reading dossier output

When your dossier finishes, you receive a structured document with the following properties:
  • Every source is traceable. Click any citation to navigate to the source node, and from there to the original external document or URL.
  • External sources are promoted to your graph. Sources Dossier found and used don’t disappear after the run — they become part of your knowledge base, available for future Ask queries and dossiers.
  • Opposing views are included. Dossier doesn’t cherry-pick supporting evidence. It actively seeks and incorporates sources that challenge or complicate your question, so your document reflects the actual state of the debate.

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Dossier vs. Ask

AskDossier
What it doesQueries your existing graphExpands your graph with new sources
SpeedInstantRuns in iterations (minutes)
OutputCited answerFully-cited research document
External sourcesNoYes — promoted into your graph
Best forQuestions your graph can already answerTopics where your graph has gaps
Dossier is a Pro feature. Upgrade your plan to unlock unlimited dossier runs and agentic research. View plans →

Ask

Query your existing graph instantly with natural language and get fully cited answers.

Work Canvas

Turn your dossier output into a polished document using the persistent Work Canvas.