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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

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.