> ## 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: Agentic Deep Research for Your Knowledge Graph

> Run an agentic research loop that reads your graph, finds gaps, pulls external sources, and produces a fully-cited document. Pro feature.

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.

## 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*.

## Starting a dossier

<Steps>
  <Step title="Navigate to Research">
    Open the **Research** section from the sidebar.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Create a new dossier">
    Click **New Dossier** to open the dossier setup panel.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>

  <Step title="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.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## 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.

## Dossier vs. Ask

|                      | Ask                                     | Dossier                             |
| -------------------- | --------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------- |
| **What it does**     | Queries your existing graph             | Expands your graph with new sources |
| **Speed**            | Instant                                 | Runs in iterations (minutes)        |
| **Output**           | Cited answer                            | Fully-cited research document       |
| **External sources** | No                                      | Yes — promoted into your graph      |
| **Best for**         | Questions your graph can already answer | Topics where your graph has gaps    |

<Note>
  Dossier is a **Pro feature**. Upgrade your plan to unlock unlimited dossier runs and agentic research. [View plans →](/account/billing)
</Note>

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Ask" icon="circle-question" href="/research/ask">
    Query your existing graph instantly with natural language and get fully cited answers.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Work Canvas" icon="pen-to-square" href="/research/work-canvas">
    Turn your dossier output into a polished document using the persistent Work Canvas.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>