The Context Lifecycle

Strategic decisions for managing conversation context

Start Fresh Begin with clean context
Steer Redirect without resetting
Continue Build on shared understanding
Shape Output Transform format & style
Extract & Reset Save outputs, then restart
Strategy Details

Click a state in the diagram
to learn when and how to use it

Start Fresh

What It Means

Begin a new conversation with zero accumulated context. The model has no history—only system context and memory.

When to Use

  • Switching to a completely new topic
  • Previous conversation became noisy/unfocused
  • You want a "second opinion" without prior bias
  • Starting a task that needs fresh perspective

The Action

Click "New Chat" or use keyboard shortcut. Consider briefly stating relevant context in your first message.

"You've been debugging Python for 20 messages. Now you want help writing a cover letter—start fresh so code context doesn't bleed in."

Continue

What It Means

Keep building within the current conversation. Each exchange adds to shared context, creating compounding understanding.

When to Use

  • Iterating on the same document or code
  • Asking follow-up questions on same topic
  • Refining output through multiple rounds
  • Context from earlier messages is still relevant

The Action

Simply send your next message. Reference earlier context naturally: "Now let's..." or "Building on that..."

"You're refining a business proposal. Message 1 drafted it, message 2 adjusted tone, message 3 adds metrics. Each builds on the last."

Shape Output

What It Means

Transform the output's format, length, or style without changing the underlying content. The substance is right—now make it fit the destination.

When to Use

  • Output is correct but wrong format
  • Need different length (expand/condense)
  • Tone doesn't match the audience
  • Converting formats (prose → bullets, etc.)

The Action

Direct transformation requests: "Reformat as...", "Condense to...", "Make this more...", "Extract just the..."

"This explanation is good but I need it as a numbered checklist I can paste into our team wiki."

Extract & Reset

What It Means

Save the valuable outputs from the current conversation, then start fresh. Keep the results while shedding accumulated noise.

When to Use

  • Conversation got long and unfocused
  • Good output buried in messy context
  • Need to continue with clean slate + summary
  • Moving to next phase of a project

The Action

Copy key outputs or ask Claude to summarize. Start new chat and paste the summary as context.

"After 30 messages refining a project plan, copy the final version. Start fresh: 'Here's my project plan. Now help me create the timeline.'"

Steer

What It Means

Redirect the conversation's direction without throwing away useful context. A mid-course correction that preserves what's valuable.

When to Use

  • Response went in wrong direction
  • Need to correct a misunderstanding
  • Want to shift focus within same topic
  • Output style doesn't match what you need

The Action

Explicitly redirect: "Actually, let's focus on X instead" or "That's not quite right—I meant Y."

"This is too formal. Rewrite in a casual, conversational tone—like I'm explaining to a friend over coffee."
Quick Reference
New topic → Start Fresh
Same topic → Continue
Wrong direction → Steer
Wrong format → Shape
Too messy → Extract