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# Reading PDFs with Celeste

Celeste works best when the question points at the file you already have on screen. The answers stay tied to that text, which reduces vague replies you might see from a generic chat window.

## Before you ask

Upload the PDF or open it from your library. Scroll to the passage you care about. If your question needs a location, mention the heading or page label you see in Trellis so Celeste can anchor the reply.

## Prompts that work well

1. Define on the page. Ask for a plain-language definition of a term as it is used in that section, not a dictionary sweep.
2. Connect two ideas. Ask how a claim in one subsection relates to an example a few pages later.
3. Check your summary. Paste a one-sentence summary and ask what the author might still want you to notice.

## When to pause

If the PDF is scanned and text selection fails, fix the text layer first. OCR quality affects search, highlights, and how well Celeste can quote the material. For more on habits with long files, see our group reading habits guide and the privacy policy for how uploads are handled.

## Signal phrases that help

Open with the part of the book you mean. For example, say "In the section on risk, the author argues..." before you ask for a counterexample. Short quotes copied from the PDF give Celeste the exact wording that keeps the exchange tied to the source. If you only remember a metaphor, search inside Trellis for a keyword from that paragraph, then ask your question with the sentence visible again.

## What still needs your judgment

Celeste can outline arguments and define jargon, but it does not replace your syllabus. When a course bans outside help on a take-home exam, treat Celeste like any other study aid and follow the rules your instructor posted. For questions about account data, the privacy page spells out retention and how to reach the team.