Basic Features and Tips

Overview

Microsoft Copilot is a powerful generative AI tool that assists you in various tasks, from drafting emails to generating content. This tutorial will guide you through the steps of using the free version of Microsoft Copilot.

Step 1: Access Microsoft Copilot:

For more information and alternative ways in accessing Copilot, please see the Accessing Copilot wiki page.

Step 2: Explore the Chat Interface:

  • Once signed in, you'll be greeted with a chat interface where you can interact with Microsoft Copilot.

  • The chat window is where you can input prompts, ask questions, or request assistance.

interface.PNG
Copilot interface

Step 3: Generate Images:

  • To generate an image, type a prompt like "Create an image of a [description]."

  • Microsoft Copilot will utilize image generation models to provide you with a visual representation based on your prompt.

image-copilot.PNG
Image generation example

The generated image may hallucinate and may not look exactly what you expected. Refer to the tips at the end of this document for more efficiency while working with Copilot.

Step 4: Generate Text:

  • To generate text, type a prompt like "Write a short paragraph about [topic]."

  • Copilot will use its language models to generate relevant and coherent text based on your input.

Similar to generated images, the text generated may hallucinate and provide false information. Make sure to proof read generated text to ensure it’s accuracy.

Step 5: Drafting Emails:

  • Suppose you want assistance in drafting an email. Provide a prompt like "Write an email about [subject]."

  • Copilot will generate an email draft that you can refine and use in your email client.

Step 6: Summarize Documents:

  • If you have a document or web page to summarize, input a prompt like "Summarize the contents of [document or URL]."

  • Copilot will provide a concise summary, making it useful for quickly understanding complex information.

Step 7: Customize Prompts:

  • Experiment with different prompts and approaches to get varied and nuanced results.

  • Microsoft Copilot responds well to detailed prompts, so the more specific you are, the more accurate and relevant the output.

Step 8: Exporting Content:

  • Once you're satisfied with the generated content, you can copy and paste it into your preferred application.

  • For image generation, right-click on the image and choose Save image as to download it.


Workflow Efficiency Tips

  1. Clear Input:

    • Provide clear and concise prompts to get accurate responses.

    • Specify the type of content or task you need assistance with.

  2. Contextual Input:

    • Use Copilot in conjunction with existing documents or web pages for contextual understanding.

    • Paste relevant content to help Copilot generate more accurate responses.

  3. Experiment and Iterate:

    • Experiment with different prompts to understand the range of Copilot's capabilities.

    • Iterate on responses by refining prompts for better results.

  4. Privacy Awareness:

    • Be mindful of privacy when using Copilot for sensitive information.

    • Avoid sharing confidential or proprietary data unless necessary.

  5. Content Refinement:

    • Refine and edit the generated content to meet your specific needs.

    • Use Copilot as a starting point and enhance the output as required.

  6. Explore Different Media:

    • Test Copilot's capabilities for generating images, text, and summaries.

    • Experiment with various prompts to explore diverse outputs.

  7. Verify Citations:

    • Check and verify citations and references provided by Copilot.

    • Ensure accuracy, especially when generating summaries or explanations.

  8. Cross-Platform Usage:

    • Take advantage of Copilot's web-based accessibility across different browsers such as Edge.

    • Integrate Copilot into your workflow on various devices.

  9. Feedback and Learning:

    • Provide feedback to Microsoft for improving Copilot over time.

    • Continuously learn about new features and updates to enhance your experience.


Conclusion:

Microsoft Copilot is a tool that can be powerful when used effectively, and understanding its capabilities can significantly improve workflow efficiency. Experiment with different prompts and explore its capabilities in generating text, images, and more.

Remember to use Microsoft Copilot responsibly and be cautious when dealing with sensitive information.

Â