# Complete tasks with One Shot

Use the built-in assistant to work with information, local files, and generated documents without first building an app.

Source: https://appjuice.app/guide/one-shot/
Updated: 2026-09-14
Guide baseline: AppJuice 0.350.4

## When to use One Shot

One Shot is AppJuice's built-in general-purpose assistant. Use it to investigate a question, work with files, or prepare a finished result directly. You can continue the conversation to refine that result.

For example, ask it to compare documents, prepare a workshop handout, organize information from approved files, or research a topic. Its available tools also cover image, speech, music, and video tasks when the required services are connected.

Use One Shot when you want the result of a task. When you need your own forms, records, and repeatable workflow, [create an app with Brew](https://appjuice.app/guide/build/). That app can include the [same ready-made conversation interface](https://appjuice.app/guide/apis/#conversation).

## Start a task

1. Open One Shot from your app library.

2. Start a new session for a new topic.

3. Describe the result, audience, and format you need.

4. Add relevant files or text and send the request.

5. Answer any clarification or approval request, then review the result.

Example: “Prepare a 30-minute paper-helicopter workshop for ages 9–12. Help me choose the activity, then make a one-page printable handout.”

You can specify constraints such as “Use only these files,” “Ask before changing the original,” or “Keep the answer short.” For work that must remain on your computer, review the [data and service boundaries](https://appjuice.app/guide/permissions/#privacy) first.

## Discuss the task and make choices

One Shot can ask you to choose between options in a clickable card. Pick an option or reply in your own words. The choice becomes part of the conversation, and the assistant continues from it.

Answers can include headings, lists, tables, formulas, diagrams, and sources. A draft can provide text to copy or comment on. The format depends on the task and the assistant's response; every answer does not need every format.

## Work with files and connected tools

Attach a file for the current task, or provide access to an approved location when the assistant needs to work with existing files. Explain which files it should use and whether it may change them.

One Shot can help create and revise documents, PDFs, spreadsheets, and presentations. Web search, page extraction, and supported browser or desktop tasks are also available through its configured tools. Read access requests before approving an action, especially when it changes files or an external service.

## Preview, save, and revise a result

Ask for a finished file when that is what you need: “Create a one-page PDF I can print,” for example. Open the generated file card to preview supported formats, then use the available download or save action.

To request a revision, use Comment on the file card and describe the change. This adds the file to your next message's context; you still need to send that message. Check the revised file before replacing a copy you already saved.

Review calculations, factual claims, and formatting before using the output. Example measurements should be labeled as examples, not presented as observations from a real experiment.

## Continue and manage your work

Use the Sessions panel to find and continue earlier conversations. Give useful sessions recognizable names. You can collapse this panel when you want more room for the conversation and file preview.

During a task, provide guidance with Steer or use Stop if needed. Stopping does not undo completed file changes or external actions. See [Working with agents](https://appjuice.app/guide/agents/) for the shared conversation controls.

## Check services and permissions

One Shot needs a connected Agent model. Image, audio, and other media actions may need additional services in [AI Services and AI Capabilities](https://appjuice.app/guide/ai/). Local tools and desktop operations also depend on the host and its permissions.

Choosing a local model does not make web search or other connected services offline. Cloud services apply their own account limits and pricing.