Continue a project in a new AI chat

I use written context and handoffs to keep track of projects across work sessions. This template gives you a small version for a writing project, household plan, research task, or coding project.

Get the template

Download the project-handoff template. No signup required.

Try it before closing a chat

1. Paste the template into the chat where you have been working. Ask the assistant to fill it using only that conversation and mark anything it cannot establish as unknown.
2. Review the summary yourself. Correct decisions, dates, and claims about completed work.
3. Save it in a text file alongside the project. Include the latest draft or relevant files separately.
4. Start a new chat, paste the reviewed handoff, and provide any files the next task requires. Ask the assistant to explain the next step before continuing.

A summary does not transfer files, tool access, or the previous conversation automatically.

Worked example

For a fictional family recipe booklet:

• Goal: Make a printable booklet with eight recipes.
• Decided: One recipe per page; preserve the original ingredient quantities.
• Current state: Six recipes collected; two still missing. Layout has not been tested.
• Files to provide: The six recipe drafts and the current layout, if one exists.
• Next step: Format one recipe as a sample page.
• Unknown: Paper size and the remaining recipes.

Check the new chat

Does it know that two recipes are missing? Does it keep the quantities unchanged? Does it ask about paper size rather than silently choosing it? If it starts making up missing material, correct the handoff before proceeding.

Keep the summary short enough to review. Add detail when it changes what happens next, and do not call a result tested unless you actually checked it.

Want help adapting this?

If the result is confusing or you want to use this with your own workflow, contact me or book an introductory AI session. You can use the free template without booking anything.

See all things you can try.