> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.alterhq.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Understand context and app awareness

> Learn how Alter uses app context, follow mode, and files to give better answers

Alter works best when it understands what you are currently working on.

## Why context matters

When Alter sees the right context, answers become faster and more specific. You spend less time re-explaining your screen and more time making progress.

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Current app" icon="app-window">
    Add your active app to get context-aware help on what you are looking at right now.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Follow Mode" icon="refresh-cw">
    Keep context synchronized while you edit files, documents, or pages.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Files and folders" icon="folder-open">
    Drag and drop project material for grounded answers and edits.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Try it in 60 seconds

<Steps>
  <Step title="Start from your active app">
    Open any app, add **Current Application**, then ask: "Summarize what I am viewing and suggest next steps."
  </Step>

  <Step title="Turn on continuous context">
    Keep editing while chatting and ask: "What changed since the previous version?"
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add supporting files">
    Drag a related file or folder into Alter and ask for a concrete output (rewrite, summary, checklist, or edit plan).
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  For best results, combine one app context with only the files needed for the task. Smaller, focused context usually gives better answers.
</Tip>

## Related pages

* [Use current app and Follow Mode](/getting-started/use-current-app-and-follow-mode)
* [Your workspace](/getting-started/your-workspace)
* [Run your first workflows](/getting-started/first-workflows)
* [Use Tool Manager](/how-to/tool-manager-guide)