Never used Kimi before? Start here. This tutorial walks you through eight small steps, from opening Kimi for the first time to handing it a real task. Everything is explained in plain words.
By the end you will be able to do this: ask, attach a file, and get a useful result.
Kimi AI is an assistant you talk to by typing. You ask a question or describe a job, and it writes back. It is made by Moonshot AI, and the official website is kimi.com.
Any computer, tablet or phone with a web browser. There are also apps for Windows, Mac, Android and iPhone.
Kimi runs online. A normal home or mobile connection is fine.
The free plan is enough for most of this tutorial. You do not need a credit card to sign up.
The quickest way to start is in your web browser. There is nothing to install.
You can look around without an account, but signing in lets Kimi save your chats so you can come back to them.
That is all. You are now on the free plan, which Kimi calls Adagio. It lets you chat with the Kimi K2.6 model at no cost.
Kimi's screen is simple. These are the four parts you will use most. The exact names and positions can change a little between the website and the app.
The long box where you type. Press Enter, or the send arrow, to send your message.
Next to the message box. Use it to add a PDF, document or picture for Kimi to read.
Lets you choose how Kimi works, for example a quick answer, deeper thinking, or Agent mode.
Your earlier chats, usually at the side. There is also a button to start a new chat.
Now the fun part. Click the message box, type a question the way you would ask a friend, and press Enter.
Give me three easy dinner ideas I can cook in 20 minutes.
Kimi answers in a few seconds. You do not have to accept the first answer. Reply in the same chat to change it:
Kimi remembers what was said earlier in the same chat, so you can keep building on it.
A prompt is just the message you send. A clear prompt gets a better answer. When the first reply is not quite right, add these four things:
Four parts in, one clear answer out.
Explain [topic] in simple words, as if I am new to it. Give one everyday example.
Write a polite email to [person] about [subject]. Keep it under 120 words and end with a clear next step.
Help me plan [event or project]. Ask me three questions first, then give me a simple step-by-step plan.
Replace anything in [square brackets] with your own words. There are more in the Kimi AI prompts section.
Kimi can read files for you. This is one of its most useful skills, because it saves you from reading long documents yourself.
Summarize this file in 5 bullet points.
Then ask follow-up questions, such as "What does it say about costs?"
Kimi picks out the key lines, writes a summary and answers your questions.
Kimi can work in different ways. Picking the right one saves time, and it saves credits too. Use this table as a guide.
| Mode | Use it when | How long | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quick chat | You have an everyday question or want help with writing | Seconds | Free with Kimi K2.6 |
| Thinking | The question is tricky, such as maths, logic or a careful comparison | A little longer | Free with Kimi K2.6 |
| Agent | You want a whole task done, with several steps, and a finished file at the end | Minutes | Uses credits |
| Deep Research | You want a long report on a topic, with links to sources | 10 to 25 minutes | Uses credits |
| Kimi K3 | The job is very hard or the files are very long | Slower than K2.6 | Paid plans, from $19 a month |
On a small screen, swipe the table sideways to see every column.
Once you are comfortable chatting, let Kimi do a real job for you. Pick one of these. Each one links to a short guide.
Attach a document and ask: "Turn this into a 10-slide presentation for my team."
Kimi Slides guide →Open Deep Research and ask one focused question. Kimi reads the web and writes a report with sources.
Deep Research →Describe the site you want, such as "a one-page site for my dog-walking business".
Website builder →Ask: "Make a monthly budget spreadsheet with totals and a pie chart."
Kimi Sheets →Attach a report and ask for the key points, then ask questions about any part.
PDF summarizer →"Tell me about marketing" gets a vague answer. Say who you are and what you need it for.
The second or third reply is often the best one. Tell Kimi what to change.
Kimi can be wrong and still sound sure. Check names, numbers and dates that matter.
Mixing many topics in one chat confuses things. Start a new chat for a new subject.
It is slower and uses credits. Quick chat is better for simple questions.
Leave out passwords, bank details and confidential files.
Tick these off as you go. By the last one, you will know your way around Kimi.
Your ticks are not saved if you close or reload this page.