How to use multiple AI tools together without losing the thread

This post will show you how to use multiple AI tools together effectively. You will learn how to keep track of your work when moving between different AI tools. You will also understand how to share information between them so each tool has the context it needs.

Why using multiple AI tools together matters

Different AI tools have different strengths. Some are good at writing, others at summarising, and some at creating images or code. If you only use one tool, you might miss out on the best features for a specific task. By learning how to use multiple AI tools together, you can pick the best tool for each part of your work. This helps you get better results and manage complex tasks more easily. It also means you are not stuck if one tool is not working well for a particular job.

Prepare your information

Before you start, gather all the information you want the AI tools to work with. This might be a document, a set of notes, or a summary you have already written. The key is to have one central record of your information. This record will be the source that every AI reads first. Make sure this information is clear and well-organised. For example, if you have a long report, you might want to create a short summary of it first. This summary can then be given to each AI tool as a starting point. Having a single, shared record helps keep all the AI tools on the same page.

The shared record approach

Think of your shared record as the main source of truth for your project. Every time you start a new task with a different AI tool, you give it this shared record first. This ensures that each AI tool has the same basic understanding of your project. For example, if you are working on a project about a new policy, your shared record might be a document that explains the policy's main points. When you move to an AI tool for writing, you give it this document. When you move to an AI tool for summarising, you give it the same document. This method helps you avoid confusion and keeps your work consistent across different tools.

Handoffs by document

When you finish a task with one AI tool, save the result as a document. This document then becomes the input for the next AI tool. This is called a 'handoff by document'. For example, if you use an AI tool to summarise a long report, save that summary as a text file. Then, when you go to another AI tool to draft an email based on that summary, you upload the summary document to the new tool. This way, each AI tool builds on the work of the previous one. It also creates a clear record of your progress. This method is very helpful for complex projects.

Step-by-step example

Let's say you need to create a short video script from a long meeting transcript. First, you might use an AI tool to summarise the transcript. You would give the AI tool the full transcript and ask it to identify the key decisions and action items. Once you have that summary, you save it as a document. Next, you take that summary document to a different AI tool that is good at writing scripts. You give it the summary and ask it to draft a video script that explains the key decisions in a clear way. You can then refine the script with that tool. This process shows how you can move between tools, using the output of one as the input for the next, all while keeping a clear record of your progress. For more on setting rules for your AI, see Set your AI's rules once: Custom instructions to make AI accessible.

Checking your results and keeping control

After each step, it is important to review the output from the AI tool. Does the summary make sense? Is the script accurate? You are always in control of the final output. The AI tools are there to help you, not to replace your judgment. If something is not quite right, you can adjust your instructions or edit the AI's output. For example, if the script is too long, you can ask the AI to make it shorter. If it misses a key point, you can add that point back in. Regularly checking and refining the AI's work ensures that the final product meets your standards. This is especially important when using multiple AI tools together, as errors can compound if not caught early.

Common problems and how to fix them

One common problem is that an AI tool might lose context if you do not provide the shared record or the previous document. To fix this, always start by giving the AI tool all the relevant information. Another issue can be inconsistent tone or style if different tools are used for different parts of a document. To manage this, you might need to do a final review to ensure everything reads consistently. If an AI tool gives you a generic answer, try to be more specific in your instructions. For example, instead of asking for a summary, ask for a summary of key decisions for a video script. For more on using AI for record keeping, see Using AI to log carer hours and keep a record of unpaid care and admin work.

Next steps for your tasks

Practice moving between different AI tools with a small project. Start with a simple task, like summarising a document and then drafting a short email based on that summary. As you get more comfortable, you can try more complex workflows. Remember to save your work at each stage. This will help you build confidence in using AI tools effectively for your own needs.

If you would like support to build this skill, AI mentoring is aXai's program for people with disability who want to learn AI tools for their own goals, at their own pace. You can register your interest on the page.

aXai is a disability-led AI, software and accessibility company, delivering through AI-supported work: skilled people with disability in real, properly paid roles, with AI removing the barriers. Read how AI-supported work works.