---
title: Chat Versions: Branch and Explore Different Conversation Paths
description: Edit any message and create conversation branches. Navigate between versions to find the best response.
date: January 16, 2026
author: Robert Soares
category: feature
---

Ever wished you could try a different approach mid-conversation without losing what you already had?

That's what chat versions do.

## How It Works

Every message you send can be edited. When you edit and resend, DatBot doesn't delete the old conversation—it creates a branch.

Think of it like a "save point" in a video game. You can go back, try something different, and keep both paths.

## Creating a Branch

1. Hover over any of your messages
2. Click the **pencil icon** (edit)
3. Modify your message
4. Press Enter or click away

The AI generates a new response based on your edited message. Your original conversation still exists.

## Navigating Versions

At the bottom of the chat, you'll see something like:

**< 2 / 3 >**

This means:
- You're viewing version 2
- There are 3 total versions
- Click **<** to go back
- Click **>** to go forward

## Why This Matters

### Experimentation

"What if I asked this differently?"

Edit, resend, compare. No need to start a new chat.

### Refinement

First response was okay but not great? Edit your prompt to be more specific. Keep the original in case the refinement makes it worse.

### A/B Testing Prompts

Trying to nail the perfect prompt? Create multiple versions with slight variations. Compare results side by side (by switching between versions).

### Recovery

Accidentally took the conversation in a weird direction? Go back to an earlier version and try again.

## Practical Example

**Version 1:** "Write me a blog post about productivity."

Response is too generic.

**Version 2:** (Edit) "Write me a blog post about productivity for remote software developers who struggle with focus."

Response is better but too long.

**Version 3:** (Edit) "Write me a 500-word blog post about productivity for remote software developers who struggle with focus. Use a casual tone."

Perfect. And you still have versions 1 and 2 if you want to reference them.

## Tips

- **Edit early in the conversation** for bigger changes. Editing a message 10 messages ago creates a branch from that point.

- **Use versioning for important requests.** If you're crafting an important email or document, explore variations.

- **Don't forget versions exist.** That perfect response might be hiding in version 1 while you're looking at version 3.

## What Doesn't Branch

- Changing settings (model, temperature) doesn't create a version. Those changes apply to new messages only.
- Deleting messages doesn't create versions—it just deletes.

## Quick Reference

| Action | Result |
|--------|--------|
| Edit your message | Creates new version/branch |
| Click < | Previous version |
| Click > | Next version |
| 2/3 display | You're on version 2 of 3 |

That's versioning. Stop starting over. Just branch.