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

# Test Chat Interface

> Test your assistant with a text-based chat interface for rapid iteration

The Test Chat interface provides a quick way to test your assistant's conversation flow without making actual phone calls.

## Accessing Test Chat

1. Navigate to your assistant's page
2. Click the **"Test Assistant"** button with the chat icon
3. A chat interface will open in a slide-over panel

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/autocalls/0bBLn_TnDkiyqYAA/resources/test-chat-button.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=0bBLn_TnDkiyqYAA&q=85&s=6976c66114422d6c51a76e550a800472" alt="Test Assistant Button" width="973" height="707" data-path="resources/test-chat-button.png" />
</Frame>

## How It Works

The Test Chat interface simulates a conversation with your assistant:

* **Text-based interaction:** Type messages instead of speaking
* **Real AI responses:** Your assistant processes messages using the same logic as phone calls
* **Variable testing:** Test how your assistant handles variables and data collection
* **Tool execution:** See how your assistant uses configured tools and functions
* **Fast iteration:** Quickly test prompt changes without phone calls

## When to Use Test Chat

**Ideal for:**

* Testing conversation flow and logic
* Verifying prompt behavior and responses
* Debugging variable collection
* Testing tool/function calls
* Rapid prompt iteration

**Not suitable for:**

* Testing voice quality or speech recognition
* Testing call transfers (use phone testing)
* Testing phone-specific features
* Evaluating conversation timing and pacing

## Testing Workflow

**1. Test conversation flow with chat interface:**

* Verify your assistant understands user intents
* Check that variables are collected correctly
* Ensure tools execute as expected
* Validate response quality

**2. Test voice quality with Web Call:**

* Verify voice clarity and tone
* Check response timing and pacing
* Test interruption handling

**3. Final testing with Phone Call:**

* Test all features including call transfers
* Verify real-world call quality
* Test edge cases and error handling

<Note>
  Test Chat creates conversation records that appear in your **Conversations** page, helping you review and analyze test sessions.
</Note>

## Cost Considerations

Test Chat interactions:

* Use AI processing credits from your account balance
* Are typically more cost-effective than phone testing
* Allow for faster iteration with immediate feedback
* Create conversation records for later review

<Tip>
  Use Test Chat for initial prompt development, then move to phone testing for final validation before deploying to production.
</Tip>