Build a literature matrix

In your project, open the Analysis lens (the grid icon in the bar on the left) and choose the Matrix tab. The Columns panel lists your columns with how complete each one is; the grid beside it has one row per paper.

Choose Add column at the bottom of the Columns panel. In Add a column, keep From a template and pick a template, such as Sample size, Research design or Key finding. Templates are tested on real papers and give the most reliable answers. A template already in your matrix is marked Already in this matrix.

Tip: to ask something no template covers, choose In your own words. See Write your own matrix column.

If your project has research questions, tick the ones this column helps answer under Research questions this column serves. The column then shows their tags (RQ1, RQ2), which keeps your matrix tied to what you are asking.

Choose Continue. The column is added (this is free) and CurTask shows what filling it costs.

A sheet named after the column opens (for example Fill “Aim”). Under Before this runs, here is what it will cost. it lists the Papers in scope, cells Already filled (kept), answers Reused from baggage at 0 credits, what is left To compute, any papers that Cannot run yet, the Estimated cost and your balance.

For a new column, choose Preview on 3 papers first. The AI fills three papers so you can check the answers before you spend more. If they aren't what you meant, change the column (see Change a column and refresh outdated cells) before filling the rest.

You can fill a column again at any time with Fill column in its ⋯ menu, or with the Fill button at the top right of the matrix. Only empty cells are filled; values already there are kept.

When you are happy, choose Run all (it shows how many cells, for example Run all · 2 cells). You can close the sheet: the fill carries on in the Queue, and values appear in the grid as they are ready.

Every value is marked Suggested until you accept it. Where the paper doesn't say, the cell reads Not reported; where the AI's answer couldn't be matched to a passage on its page, it reads No source found instead of guessing.

Click a cell. You see the value, the quote it came from and a p. chip with its page. Choose Open in reader → to see the quote highlighted on the page. If the value is right, choose Accept.