Is this the same as Grok in the browser?
No. Grok Build Workbench is a desktop app. Chats are Grok Build sessions on your computer, aimed at working on projects — files, git, a built-in browser — not a general web chat.
Is this an official xAI app?
No. It is an unofficial desktop for Grok Build, made by Datapad. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by xAI.
Do I need an API key?
Usually not. Sign in with grok login and SuperGrok. An API key in Settings is only a fallback.
Does it work without a project folder?
Yes. Create a project with a name only. You can chat. Attach a folder later when you want Grok to touch files — use Change folder in the project’s ⋯ menu.
Will it delete my git repository if I delete a project?
No. Deleting a project removes it from the sidebar and deletes its chats in the Workbench. The folder on disk stays.
How do I rename a project?
Double-click the name, or open the ⋯ menu and choose Rename. That only changes the label in the sidebar.
Grok asked me questions about the project. Do I have to answer?
No. Submit if the answers will help later chats; Skip if you would rather not. It will not keep asking after you skip.
How do I change direction while Grok is still working?
Type in the composer and click Steer (or press Enter). Escape or Stop cancels the task. /btw asks a side question without changing the job. See Working with Grok.
Why does the Git pane say isolated?
Grok is working in a private copy of the folder so this chat does not overwrite another chat’s files, or your main checkout. See Git and undo.
Can two chats run at the same time?
Yes. That is a main reason the Workbench exists. Switch chats while Grok is still writing.
Can I talk instead of type?
Yes, in English only for now. Turn Voice on in Settings. Conversation mode adds a live talk loop in the chat. See Voice and conversation.
Does voice leave my computer?
No. Listening and speaking use a local model on this Mac. The first run downloads about 400 MB, then it stays offline. Chat replies still go through Grok Build as usual.
Where did the thoughts go?
Open Thought process in the sidebar. That pane is the live log of thinking, tools, and edits. See Thought process.
What is Knowledge?
A graph of notes for the project folder, including an Obsidian vault under knowledge/. See Knowledge.
Should I index every project?
Index folders that are real codebases. Skip empty name-only projects. See Codegraph.
Which platforms?
The desktop app is currently macOS only. Windows and Linux are not supported yet.
Where is the full list of / commands?
See Slash commands.
Where do I report a problem?
Type /feedback in a chat, or /doctor if you want Grok to inspect the current session first. For Grok Build itself, use the xAI docs and console linked from Settings.
Is the Workbench finished?
No. It is used every day and still growing. Features that exist in the Grok Build terminal but not in the window are marked as unavailable when you try their slash commands.