diff --git a/rplugin/python3/plugin.py b/rplugin/python3/plugin.py
index 8b448ca7..d4c7baa8 100644
--- a/rplugin/python3/plugin.py
+++ b/rplugin/python3/plugin.py
@@ -45,12 +45,16 @@ def copilotChat(self, args: list[str]):
             prompt = prompts.EXPLAIN_SHORTCUT
 
         # Get code from the unnamed register
-        code = self.nvim.eval("getreg('\"')")
+        code = self.nvim.current.buffer[:]
         file_type = self.nvim.eval("expand('%')").split(".")[-1]
         # Check if we're already in a chat buffer
         if self.nvim.eval("getbufvar(bufnr(), '&buftype')") != "nofile":
             # Create a new scratch buffer to hold the chat
-            self.nvim.command("enew")
+            self.nvim.command("vnew")
+            # Set it to the left side of the screen
+            self.nvim.command("wincmd L")
+            self.nvim.command("vertical resize 50%")
+            # Set the buffer type to nofile and hide it when it's not active
             self.nvim.command("setlocal buftype=nofile bufhidden=hide noswapfile")
             # Set filetype as markdown and wrap with linebreaks
             self.nvim.command("setlocal filetype=markdown wrap linebreak")