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

# Build an Assistant

> Optional: create a custom specialist agent. Most people can stay with the Core Agent.

## What is an Assistant?

The [Core Agent](/user-guide/agents/what-are-agents) is general-purpose and is the **main** way to work on AI Suite. An **Assistant** is an optional **custom agent** tuned for one recurring job. You give it a name, instructions, a model, and — if you like — tools and documents. Then you pick it in the [Agents tab](/user-guide/agents/using-the-agents-tab).

If you've read [Build an app](/user-guide/build-an-app), this will feel familiar. An Assistant is like an app that can also **use tools** and **take action**.

<Note>
  New here? Learn [chat with the Core Agent](/user-guide/first-agent) and [create files](/user-guide/agents/create-files) first. Come back to Assistants when you need a reusable specialist.
</Note>

## Build it step by step

<Steps>
  <Step title="Start a new Assistant">
    Go to **Agents** (or the Platform area) and choose **Create** → **Assistant**.

    <Frame caption="Starting a new Assistant.">
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/sundaypyjamas/s9bw5Uhxs58-xnp0/images/user-guide/agents-create-assistant-start.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=s9bw5Uhxs58-xnp0&q=85&s=4810d3e14f797788f6b464f22bc4f267" alt="The create-assistant screen" width="1440" height="900" data-path="images/user-guide/agents-create-assistant-start.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Name it">
    Give it a clear name, like *"Travel Planner"* or *"Support Helper"*.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Write its instructions">
    Tell it who it is and how to behave, in plain words:

    > *You are a friendly travel planner. Ask the user for their destination, dates, and budget. Then suggest a simple day-by-day plan. Keep it short and cheerful.*

    <Tip>
      Good instructions = clear job + clear tone + any rules. Imagine training a new assistant on day one.
    </Tip>

    <Frame caption="Writing the Assistant's name and instructions.">
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/sundaypyjamas/s9bw5Uhxs58-xnp0/images/user-guide/agents-create-assistant-instructions.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=s9bw5Uhxs58-xnp0&q=85&s=87c0a7ad838fc156029881fdbf5267d4" alt="Form for the assistant name and instruction text" width="1440" height="900" data-path="images/user-guide/agents-create-assistant-instructions.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose a model">
    Pick the AI brain — see [Choosing a model](/user-guide/choosing-models). Default is fine to start.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add tools (optional)">
    Turn on any tools it should use (like a connected calendar or search). See [Connect your tools](/user-guide/integrations).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add knowledge (optional)">
    Upload documents so it answers from your own information — see [Ask your own documents](/user-guide/knowledge).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Test it">
    Use the built-in preview to chat with your Assistant. Try a real question and see how it responds.

    <Frame caption="Testing the new Assistant in its preview chat.">
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/sundaypyjamas/s9bw5Uhxs58-xnp0/images/user-guide/agents-create-assistant-test.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=s9bw5Uhxs58-xnp0&q=85&s=7887e5bab0023256e97b08c11fa1246f" alt="A test chat with the new assistant" width="1440" height="900" data-path="images/user-guide/agents-create-assistant-test.png" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save and use it">
    Save it. Now open the [Agents tab](/user-guide/agents/using-the-agents-tab), pick your Assistant from the agent picker, and put it to work — or [share it](/user-guide/agents/run-and-share) with your team.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Making it better

* **If it forgets a rule**, add that rule to the instructions.
* **If it needs to do something**, give it the right tool.
* **If it needs facts**, add documents to its knowledge.
* **Test the hard cases** — the awkward questions it will really get.

## Do you need an Assistant?

Most people should stay with the **[Core Agent](/user-guide/agents/what-are-agents)** for everyday work (docs, sheets, PDFs, multi-step tasks). Build an Assistant only when you want a **named specialist** with fixed instructions you reuse often.

Managed agents are an [advanced option](/user-guide/managed-agents) — skip them unless you specifically need more autonomous automation.

## Next step

<Card title="Create docs, sheets & PDFs" icon="file-lines" href="/user-guide/agents/create-files">
  Back to the primary Agent workflow most teams use daily.
</Card>