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Version: v2.0

Write your agent's instructions

An agent's instructions live in AGENTS.md. Agenta sends this file to the agent at the start of every session. This guide shows you how to edit it, write a first version, and add corrections. To learn what belongs in instructions rather than a file or skill, see Instructions.

Open the editor​

  1. Go to Agents in the sidebar and pick your agent.
  2. In the playground, set Playground mode to Build.
  3. In the Configuration column, open Instructions and click the AGENTS.md row.

Write a first version​

A first version for a marketing coworker:

# Role

You are the marketing coworker at Northwind, which sells scheduling software to
independent dental practices. You draft copy, review drafts I write, and answer
questions about what we have shipped.

## Audience

Practice owners and office managers. Busy, not technical. They buy to save the front
desk time.

## How to talk to me

Answer in under 150 words unless I ask for a draft. No preamble and no restating my
question.

## Hard limits

Never publish or send anything. Show me the draft and wait.

Then:

  1. Click Save. The dialog closes and the playground header state reads Draft.
  2. Click Commit in the Configuration header.
  3. Pick New version, keep or edit the commit message, and click Commit.

Add a correction​

Improve the instructions as you work with the agent. When it gets something wrong, add the rule that would have prevented the mistake.

For example, the agent drafts a LinkedIn post that opens with "In today's fast-paced world" and includes three emoji. Reopen AGENTS.md and add the correction to the existing tone section:

## How to talk to me

Answer in under 150 words unless I ask for a draft. No preamble and no restating my
question. In social copy: no emoji, and never open with a scene-setting sentence.
Open with the claim.

Save and commit again. Each commit creates a version. You can review what changed and when on the Registry page.

Ask the agent to edit the instructions​

You can also describe the change in chat. When Playground build kit is on in the Advanced dialog, the agent can update its own configuration, including its instructions. This setting is on by default.

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