Using an Agent Template
Starting an agent from a template is like buying a cake mix instead of baking from scratch — most of the work is already done, and you just add your own touches. A template is a ready-made agent setup for a common job. It arrives with instructions, suggested tools, and conversation starters already filled in, so you can adjust the parts you care about and skip the blank-page problem.
Before you start
- A Nirvai account with access to the Agent Control Panel — your central hub for creating and managing agents.
- An idea of what you want the agent to do (answer support questions, qualify sales leads, schedule meetings, and so on). Picking a template is easier once you know the job.
How templates work
A template fills in the creation steps for you, but every choice stays editable. You are never locked into what the template picked.
Step-by-step
- In the Agent Control Panel, click Create Agent and choose Start from Template.
- Browse the available templates. Each one has a name, description, and icon showing what it is for.
- Select a template. The creation flow opens with the template's setup already filled in.
- Go through each step and customize as needed — add your own files, adjust the instructions, turn on extra tools.
- Create the agent when you are happy with it.
Image: The template browser showing a grid of agent templates with descriptions and icons
Available templates
Templates cover common jobs across different areas:
| Template | What it does | Already set up for you |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Support | Answers customer questions, handles common issues | Support-tone instructions, escalation rules, conversation starters for frequently asked questions |
| Sales Assistant | Qualifies leads, answers product questions | Sales-tone instructions, product-focused starters |
| Research Agent | Finds and summarizes information on topics | Web search turned on, research-style instructions |
| Content Writer | Helps draft articles, social posts, and copy | Writing-focused instructions, formatting guidelines |
| Data Analyst | Looks up data in your databases and explains trends | Database tools suggested, analytical instructions |
| HR Assistant | Answers employee questions about policies | Knowledge-base focused, policy-oriented instructions |
| Meeting Scheduler | Manages your calendar and books meetings | Google Calendar tool turned on, scheduling instructions |
| Email Assistant | Drafts and manages emails | Gmail tool turned on, email etiquette instructions |
The template library is updated regularly with new options. Check back now and then for templates that match newer use cases.
Two ways to start from a template
Option A — Pick a curated template (Recommended)
Choose this when your job matches one of the ready-made templates above. It is the fastest path and gives you a tested starting point.
Option B — Let Nirvai generate a custom template
Choose this when no existing template fits your exact job. Nirvai can build one for you:
- Click Create with AI in the Agent Control Panel.
- Describe what you want the agent to do.
- Nirvai suggests a setup — tools, instructions, and starters — tailored to your description.
- Review and customize, then create.
Template or start from scratch?
| Use a template | Start from scratch |
|---|---|
| Your job matches a common pattern | Your agent has a one-of-a-kind purpose |
| You want a starting point to customize | You want full control from the very beginning |
| You are new to creating agents | You have built agents before and know what you need |
| You want to see how good instructions are structured | You have your own instruction style |
Even if you plan to change a lot, starting from a template is usually faster than starting from scratch. The template gives you a solid base — it is easier to edit good instructions than to write them from nothing.
Customizing a template
After you select a template, every step in the creation flow is editable:
- Profile — change the name and description to match your brand.
- Tools — add or remove tools based on what your agent actually needs.
- Knowledge Base — upload your own documents. Templates do not include knowledge files.
- Instructions — edit the pre-written instructions to match your own rules and tone.
- Conversation Starters — change the starters so they reflect your real use cases.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Fix |
|---|---|
| I do not see the template I expected | The library is updated over time — refresh the page or try Create with AI to generate a close match. |
| The template's instructions do not fit my business | Open the Instructions step and edit them. The template's text is only a starting point. |
| A tool the template turned on is not connected | Some tools (like Gmail or Google Calendar) need you to sign in with that account first. Open the Tools step to connect it. |
| The agent has no knowledge of my products | Templates do not include knowledge files. Add your own documents in the Knowledge Base step. |
What's next
After you create the agent, continue to Managing Your Agents to edit, test, and share it.