Create a custom agent

A custom agent is a reusable AI teammate you design for your own workflow, such as a release-notes writer or a deal researcher. You describe the job, choose what the agent can use and where it can work, and then start it manually or from a flow.

Before you start

• You need permission to edit automation. Viewers can't create agents.

• On Helpin Cloud, custom agents are available on plans that include them. If yours doesn't, Helpin shows a message when you try to create one.

Step 1: Describe the agent or start blank

1. Go to Automation > Agents.

2. Select New Custom Agent.

3. Under Describe the agent you want, write a few sentences about the outcome you want. For example: "Review support conversations, draft helpful replies from docs, and escalate billing questions."

4. Select Generate agent setup. Helpin drafts the name, instructions, tools, skills and working areas using what's available in your workspace.

Prefer to configure everything yourself? Select Start blank instead.

A generated setup is only a draft. Nothing is created until you review it and select Create agent.

Step 2: Review the agent settings

Section	What to set
Agent settings	Agent icon, Agent name (required) and Instructions (required).
Capabilities	At least one of Skills or Tools. Skills add the tools they need automatically.
Access and work area	Working areas (required) and Who can use this agent: All teams or Specific teams.
Run mode	Interactive (the default) or Autonomous.
Advanced settings	AI profile. Leave it empty to use the workspace default.

For details on each setting, see Agent settings reference.

Step 3: Create the agent

Select Create agent. If something required is missing, such as a working area or a tool or skill, Helpin tells you what to add.

The new agent appears on the Agents page. Its settings are saved as its first version, which you can refine later. See Edit a custom agent and manage its versions.

Step 4: Run it

To try the agent straight away:

1. On the Agents page, open the agent's More agent actions menu and select Run now.

2. Choose a Target. The options come from the agent's working areas. For example, pick a repository and base branch, choose a CRM record, or paste a task ID.

3. For tasks, epics and repositories, choose whether the run should preview or publish its code changes.

4. Optionally add Run instructions to focus this run.

5. Select Run now.

Follow the run from Activity. See Agent runs.

To run the agent automatically, use it in a flow. See Creating a flow. You can also ask Ask Agent to create a custom agent for you from a chat. See Chat with Ask Agent.

Tips

• Start narrow. One clear job per agent is easier to trust and review.

• Give only the tools the job needs, especially tools that change data.

• Choose Interactive while you're testing, so the agent can ask questions and request approval.

For ideas, see Custom agent examples.