> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.umbraco.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.umbraco.com/ai-in-umbraco/17.latest/add-ons/agent/getting-started.md).

# Getting Started

This guide walks you through creating your first AI agent and using it via the Copilot sidebar.

## Prerequisites

Before starting, ensure you have:

* Umbraco.AI installed and configured
* At least one AI connection set up
* At least one chat profile created

## Step 1: Install the Packages

{% code title="Package Manager Console" %}

```powershell
Install-Package Umbraco.AI.Agent
Install-Package Umbraco.AI.Agent.Copilot
```

{% endcode %}

Restart your application to run database migrations.

{% hint style="info" %}
The Agent Copilot package provides the sidebar UI. Without it, agents can only be used programmatically.
{% endhint %}

## Step 2: Create an Agent

1. Navigate to the **AI** section > **Agents**
2. Click **Create Agent**
3. Fill in the details:

| Field        | Value                          |
| ------------ | ------------------------------ |
| Alias        | `writing-assistant`            |
| Name         | Writing Assistant              |
| Description  | Helps improve and edit content |
| Instructions | See below                      |
| Profile      | (select your chat profile)     |

**Instructions:**

```
You are a helpful writing assistant for a content management system.

Your capabilities:
- Improve grammar and clarity
- Suggest better word choices
- Help structure content

Guidelines:
- Be concise and helpful
- Explain your suggestions
- Maintain the author's voice
```

4. Set the **Scope** to **Content** so the agent appears in the Content section
5. Set the **Surface** to **Copilot**
6. Click **Save**

## Step 3: Use the Agent

1. Navigate to the **Content** section
2. Open a content item
3. Click the **AI Assistant** button in the header to open the Copilot sidebar
4. The Writing Assistant agent is available in the agent selector
5. Start a conversation — try "Help me improve this page title"

See [Agent Copilot](/ai-in-umbraco/17.latest/add-ons/agent-copilot/copilot.md) for details on using the Copilot sidebar.

## Next Steps

* [Instructions](/ai-in-umbraco/17.latest/add-ons/agent/instructions.md) — Write better agent instructions
* [Scopes](/ai-in-umbraco/17.latest/add-ons/agent/scopes.md) — Control where agents appear
* [Permissions](/ai-in-umbraco/17.latest/add-ons/agent/permissions.md) — Configure tool access
* [Agent Copilot](/ai-in-umbraco/17.latest/add-ons/agent-copilot.md) — Copilot sidebar features


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

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