> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://alludium.gitbook.io/alludium-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://alludium.gitbook.io/alludium-docs/administration/4.-templates.md).

# Templates

Templates are pre-configured agent blueprints that give you a faster starting point than building from scratch.

**Location:** Administration -> Templates

Templates are part of the agent configuration path. Most Members do not need to use Templates directly.

Each template includes a defined purpose, structured prompt, suggested tool configuration, and output format. Templates are starting points — every element can be customized to fit your specific workflows and standards once you've deployed from a template.

***

### How to Use a Template

**1. Browse the Templates library** and preview available options

**2. Select a template** that matches your intended use case

**3. Customize** the prompt, inputs, tools, and output format for your requirements

**4. Deploy and test** before using on live work

Templates are maintained and expanded by Alludium as new patterns are validated.

***

### What You Can Customize

**Everything in a template can be modified:**

**System instructions** — Adjust tone, add constraints, refine scope

**Tools** — Add new integration tools, remove unnecessary ones, change permissions

**Output format** — Modify structure, sections, level of detail

**Variables** — Add custom inputs, change variable names

**Files** — Link your own templates, style guides, examples

**Model configuration** — Change model, adjust reasoning, modify temperature

Templates provide structure, not constraints. Treat them as starting points that accelerate configuration, not locked blueprints.

***

### When to Use Templates

**Use a template when:**

* Your workflow matches a common pattern
* You're new to Alludium and learning agent configuration
* You want to get value quickly
* You need inspiration for prompt structure
* The template covers 70%+ of your requirements

**Build custom when:**

* No template matches your workflow
* Your workflow is highly specialized
* You need specific tool combinations not in templates

***

### Template Customization Workflow

**1. Deploy template as-is**\
Don't customize immediately. Deploy and test the template in its default state.

**2. Run 5-10 test invocations**\
Use the agent with realistic inputs. Identify what works and what needs adjustment.

**3. Edit based on observed gaps**\
Return to Agent Builder and customize:

* Adjust prompts for tone or structure
* Add tools you need
* Link your files
* Modify output format

**4. Redeploy and test customized version**\
Validate improvements with another 5 test runs.

**5. Iterate until outputs meet standards**\
Continue refinement until consistent quality.

This workflow is faster than building from scratch because the foundation is already validated.

***

### Common Template Mistakes

❌ **Over-customizing immediately:** Changes everything before testing\
✅ **Test first, customize second:** Understand what works before modifying

❌ **Treating templates as final:** Using without any customization\
✅ **Templates as starting points:** Customize for your voice, standards, workflows

❌ **Ignoring tool recommendations:** Removing suggested tools without testing\
✅ **Test with recommended tools:** Understand why they're included before removing

❌ **Not linking files:** Using generic templates without institutional knowledge\
✅ **Add your files:** Templates improve significantly with your reference materials

***

### Next Steps

**Ready to use templates?** Navigate to Templates in the main menu to browse available options.

**Want to understand reference materials?** Continue to **Files** to learn how to upload and manage documents that improve agent outputs.

**Need to connect external tools?** Jump to **Integrations** to learn about external systems, available tools, and authenticated access.

**Ready to automate?** See **Automations and Execution Logs** to learn how to schedule agents.


---

# 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.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter:

```
GET https://alludium.gitbook.io/alludium-docs/administration/4.-templates.md?ask=<question>
```

The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.