> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.riff.ai/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.riff.ai/reference/agent-builder.md).

# Agent builder

The Agent builder is the interface you work in when you are configuring an agent. An agent is an autonomous worker with a clear job — it runs on a trigger, does its work, and reports back. Unlike an app, there is no user-facing screen; the agent operates in the background.

## Layout

The Agent builder has **five sticky tabs** always visible at the top, plus additional tabs available via the **+** button. There is no Preview iframe — the chat interface is the primary way you interact with the agent during development.

## The five sticky tabs

| Tab                                              | What it is                                                                                 |
| ------------------------------------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ |
| [Chat](/reference/agent-builder/chat.md)         | Talk to the Riff agent to configure your agent; switch between Build and Live mode         |
| [Pipeline](/reference/agent-builder/pipeline.md) | Visual board showing your agent's tasks and their current states                           |
| [Profile](/reference/agent-builder/profile.md)   | Read-only view of your agent's full configuration — instructions, knowledge, skills, tools |
| [Triggers](/reference/agent-builder/triggers.md) | The email addresses and scheduled runs that activate your agent                            |
| [Activity](/reference/agent-builder/activity.md) | A log of every agent run — tools called, duration, success or error                        |

## Additional tabs (via the + button)

The same features available in the App builder are also accessible here:

| Tab                                                     | What it is                   |
| ------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------- |
| [Integrations](/reference/shared/integrations.md)       | Connect to external services |
| [Storage](/reference/shared/storage.md)                 | Upload and manage files      |
| [Secrets](/reference/shared/secrets.md)                 | Store credentials            |
| [Access](/reference/shared/access.md)                   | Workspace access controls    |
| [Version History](/reference/shared/version-history.md) | Restore past states          |

## The Riff agent in the Agent builder

The Chat tab is the primary building surface. The Riff agent configures your agent in response to your messages — updating its instructions, adding skills and knowledge, connecting tools. See [Chat](/reference/agent-builder/chat.md) and [the Riff agent](/reference/riff-agent.md).


---

# Agent Instructions
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