Creating an agent in LibreChat

Questions

• How do I create a custom AI agent in LibreChat?
• What is the Agent Builder in LibreChat?
• How do I create an AI assistant with a specific purpose?
• How do I give an agent access to my own documents?
• How do I access an agent I have already created?
• Why is the Create button greyed out in the Agent Builder?

Environment

This article applies to all current Bowdoin faculty, staff, and students with access to LibreChat. Agent creation is available through the Agent Builder in the right-hand panel of the LibreChat interface. You will need a clear idea of what you want your agent to do and, optionally, any documents you want it to reference.

• Who: All current Bowdoin LibreChat users
• What: LibreChat Agent Builder at librechat.bowdoin.edu
• Not covered: Using pre-configured shared Agents — see Choosing an AI model in LibreChat in the Related Articles section

Resolution

An AI agent in LibreChat is a customised version of an AI model that you configure with a specific name, instructions, capabilities, and tools. Agents can automate repetitive tasks, provide specialised assistance, and draw on your own uploaded documents to give more accurate, contextual responses.

Step 1 — Open the Agent Builder

1. In the LibreChat window, click the panel icon in the upper-right corner of the interface to open the right-hand panel.
   
2. From the panel drop-down, select Agent Builder.

Step 2 — Fill in your agent's basic information

• Name (required) — Enter a clear, descriptive name that reflects the agent's purpose, such as "Research Assistant" or "Email Drafter".
• Description (optional) — A short summary of what the agent does. Helpful if you plan to share the agent with others.
• Category (required) — Organises agents within the platform. The default is "General", which works for most use cases.
• Instructions (required) — The most important field. Write clear, specific instructions that define:
  • The agent's role and purpose — for example, "You are a helpful research assistant for Bowdoin faculty."
  • The tone and style to use — formal, conversational, concise, detailed
  • Specific tasks the agent should focus on
  • Any limitations or topics to avoid
• Model (required) — Select the AI model that will power your agent. GPT-5 is the default and suitable for most tasks.

Step 3 — Configure capabilities

• File Context — Upload reference documents (PDFs, guides, policies, course materials) that your agent will always have access to when responding. Note: you can only upload files after the agent has been created.
• Artifacts — Enables the agent to produce structured outputs such as charts, code blocks, or formatted documents in a separate interactive panel. Toggle on if your agent should generate visual or structured content.
• File Search — Allows the agent to search across a set of uploaded documents to answer questions. Useful for agents that serve as a knowledge base or policy library.

Step 4 — Add Tools, Actions, and Support Contact

• Tools (advanced) — Connect pre-built tools such as web search or API connectors. Optional for most users — can be added later by editing the agent.
• Actions (advanced) — Create custom actions that let the agent interact with external services via APIs. For users who need the agent to connect to external systems.
• Support Contact (optional) — Add a name and email address if you plan to share the agent with a team or department, so others know who to contact with questions.

Step 5 — Create your agent

1. Scroll through the form to review your settings — especially the Instructions field.
2. Click the green Create button at the bottom of the form. Your agent is saved immediately.
3. If you set up File Context or File Search, return to the agent's settings after creation to upload your documents.
4. Select the agent from the model drop-down in the upper-left corner of the chat window to start a conversation and test it.

Step 6 — Access your agents

All agents you have created (and any shared with you) are available under My Agents in the model selection drop-down in the upper-left corner of the chat window.

Tips for writing effective agent instructions

• Be specific about the agent's role: instead of "You are a helpful assistant", try "You are a writing coach who helps Bowdoin students improve their academic essays."
• Set the tone explicitly — formal, conversational, concise, or detailed
• Define scope — what the agent should focus on and what it should avoid
• Include examples of the style of response you expect
• Create, test, then refine — small iterations produce the best results

Troubleshooting

• The Create button is greyed out — make sure all required fields (marked with an asterisk) are filled in: Name, Category, and Model are all required.
• My agent isn't following the instructions — rewrite the Instructions field to be more direct and specific. Avoid vague language; starting with "You are..." and using clear directives works best.
• I can't upload files for File Context or File Search — files can only be uploaded after the agent has been created. Create the agent first, then return to its settings to add documents.
• I need help with advanced features (Tools, Actions, Custom Prompt Mode) — submit a ticket through the Service Catalog and a member of the IT team will follow up.

Additional Help

If you need further assistance, you have several options:

• Bowdoin Bot: Chat with Bowdoin Bot directly from any KB page for instant answers.
• Phone: Call the Bowdoin College Service Desk at (207) 725-3030.
• In person: Visit the Tech Hub in Smith Union during business hours.
• Submit a ticket: Request assistance through the Service Catalog.