> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://doc.aissist.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://doc.aissist.io/tutorial/instructions-assets-and-sub-agents.md).

# Instructions, Assets, and Sub Agents

*Last updated: May 14, 2026*

Use this model to decide where information belongs in Aissist.

Aissist uses three layers of guidance:

* **Instructions** for global behavior
* **Sub agents** for workflow-specific handling
* **Assets** for interaction-level knowledge

Each layer has a different job.

This is the simplified version of the global, session, and interaction model in [Tune Aissist Behavior](/tutorial/tune-aissist-behavior.md).

### Instructions

Instructions are the global rules for your workspace.

They shape how Aissist behaves in every conversation.

Use instructions for things like:

* tone and writing style
* escalation rules
* broad response requirements

Keep them short and always relevant.

See [Tune Aissist Behavior](/tutorial/tune-aissist-behavior.md) for more guidance.

### Sub Agents

Sub agents define how Aissist handles specific scenarios.

They apply only when a matching scenario is detected.

Use sub agents for:

* returns
* order tracking
* sales qualification

Sub agents can also:

* add contextual instructions, context, task, summary, and acknowledgement
* link specific assets or actions
* control reply, handoff, no response, or close behavior

See [Create Sub Agents](/tutorial/create-sub-agents.md).

### Assets

Assets are the knowledge sources Aissist searches during a conversation.

They can include help center pages, websites, policies, and documents.

When a user asks a question, Aissist retrieves relevant asset content only when it matches the current question.

Use assets for:

* policy and product information
* operational details
* reference material the agent should cite or follow

See [Turn Assets into AI](/tutorial/turn-assets-into-ai.md).

### How they work together

These layers work together like this:

1. **Instructions** set the global behavior for the workspace.
2. **Sub agents** add workflow-specific logic after a matching scenario is triggered.
3. **Assets** provide interaction-level knowledge when relevant to the current question.

In practice, a sub agent can also link the assets or actions needed for that workflow.

This keeps responses consistent, relevant, and focused.

### Best practice

Use each layer for the right job:

* put broad rules in **Instructions**
* put workflow logic in **Sub Agents**
* put knowledge in **Assets**

Avoid putting everything in one place.

That makes the agent easier to manage and more accurate over time.


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# 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://doc.aissist.io/tutorial/instructions-assets-and-sub-agents.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.