> 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/simulator.md).

# Simulator

*Last updated: May 14, 2026*

Use the Simulator to test how Aissist responds before you go live.

It shows the reply, the context behind it, and any actions or sub agents involved.

### Open the Simulator

1. Go to **Simulator** from the left navigation.
2. Set input context, such as email or order number, if needed.
3. Enter a test message.
4. Review the result and supporting details.

Use input context when the workflow depends on customer identity, order data, or other platform attributes.

### What to test

Use realistic examples from your live workflows.

Test things like:

* common customer questions
* edge cases and sensitive requests
* scenarios that should trigger sub agents
* scenarios that should call actions

If your workflow depends on customer identity or order context, use the simulator settings to mirror a real case.

### What to inspect

The Simulator helps you inspect:

* **Response** — the reply Aissist generated
* **Output Context** — the instructions, assets, and sub agents that influenced it
* **Sub Agents Triggered** — which sub agent matched and why
* **Actions Called** — which actions ran and with what parameters
* **Action Response** — what the action returned
* **Escalation and Summary** — whether the workflow escalated and escalation summary

<figure><img src="/files/DB4v9V1AbGS34bL2WEkc" alt=""><figcaption><p>Example Simulator view</p></figcaption></figure>

### Fix common issues

If the result is wrong:

* search **Output Context** with keywords
* update **Instructions** or **Sub Agents** if behavior or workflow logic is off
* update **Assets** if knowledge is missing, outdated, or conflicting
* update **Actions** if parameters, lookup inputs, or returned data are incorrect

### Recommended workflow

Use the Simulator whenever you:

* add or change instructions
* add or change assets
* create or edit sub agents
* connect or update actions

Use the Simulator to validate reply logic before live traffic.

Use [Deploy Gateway](/tutorial/deploy-gateway.md) when you are ready to deploy Aissist in the real platform.

For action-specific troubleshooting, use [Action Debugger](/integrations/action-debugger.md).

For asset retrieval checks, use [Asset Debugger](/tutorial/turn-assets-into-ai/asset-debugger.md).

### Best practice

Test one workflow at a time.

Fix issues at the source, then re-run the same scenario until the result is stable.