> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/janhq/jan/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Assistants

> Create and manage custom AI assistants with specialized instructions and parameters

## What are Assistants?

Assistants are pre-configured AI agents with custom instructions, parameters, and settings. They allow you to:

* Define specialized behavior and tone
* Set default model parameters
* Create reusable personas for different tasks
* Associate assistants with projects

## Creating an Assistant

### Basic Setup

1. Go to **Settings > Assistants**
2. Click **Add Assistant**
3. Fill in the basic information:

#### Name

A descriptive name for your assistant (e.g., "Code Reviewer", "Creative Writer")

#### Avatar

Choose an emoji or custom image to identify your assistant visually.

#### Description (Optional)

A brief explanation of what the assistant does.

### Instructions

Instructions define your assistant's behavior, knowledge, and response style.

<CodeGroup>
  ```markdown Example: Code Reviewer theme={null}
  You are an expert code reviewer with deep knowledge of software engineering best practices.

  When reviewing code:
  - Focus on readability, maintainability, and performance
  - Identify potential bugs and security issues
  - Suggest specific improvements with examples
  - Be constructive and educational in your feedback

  Keep your reviews concise and actionable.
  ```

  ```markdown Example: Customer Support theme={null}
  You are a friendly and helpful customer support agent.

  Your goals:
  - Understand the customer's issue clearly
  - Provide accurate, step-by-step solutions
  - Maintain a professional but warm tone
  - Ask clarifying questions when needed

  Always acknowledge the customer's frustration and show empathy.
  ```
</CodeGroup>

<Tip>
  **Dynamic Date Insertion**: Use `{{current_date}}` in your instructions to automatically insert the current date. This helps the model provide time-aware responses.

  Example: `Today's date is {{current_date}}. Consider current events when responding.`
</Tip>

### Parameters

Configure model behavior with custom parameters:

#### Predefined Parameters

Jan provides quick-access buttons for common parameters:

* **Temperature** - Controls randomness (0.0-2.0)
* **Top P** - Nucleus sampling threshold (0.0-1.0)
* **Top K** - Limits token selection (1-100)
* **Max Tokens** - Maximum response length
* **Presence Penalty** - Reduces repetition (-2.0 to 2.0)
* **Frequency Penalty** - Discourages repeated phrases (-2.0 to 2.0)

Click a predefined parameter to add it with default values.

#### Custom Parameters

Add your own parameters:

1. Click **Add Parameter** (+)
2. Enter a **Key** name
3. Select a **Type**:
   * **String** - Text value
   * **Number** - Numeric value
   * **Boolean** - True/false
   * **JSON** - Complex object
4. Enter the **Value**

<Accordion title="Parameter Examples">
  <CodeGroup>
    ```json Temperature Settings theme={null}
    {
      "temperature": 0.7,
      "top_p": 0.9,
      "top_k": 40
    }
    ```

    ```json Response Format theme={null}
    {
      "max_tokens": 2000,
      "stop": ["\n\n", "---"]
    }
    ```

    ```json Creative Writing theme={null}
    {
      "temperature": 1.2,
      "presence_penalty": 0.6,
      "frequency_penalty": 0.5
    }
    ```
  </CodeGroup>
</Accordion>

## Using Assistants

### In New Chats

When starting a new chat:

1. Click the **Assistant dropdown** in the chat input area
2. Select an assistant from the list
3. The assistant's instructions and parameters will be applied

### In Projects

Assign a default assistant to a project:

1. Create or edit a project
2. Select an assistant from the dropdown
3. All new threads in that project will use this assistant

<Info>
  Project assistants are automatically applied to new conversations, but you can override them by manually selecting a different assistant.
</Info>

## Managing Assistants

### Editing Assistants

1. Go to **Settings > Assistants**
2. Click the assistant you want to edit
3. Modify any field (name, avatar, instructions, parameters)
4. Click **Save**

<Note>
  Changes to assistants only affect new conversations. Existing threads continue using the original instructions.
</Note>

### Deleting Assistants

1. Go to **Settings > Assistants**
2. Click the delete icon next to the assistant
3. Confirm deletion

<Warning>
  Deleting an assistant removes it from all projects and new chat options. Existing threads are not affected.
</Warning>

## Assistant Best Practices

### Clear Instructions

* Be specific about the assistant's role and expertise
* Define the expected behavior and tone
* Include examples when helpful
* Keep instructions focused and concise

### Parameter Tuning

<Accordion title="Temperature Guide">
  * **0.0 - 0.3** - Focused, deterministic (code, facts, analysis)
  * **0.4 - 0.7** - Balanced (general chat, explanations)
  * **0.8 - 1.2** - Creative (writing, brainstorming)
  * **1.3 - 2.0** - Highly creative (experimental, artistic)
</Accordion>

<Accordion title="Penalty Settings">
  * **Presence Penalty** - Increases with unique topics (0.6 for diverse responses)
  * **Frequency Penalty** - Reduces word repetition (0.5 for varied phrasing)
  * Start with low values and adjust based on results
</Accordion>

### Testing Assistants

Before using an assistant in production:

1. Create test conversations with typical queries
2. Verify the tone and style match expectations
3. Adjust parameters based on response quality
4. Iterate on instructions for edge cases

## Example Assistants

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Technical Documentation Writer">
    **Instructions:**

    ```markdown theme={null}
    You are a technical writer creating clear, accurate documentation.

    Guidelines:
    - Use active voice and present tense
    - Break complex topics into digestible sections
    - Include code examples when relevant
    - Define technical terms on first use
    - Structure content with headings and lists

    Current date: {{current_date}}
    ```

    **Parameters:**

    * temperature: 0.3
    * max\_tokens: 2000
    * presence\_penalty: 0.1
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Data Analyst">
    **Instructions:**

    ```markdown theme={null}
    You are a data analyst helping users understand their data.

    Approach:
    - Ask clarifying questions about the data and goals
    - Provide statistical insights and trends
    - Suggest visualizations when appropriate
    - Explain findings in business terms
    - Highlight actionable recommendations
    ```

    **Parameters:**

    * temperature: 0.4
    * top\_p: 0.85
    * max\_tokens: 1500
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Creative Storyteller">
    **Instructions:**

    ```markdown theme={null}
    You are a creative writer crafting engaging stories.

    Style:
    - Use vivid descriptions and sensory details
    - Develop compelling characters with depth
    - Create tension and pacing
    - Show, don't tell
    - End chapters with hooks to keep readers engaged
    ```

    **Parameters:**

    * temperature: 1.1
    * presence\_penalty: 0.6
    * frequency\_penalty: 0.4
    * max\_tokens: 3000
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>