Agents & Teammates
1 min read
Verified: September 2026
Building Custom Agents
How to create, configure, and fine-tune your own AI teammates with custom instructions, pinned models, and webhook integrations.
agentscustompromptsinstructionswebhookstools
Why Build Custom Agents?
While our pre-configured agents cover standard disciplines, you often need an AI teammate steeped in your company's proprietary jargon, internal coding rules, unique voice guidelines, or specific use-case.
In ARMES, you can create an unlimited number of Custom Agents tailored specifically to your workflows.
Configuration Fields
When creating a new custom agent in Agent Library → Create Custom Agent:
[ Avatar & Name ] -> [ Role & Description ] -> [ System Instructions in Custom Instructions ]- Identity & Avatar: Select an avatar icon, and unique agent name (e.g.,
Workout PlannerorInternal Copywriter). - System Instructions (Core Directive) in Custom Instructions: The foundational prompt governing how the agent thinks, speaks, and behaves. Be explicit about:
- Specific role and expertise level
- Desired tone and formatting requirements
- What the agent must never do (negative constraints)
- Specific notes, files, or folders the agent should reference and when
- Get Help: Ask ARMES Concierge or the ARMES Custom Agent itself to help you draft the system message to place in the agent custom instructions.
Best Practices for Agent Instructions
The 4-Part Directive Formula
- Persona & Lens: "You are the Principal Security Architect for a fintech company..."
- Standard Operating Procedure: "For every review, first categorize threats into OWASP Top 10, then provide line-by-line remediation..."
- Output Format: "Always deliver output with: 1) Executive Risk Level, 2) Vulnerability Details, 3) Patch Code Block..."
- Negative Guardrails: "Never recommend disabling SSL verification. Never suggest deprecated crypto primitives..."