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AI agents & answers

Improve an existing prompt without breaking working answers

Use small, measurable edits instead of replacing a working instruction set with a long list of exceptions.

CCorthex product guidesUpdated October 15, 20262 min read
Where to find itAI agents → agent → Base Prompt

Before you begin

Open AI agents and select the agent you want to edit. Check its name and workspace before saving: other agents have their own settings.

Example workspace · Demo data. 1 — Behavioral instructions belong here; business reference documents belong in Knowledge. Select the image to enlarge it.
The agent instructions editor in general settings

Example workspace · Demo data. 1 — Behavioral instructions belong here; business reference documents belong in Knowledge. Select the image to enlarge it.

Step by step

  1. 1

    Collect the failure

    Copy a harmless example question, the actual answer and the source-supported answer you expected. Identify the precise failure.

  2. 2

    Check the right cause

    Missing facts belong in Knowledge. A wrong handoff condition may belong in Workflows. A language or tone issue may belong in instructions or Appearance.

  3. 3

    Change one rule

    Write one clear instruction addressing the failure and remove any contradictory wording. Keep a copy of the previous prompt for comparison.

  4. 4

    Retest neighboring cases

    Test the original failure, an ordinary successful question and an unknown question. Save the change only when the overall behavior is better.

Example
Role: You help customers choose and use Acme products.
Facts: Answer from approved Knowledge or enabled tools.
Uncertainty: If a fact is missing, say so. Never invent a measurement.
Style: Use the visitor’s language. Keep replies concise.
Next step: Ask one useful clarifying question when needed.
Handoff: Offer staff support when the request needs a person.

Good to know

Examples are useful when they show a general rule. Do not add real customer secrets, credentials or confidential support transcripts to the prompt.

Check the result

Save, start a fresh test conversation and compare the answer with your approved business facts. Settings do not rewrite messages already sent.

Questions & troubleshooting

The prompt is becoming very long

Move factual reference material into sources and operational conditions into Workflows. Shorter, consistent rules are easier to test.

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