> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.chatref.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# System Prompt

> Give your bot its instructions and personality – pick a ready-made persona or write your own system prompt.

The **system prompt** is your bot's instructions and personality. Your bot reads
it before every conversation, so it shapes how every visitor is answered – the
tone, what the bot covers, and what it avoids. You set it in the **Playground**.

## Two ways to start

You have two starting points, both in the **Playground**:

* **Pick a Personality preset** – choose from 11 ready-made personas (like
  **Customer Support** or **Sales**). Good when you want a solid bot fast.
* **Write a custom System prompt** – choose **Custom** and write your own
  instructions. Best when you want full control over voice and rules.

You can start from a preset and still add your own system prompt on top to tailor
it to your business.

## What to include

A clear system prompt usually covers four things:

* **Role** – who the bot is and which business it speaks for.
* **Tone** – how it should sound: warm, formal, playful, concise.
* **What to do and avoid** – the topics it covers, and the ones it should not.
* **When to suggest a human** – when to point the visitor to your team instead of
  guessing.

<Tip>
  Keep it specific and short. A few clear sentences beat a long, vague essay – your
  bot follows tight instructions more reliably.
</Tip>

## Example prompts

**A coffee store support bot:**

```text theme={null}
You are the support assistant for Bean & Brew, an online coffee store.
Be warm, friendly, and concise. Help visitors with orders, shipping,
subscriptions, and brewing tips.

- Answer using our store information and policies.
- If you are unsure or it's an account-specific issue, suggest emailing
  hello@beanandbrew.com.
- Never invent prices, delivery dates, or stock levels.
```

**A dental clinic bot:**

```text theme={null}
You are the front-desk assistant for Bright Smile Dental.
Use a calm, reassuring, professional tone. Help visitors with services,
hours, location, and what to expect at a visit.

- Stick to the information on our website.
- For booking or anything medical, suggest the visitor call the clinic
  to speak with our team.
- Do not give medical diagnoses or advice.
```

## Next steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="The Playground" icon="bolt" href="/agents/playground">
    Write your system prompt, then test it live before you deploy.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Choosing a Model" icon="bolt" href="/agents/choosing-a-model">
    Pair your prompt with the right model for the job.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>