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

# Chat agent quick start guide

> Build and launch your first chat agent in 3 minutes or less.

This guide walks you through creating, configuring, and publishing your first chat agent on Voiceflow — no coding required.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create a new project">
    From the [Dashboard](https://creator.voiceflow.com), go to **Projects** → **New project**. Name your project, keep the default settings, and select **Start from scratch**.

    <video autoPlay={true} loop={true} muted={true} playsInline={true} className="w-full aspect-video" src="https://mintcdn.com/voiceflow-009a8802/63A527Vp2-oUge_i/videos/chat.mp4?fit=max&auto=format&n=63A527Vp2-oUge_i&q=85&s=8240188fc88f38d4fe2ad95ea91646a5" data-path="videos/chat.mp4" />

    This opens the global agent view, where you'll configure your agent's high-level behavior.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Set up your agent's persona">
    In the **Global agent** description, click **generate** and describe your agent's actions, goals, and personality. Voiceflow will automatically create a detailed prompt in seconds.

    For example:

    ```text theme={null}
    You are Alex, a friendly customer support agent for AcmeCorp.
    Help customers with orders, returns, billing, and product questions.
    Be concise, empathetic, and professional. If you can't resolve an
    issue, offer to create a support ticket.
    ```

    <video autoPlay={true} loop={true} muted={true} playsInline={true} className="w-full aspect-video" src="https://mintcdn.com/voiceflow-009a8802/63A527Vp2-oUge_i/videos/chat-generate.mp4?fit=max&auto=format&n=63A527Vp2-oUge_i&q=85&s=7c80fb50046939effaa34691ccf6464a" data-path="videos/chat-generate.mp4" />
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add a knowledge base (optional)">
    To give your agent real information to reference, click the **Knowledge Base** icon in the left sidebar. You can add context by:

    * **Uploading documents** — PDFs, text files, or CSVs (e.g., your FAQ, product catalog, or return policy).
    * **Pasting a URL** — Your agent will index the content directly from the page.
    * **Adding text manually** — Paste in key information directly.

    Your agent will use this knowledge to answer questions accurately.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Publish your agent">
    Back in the **Agent** tab, click **Publish** in the top-right corner. Your agent is now ready to use!
  </Step>
</Steps>

That's it! Your agent is now deployed and available to use. Try it out using the widget in the bottom-right corner of the editor.

## Tips for refining your chat agent

* **Start simple.** Get a basic agent working first, then layer on complexity. You can add deterministic [Workflow](/documentation/build/workflows) steps and agentic [Playbooks](/documentation/build/playbooks) to get the most out of your agent.
* **Use your knowledge base.** The more relevant content you upload, the more accurate your agent's responses will be.
* **Iterate on your prompt.** Small tweaks to the system prompt can make a big difference in response quality.

## What's next?

You've built your first chat agent on Voiceflow. Now learn how to build production-grade agents with our documentation.

<Columns cols={2}>
  <Card title="Playbooks" icon="book" href="/documentation/build/playbooks">
    Complete specialized tasks using AI.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Workflows" icon="layout-grid" href="/documentation/build/workflows">
    Add logic and determinism to your agent.
  </Card>
</Columns>