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

# Build and test your first assistant

> Create a focused assistant and verify a complete conversation before connecting a customer channel.

Build an assistant that answers one kind of enquiry first. This walkthrough uses a simple receptionist that answers questions and collects a callback request.

## Before you start

Open the subaccount where the assistant will run. Have a short description of the business, accurate opening hours, and the intended callback process. You need access to edit and publish the assistant. Channel setup and usage funding are separate prerequisites for a live call or message.

## Create the assistant

1. Open **Assistants**.
2. Click **Create assistant**.
3. Choose **Blank canvas**.
4. Enter a name that identifies the job and business.
5. Create the assistant.

You now have an assistant to configure. If you choose **Generate Assistant** instead, review the generated instructions and settings before using them.

## Other creation choices

| Choice | Use it when |
| - | - |
| Blank canvas | You want to write the assistant from scratch; this walkthrough uses it |
| Generate Assistant | You want a generated starting point to review and customize |
| From template | You want to start from an available template |
| Import with ID | You have an assistant ID to import |

Use [Create an assistant](/v3/guides/assistants/create) for each mode's fields and restrictions, and [assistant instructions](/v3/guides/assistants/write-instructions) for prompt options. For channel controls, use [chat settings](/v3/guides/chat/activate-ghl-chat#chat-settings-reference) and [call settings](/v3/guides/voice/call-settings).

## Add clear instructions

Open the assistant's prompt and describe its identity, task, and limits. For example:

```text theme={null}
You are the receptionist for Acme Services.
Answer questions using the connected business knowledge.
If someone requests a callback, ask for their name, phone number, and reason.
Do not say the callback is scheduled or a message was sent unless the configured tool confirms it.
If the answer is unavailable, say so and offer the next supported step.
```

Add the business information through [Knowledge Base](/v3/guides/knowledge/add-sources). Add a tool only when the assistant must perform an action, such as saving a callback request. Configure and test that action separately.

## Test and publish

1. Open **Chat Lab** and ask a normal business question.
2. Ask something the assistant cannot answer from its information.
3. Correct the prompt or knowledge if either response is wrong.
4. Publish the assistant after the changes have saved.
5. Optional: open **Voice Lab** and start a test call if you will use voice.
6. Confirm the greeting, the answer, and the ending. Allow microphone access when prompted.

If publication reports an error or that the assistant changed, reload and publish the intended version again.

## Connect the customer channel

Choose [inbound calling](/v3/guides/calling/incoming-calls), [GHL chat](/v3/guides/chat/activate-ghl-chat), or a [website widget](/v3/voice-enabled-chat-widget). Run a fresh conversation through that channel. Confirm the customer receives the response and any configured action appears in the destination system.

Keep that successful test as your starting point before adding more tools or conversation branches.


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