Creating Custom Tools
Custom tools let you teach Crew new capabilities by defining specialized instructions. Think of them as custom "modes" that change how Crew approaches a specific type of task.
What Are Custom Tools?
A custom tool is a set of instructions (written in Markdown) that tells Crew how to handle a specific type of task. When the tool is activated, Crew follows those instructions to provide specialized help.
Examples of Custom Tools
A "Brand Voice" tool that ensures all content follows your company's tone and style
A "Meeting Notes" tool that formats notes in your team's preferred template
A "Code Review" tool that checks code against your team's specific standards
A "Email Template" tool that drafts emails in your preferred format
Creating a Tool
Method 1: Ask Crew to Create It
The easiest way — just describe what you want:
"Create a custom tool called 'weekly-report' that helps me write weekly status reports. The report should always include sections for: Accomplishments, Challenges, Next Week's Goals, and Metrics."
Crew will create the tool with appropriate instructions.
Method 2: Through the Tools Page
Go to Tools → Custom tab
Your custom tools appear here
Ask Crew to create new ones as needed
Tool Structure
Each custom tool has:
ID: A unique identifier in kebab-case (e.g.,
weekly-report,brand-voice)Name: Human-readable display name
Instructions: Markdown content that guides Crew's behavior
Managing Custom Tools
Listing Tools
"List my custom tools."
Updating Tools
"Update the 'weekly-report' tool to also include a Risk Assessment section."
Deleting Tools
"Delete the 'old-template' custom tool."
Viewing in Tools Page
All custom tools appear in the Tools → Custom tab where you can:
See all your tools at a glance
View their status (draft, pending review, approved)
Delete tools you no longer need
Tool Limits by Plan
Free
3
Basic
10
Plus
20
Pro
Unlimited
Use Case Ideas
For Teams
Onboarding Checklist: A tool that guides new hires through setup steps
Standup Format: Ensures daily standups follow a consistent format
Bug Report Template: Standardizes bug reporting with required fields
For Sales
Prospect Research: A workflow for researching potential clients
Cold Email Template: Your proven email template with personalization placeholders
Call Debrief: Post-call notes format with action items
For Content Creators
Blog Post Format: Your preferred blog structure, tone, and style
Social Media Voice: Platform-specific content guidelines
SEO Checklist: Optimization steps for every piece of content
For Personal Use
Journal Prompt: Daily journaling format with reflection questions
Recipe Format: How you like recipes organized (ingredients, steps, tips)
Travel Planner: Your preferred travel planning checklist
Tips
Be specific in instructions: The more detailed your tool instructions, the more consistent the output
Include examples: Add example outputs in your tool instructions so Crew knows exactly what you want
Iterate: Start simple and refine — update the tool after seeing how Crew uses it
Combine with scheduled tasks: Create a "daily journal" tool, then set up a scheduled task to prompt you every evening
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