> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.crew.you/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.crew.you/marketplace-and-tools/custom-tools.md).

# 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

1. Go to **Tools → Custom** tab
2. Your custom tools appear here
3. 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

| Plan  | Custom Tools |
| ----- | ------------ |
| 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