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

# Agent instructions

> Shape agent tone, rigor, scope, and citations across every layer of a run.

The `agent_instructions` field on [`POST /v1/run`](/api-reference/endpoints/create-run) is a natural-language directive that gets incorporated into system prompts at every agent layer — orchestrator, strategist, persona agents, and block operators. Use it to shape tone, depth, scope, and citation requirements without having to pre-configure block types.

## Examples

| Instruction                                        | Effect                                                |
| -------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- |
| `"Be thorough, verify all claims with 2+ sources"` | More personas spun up, verification steps inserted    |
| `"Prioritize speed, minimal verification"`         | Single persona, cross-checks skipped                  |
| `"Write for a C-suite executive audience"`         | Executive tone across all outputs                     |
| `"Focus on European markets only"`                 | Research scoped geographically                        |
| `"Include source citations for every claim"`       | Citation requirements injected into per-block prompts |

## Usage

```bash theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light","dark":"tokyo-night"}}
curl -X POST https://api.getspine.ai/v1/run \
  -H "X-API-KEY: sk_spine_..." \
  -F "prompt=Analyze the competitive landscape for AI coding tools" \
  -F "template=deep_research" \
  -F "agent_instructions=Be thorough, verify all claims with 2+ sources. Write for a technical audience."
```

<Note>
  Agent instructions are additive to templates and custom `blocks` — you can combine all three in a single request.
</Note>