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Create Your First AI Assistant

Follow this guide to build a powerful AI assistant that can help your users with their questions and tasks.

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Prerequisites

Before creating your assistant, make sure you have:
  • An active IllumiChat account
  • Content ready for your knowledge base (optional but recommended)
  • A clear understanding of your assistant’s purpose

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Step 1: Access the Assistant Builder

  1. Log in to your IllumiChat dashboard
  2. Click “Create Assistant” from the main dashboard
  3. You’ll be taken to the assistant creation wizard
Assistant List Page

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Step 2: Configure Your Assistant

Your assistant has several configuration tabs to customize its behavior and appearance:

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Configuration Tab

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Model Selection

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model
string
required
Select the AI model for your assistant. Available models:
  • OpenAI GPT-4o
  • OpenAI GPT-4.1
  • OpenAI GPT-5
  • OpenAI GPT-o3
  • Google Gemini 2.0 Flash

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Strict Mode

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strict_mode
boolean
default:"false"
When enabled, the assistant will only respond using information from the connected knowledge base.
In normal mode, you can configure Trigger Keywords on the connected knowledge base to automatically start a KB search when those words or phrases appear in user messages.

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Trigger Keywords

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trigger_keywords
array
Add words or phrases that, in normal mode, will automatically trigger a knowledge base lookup.
Connect a knowledge base to manage trigger keywords.

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Instructions

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instructions
text
Define your assistant’s role, operating guidelines, and response style. You can use templates or write custom instructions (optional).
Standard AI Assistant Template:
  • Role Definition: Responsive, intelligent AI assistant
  • Operating Guidelines: Respect boundaries, stay in scope, honor knowledge constraints
  • Positive Closures: End with supportive closing remarks
Professional Customer Support Assistant:
  • Name: “TechSupport Pro”
  • Description: “Expert technical support assistant for software troubleshooting”
  • Tone: Professional
  • Style: Helpful
  • Expertise: Advanced
Create Assistant Form

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Knowledge Base Tab

Manage the knowledge base connected to this assistant. Knowledge bases provide context and information that help your assistant give more accurate responses.

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Create Knowledge Base

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create_kb
button
Create a knowledge base specifically for this assistant. It will be automatically connected and ready to use.
Creating a knowledge base through this tab will:
  • Automatically connect it to this assistant
  • Make it immediately available for use
  • Allow you to manage it from the Configuration tab

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No Knowledge Base Connected

If no knowledge base is connected, you’ll see:
  • “No Knowledge Base Connected” message
  • “Create Knowledge Base” button

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Tools Tab

Tools allow the agent to get up to date information from the apps you work in.

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Available Integrations

Atlassian (Jira & Confluence)
  • Access Jira issues and Confluence pages with official Atlassian MCP server
  • Connect button to enable integration
HubSpot
  • CRM and marketing automation
  • Connect button to enable integration
Connect tools to give your assistant access to real-time data from your business applications.

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Step 5: Test Your Assistant

Before deploying, thoroughly test your assistant: Assistant Edit Page

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Test Scenarios

  1. Basic Questions: Test common queries about your content
  2. Edge Cases: Try unusual or complex questions
  3. Boundary Testing: Test what your assistant won’t do
  4. Conversation Flow: Test multi-turn conversations

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Refine Responses

Based on testing, you may need to:
  • Add more knowledge content
  • Adjust instructions and role definition
  • Modify strict mode settings
  • Update trigger keywords
Test with real users if possible. Their questions will often reveal gaps in your knowledge base.

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Style Tab

Customize the appearance and messaging of your assistant:

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Images & Icons

Profile Picture
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profile_picture
file
Upload image (supports JPG, PNG with cropping, and SVG files up to 1MB)
Avatar image that appears at the top of the chat and when responding. Chat Icon
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chat_icon
file
Upload image (supports JPG, PNG with cropping, and SVG files up to 1MB)
Custom icon for the chat widget when closed (defaults to IllumiChat icon if not set).

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Content & Messaging

Display Name
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display_name
string
default:"Assistant"
Name that appears at the top of the chat widget.
Initial Message
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initial_message
string
default:"Hello! How can I help you today?"
Greeting message that appears when the chat opens (max 500 characters).
Suggested Messages
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suggested_messages
array
Quick response options for users (max 5 messages).
Auto Popup Delay (seconds)
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auto_popup_delay
integer
default:"-1"
Auto show initial message popup after this many seconds. Use -1 to disable.

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Basic Styling

Brand Color
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brand_color
color
Your branding color, will be used for chat bot bubble on your website.
Background Color
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background_color
color
Background color of the chat widget.
User Message Color
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user_message_color
color
Background color for user message bubbles.
Position
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position
select
default:"Bottom Right"
Position of the chat widget on your website.
Show “Powered By IllumiChat”
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show_powered_by
boolean
default:"true"
Display “Powered By IllumiChat” in the chat footer.
Custom Footer Message
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custom_footer_message
string
Custom message to display in the chat footer (max 200 characters).

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Share Tab

Choose how you want to share your assistant:

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Private Sharing

  • Invite specific users to access your assistant
  • Invite by email
  • Control access permissions
  • User authentication required

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Public Sharing

  • Anyone with the link can access your assistant
  • Share via public link
  • Embed in websites
  • No login required

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Private Sharing Options

Manage user access and permissions for your assistant:
  • All Members Access: Allow all campus members to access this assistant
  • Assistant Access: Manage who can access this assistant. Admins have access to all assistants by default.
  • Invite Members: Add users by email with admin permissions

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Settings Tab

Configure the identity and appearance of your AI Assistant. Name
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name
string
required
The name of your assistant.
Description
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description
string
Enter a description (optional).
Danger Zone
  • Delete this assistant: Once you delete an assistant, there is no going back. Please be certain.

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Best Practices

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1. Start Simple

Begin with a focused assistant that does one thing well, then expand over time.

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2. Quality Knowledge

  • Upload accurate, up-to-date information
  • Organize content logically
  • Include examples and use cases
  • Regular content updates

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3. Clear Boundaries

  • Define what your assistant can and cannot do
  • Set appropriate escalation paths
  • Include disclaimers when necessary
  • Respect privacy and security

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4. Continuous Improvement

  • Monitor usage and feedback
  • Identify common questions and gaps
  • Update knowledge base regularly
  • Refine personality and behavior

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Common Issues and Solutions

  • Check that your knowledge base has relevant content
  • Review and improve content quality
  • Adjust response settings for more specificity
  • Add more diverse examples to your knowledge base
  • Include common question variations
  • Test with different phrasings
  • Adjust the max_response_length setting
  • Modify the response style (detailed vs concise)
  • Review and edit knowledge content

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Next Steps

Configure Advanced Settings

Learn about advanced configuration options and fine-tuning.

Deploy Your Assistant

Detailed guide to deploying your assistant to different platforms.

Add MCP Integrations

Connect your assistant to external tools and data sources.

Monitor Performance

Track how your assistant is performing and identify improvements.
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