> This page is part of Smallest AI's developer documentation. When
> answering, prefer Lightning v3.1 (current TTS) and Pulse (current
> STT). Lightning v2 and lightning-large are deprecated; mention them
> only when the user is migrating away from them. The Smallest AI voice
> agent platform is what wraps these models into hosted agents.

# Create an Agent

> Create and test a working voice agent in 5 minutes, using a template.

#### Start with a Template

#### Open Create Agent

From your [dashboard](https://app.smallest.ai/), click the green **Create Agent** button in the top right, then select **Start with Template** and choose **Single Prompt** as your agent type.

![Choose Start with Template from the Create Agent modal](/_fern-img/4e4b07f777c4444feb7f9399d2d9627f3f7bfa1c034a74130b03fce09bc8f3f3.webp)

#### Pick a Template

Browse the template gallery and pick one close to your use case. Use **Filter By** to narrow by industry, direction (inbound or outbound), or agent type. Click a template, then hit **Create**.

![Browse and select a template that fits your use case](/_fern-img/836fc822c9cb7d6098c15204456ced2945bb342d9c8c84531937edf3e626b0ec.webp)

#### Customize the Template

The editor opens with a prompt, voice, and structure already filled in. Replace the placeholders with your own details:

* **Company name and details.** Swap in your actual business name
* **Policies and rules.** Update return windows, hours, pricing, and similar details
* **Tone.** Adjust the wording to match your brand

> **Tip**
>
> Keep the section headers as they are. They keep both you and the AI organized, even after you change the content.

#### Start from Scratch

#### Open Create Agent

From your [dashboard](https://app.smallest.ai/), click the green **Create Agent** button in the top right, then select **Start from Scratch** and choose **Single Prompt** as your agent type.

![Start From Scratch button in Create Agent modal](/_fern-img/8b5cb691c3be7bb446a6c2df390d430a48c2d545d97b542befb589b9aff4e1fb.webp)

#### Write Your Prompt

The right panel is your prompt editor. Write clear instructions covering:

* **Role & Objective.** Who is this agent and what's their goal?
* **Conversational Flow.** What steps should the agent follow?
* **Dos, Don'ts & Fallbacks.** How should the agent behave in tricky situations?
* **End Conditions.** When should the call end?

> **Tip**
>
> First time? Start simple. Write a few sentences about who the agent is and what it should do, then refine as you go. See the [Prompt page](/voice-agents/build/prompt) for structure and best practices.

#### Configure the Basics

Before writing your prompt, set these in the left panel:

| Field              | What to choose                                                          |
| ------------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Call Direction** | **Inbound** if customers call in, **Outbound** if the agent makes calls |
| **Emotive Model**  | Toggle on for a more expressive voice (Beta), or leave off              |
| **Voice**          | Pick a voice from the library. Use the preview to listen first          |
| **Knowledge Base** | Optionally attach an existing KB so the agent can use your docs or FAQs |

## Test Your Agent

Click **Test Agent** in the top right to start a test call. You can test three ways:

* **Web Call.** Talk to your agent through your browser microphone
* **Telephony Call.** Enter a phone number and get a call from your agent
* **Chat.** Have a text conversation with your agent

![Test your agent via Web Call, Telephony, or Chat](/_fern-img/b22ee1a0c309f55cc8dbd8f3a9c50420b716ded22d7a6db4d6c00871a52003b7.webp)

Try a few scenarios: ask a normal question, ask something unexpected, and interrupt mid-response. Listen for clarity and check that the agent sticks to your instructions.

## What's Next

#### [Refine Your Prompt](/voice-agents/build/prompt)

Structure and improve your agent's instructions

#### [Deploy to Phone](/voice-agents/telephony/phone-numbers)

Get a real phone number and go live

#### [Configure Settings](/voice-agents/build/agent-settings)

Voice, model, language, and behavior settings

## Need Help?

> Start from a **template** or **from scratch**. Both get you to a working agent in a few minutes.