---
title: "Adding an AI Agent Node"
canonical: https://trickest.com/docs/using-the-app/agent/adding-an-ai-agent-node
description: "Add an AI Agent node to a workflow, set its prompt, and read the result of a run."
---

# Adding an AI Agent Node

## Before you start

An **AI Agent** node is a repeatable AI step inside a workflow. Use it when AI work should run as part of the graph rather than as an interactive [Agent](/docs/using-the-app/agent/using-the-agent) conversation. The node runs when the workflow runs and is separate from Agent chat.

Your vault needs managed AI or bring-your-own-key AI access to add an AI Agent node. If it is locked in the node library, check the vault's AI access before continuing. With bring-your-own-key access, execution also requires usable [provider credentials](/docs/using-the-app/agent/bring-your-own-key).

## Add the node

In the workflow editor, select **Add node**. Search for **AI Agent**, then select it or drag it onto the canvas.

The first click selects the node. Open it with **Open node**, or select it again, to see its workspace and **Setup** controls.

## Set the prompt and inputs

For an open-ended task, choose **Agent** in Setup. **Prompt** is required. Describe what the node should do; for example, ask it to read files from the previous node and write a short report. The prompt saves when you leave the editor; you can also save with **Ctrl+S** or **⌘S**. Wait for the workflow's changes to finish saving before execution.

Use **Data** in Setup to attach files or folders from earlier nodes. Check each source before running so the node receives the evidence your prompt describes.

**Model** defaults to **Automatic**, which uses the vault default. Pick a model only when this node should use a different one.

## Run the node

[Run the workflow](/docs/using-the-app/workflow-and-executions/executing-and-scheduling-workflows), then open the node to inspect its activity and output files. Before it has been included in a run, there is no completed result to inspect. Read the output itself to confirm it answers your prompt; a completed task does not guarantee the answer is correct.

If execution reports missing provider credentials, check the provider configured for the selected model. If the node is locked, check the vault's managed AI or bring-your-own-key entitlement rather than repeatedly adding the node.

## Generate or evaluate structured cases

Some AI tool registrations also expose **Generate** and **Evaluate** in Setup. Generate returns JSON objects from cases and instructions; Evaluate uses Jev to answer typed questions about supplied evidence. These operations require compatible tool inputs and managed gateway access; a node offering only Agent mode does not gain them by changing its prompt.

Use [Generating Structured Data](/docs/using-the-app/agent/generating-structured-data) or [Evaluating Evidence](/docs/using-the-app/agent/evaluating-evidence) for input files, Validate only, checkpoints and per-case coverage checks.

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_Markdown source of https://trickest.com/docs/using-the-app/agent/adding-an-ai-agent-node._