Custom Instructions
Custom Instructions allow you to personalize how Saarthi behaves, providing specific guidance that shapes responses, coding style, and decision-making processes.
You can provide custom instructions using dedicated files or directories within your workspace. This allows for better organization and version control.
Workspace-Wide Instructions: Apply to all modes in the project.
- Preferred Method: Directory (
.saarthi/rules/
).
├── .saarthi/
│ └── rules/ # Workspace-wide rules
│ ├── 01-general.md
│ └── 02-coding-style.txt
└── ... (other project files) - Fallback Method: Single File (
.saarthirules
).
├── .saarthirules # Workspace-wide rules (single file)
└── ... (other project files)
Mode-Specific Instructions: Apply only to a specific mode (e.g., code
).
- Preferred Method: Directory (
.saarthi/rules-{modeSlug}/
).
├── .saarthi/
│ └── rules-code/ # Rules for "code" mode
│ ├── 01-js-style.md
│ └── 02-ts-style.md
└── ... (other project files) - Fallback Method: Single File (
.saarthirules-{modeSlug}
).
├── .saarthirules-code # Rules for "code" mode (single file)
└── ... (other project files)
The directory methods take precedence if they exist and contain files. See Workspace-Level Instructions and Mode-Specific Instructions for details.
What Are Custom Instructions?
Custom Instructions define specific behaviors, preferences, and constraints beyond Saarthi's basic role definition. Examples include coding style, documentation standards, testing requirements, and workflow guidelines.
Setting Custom Instructions
Global Custom Instructions
These instructions apply across all workspaces and maintain your preferences regardless of which project you're working on.
How to set them:
- Open Prompts Tab: Click the icon in the Saarthi top menu bar
- Find Section: Find the "Custom Instructions for All Modes" section
- Enter Instructions: Enter your instructions in the text area
- Save Changes: Click "Done" to save your changes
Workspace-Level Instructions
These instructions only apply within your current workspace, allowing you to customize Saarthi's behavior for specific projects.