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Agent Selection Guide: Choose the Right AI Assistant for Your Task

How to Switch Agents in Forge​

Selecting the right agent for your workflow is simple:

  1. Open the agent selector by typing /agent in your Forge session
  2. Browse available agents from the list that appears
  3. Navigate with keyboard - use up/down arrow keys to select
  4. Press Enter to confirm and start working with your chosen agent

Forge agent selection process showing a user typing /agent and selecting from a list of available agents

The interface displays all configured agents, including both default Forge agents and any custom agents you've added.

Why Agent Selection Matters​

Different agents are optimized for different types of work. While models determine the AI's underlying intelligence, agents define the behavior, personality, and specialized capabilities that shape how that intelligence is applied. Choosing the right agent means getting assistance tailored to your specific task, whether you're debugging, writing documentation, or architecting a new feature.

Understanding Agent Types​

Built-in Forge Agents​

Forge comes with specialized agents designed for different stages of development. Each has distinct capabilities and access levels:

Forge Agent (Default):

  • Full read-write capabilities for implementing changes
  • Modifies files, creates code, and executes commands
  • Perfect for routine tasks and hands-off implementation
  • Active by default when you start Forge

Muse Agent:

  • Read-only mode for planning and analysis
  • Creates detailed implementation plans without touching code
  • Ideal for understanding scope before making changes
  • Great for critical systems requiring careful review

Sage Agent:

  • Read-only mode for deep research and investigation
  • Traces functionality across multiple files
  • Maps architecture, dependencies, and patterns
  • Best for understanding how systems work before planning changes

Learn more: Operating Agents Guide

Custom Agents​

You can add your own agents with custom instructions and behaviors:

  • Team-specific workflows: Agents configured for your codebase conventions
  • Domain expertise: Agents specialized in specific frameworks or languages
  • Personal preferences: Agents that match your communication style
  • Project requirements: Agents tuned for particular project needs

Learn more: Creating Custom Agents Guide

When to Switch Agents​

Now that you understand what each agent does, here's when to use them:

Different agents excel at different stages of development:

  • Sage - For deep research and understanding complex systems
  • Muse - For planning and analyzing changes before implementation
  • Forge - For implementing solutions and making code changes
  • Custom Agents - For specialized tasks or team-specific workflows

Use the /agent command to quickly switch between agents as your needs change.

Learn more: Operating Agents Guide

Pro Tips​

Agent Context

Your conversation history and project context are maintained when switching agents, so you won't lose your place.

Combine with Model Selection

Use /model and /agent together to fine-tune both the intelligence level and the behavioral approach for optimal results.

Remember: The right agent can dramatically improve your productivity by understanding not just what you're building, but how you prefer to work. Don't hesitate to switch agents as your needs change throughout the day.

Getting Help​

If you're experiencing issues with forge:

  1. Export your session context:

    /dump html

  2. Share with our team: