> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.buildassistants.app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Managing Tools In Assistant Builder

## Overview

Custom Tools now have the ability to be copied and shared by their Tool ID. This new functionality streamlines tool management across sub-accounts and enables easy sharing of proven tool configurations between different assistants and workspaces.

## Key Features

* ✅ **Tool ID sharing** for easy replication across accounts
* ✅ **Enhanced UI** with improved visibility and organization
* ✅ **Search functionality** for quick tool discovery
* ✅ **Security-focused copying** that protects authentication credentials
* ✅ **Accident prevention** with relocated delete options
* ✅ **Filtering capabilities** for efficient tool management

## Step-by-Step Tool Management

### 1. Navigate to Tools Section

#### Access the Tool Interface

* Open the **Assistant Builder**
* Go to the **"Tools"** section
* Click **"Add Tool"** to begin tool management

#### Interface Overview

The tools interface provides comprehensive management capabilities for all your custom tools, including creation, copying, and organization features.

### 2. UI Improvements for Tool Management

#### Enhanced Visibility

* **Larger menu design** for better visibility and easier navigation
* **Improved layout** that makes tool options more accessible
* **Clearer organization** of tool management functions

#### Safety Improvements

* **Relocated delete option** to prevent accidental tool deletions
* **Confirmation prompts** for destructive actions
* **Better visual separation** between different tool actions

### 3. Copying Tools by ID

#### How Tool ID Copying Works

Tool ID copying allows you to replicate tools from other sub-accounts or workspaces by using their unique identifier.

#### Step-by-Step Process

1. **Obtain Tool ID** from the source sub-account or workspace
2. **Enter Tool ID** in the designated field within your tool interface
3. **Click "Copy Tool by ID"** to initiate the import process
4. **Review imported tool** and configure any required settings

#### Important Security Note

> **🔒 Security Feature:** Authentication credentials (such as API keys) will not be transferred for security reasons. You will need to re-enter any required authentication information after copying a tool.

#### What Gets Copied

**Included in Copy:**

* Tool name and description
* Parameter configurations
* Endpoint URL structure
* Basic tool settings

**Not Included in Copy:**

* API keys or authentication tokens
* Bearer tokens
* Private credentials
* Account-specific authentication data

### 4. Searching for Tools

#### Search Functionality

* **Search bar** enables quick tool discovery across your entire tool library
* **Real-time filtering** as you type search terms
* **Multiple search criteria** including tool names, descriptions, and functions

#### Filtering Options

* **Category filtering** to organize tools by type or purpose
* **Status filtering** to show active, inactive, or draft tools
* **Date filtering** to find recently created or modified tools
* **Usage filtering** to identify frequently or rarely used tools

## Tool Management Best Practices

### Organization Strategies

#### Naming Conventions

* Use descriptive, consistent naming patterns
* Include version numbers for tool iterations
* Add prefixes to group related tools (e.g., "CRM\_", "EMAIL\_")

#### Documentation

* Maintain clear descriptions for each tool
* Document parameter requirements and formats
* Include use case examples in tool descriptions

### Security Management

#### Credential Handling

* Regularly rotate API keys and authentication tokens
* Use environment-specific credentials for different accounts
* Never share authentication credentials in tool descriptions

#### Access Control

* Limit tool copying permissions to authorized users
* Review copied tools for security compliance
* Audit tool usage across sub-accounts regularly

### Performance Optimization

#### Tool Efficiency

* Monitor tool response times and success rates
* Archive unused tools to reduce clutter
* Update tool configurations based on performance data

#### Resource Management

* Balance tool functionality with system performance
* Optimize endpoint URLs for faster response times
* Regular maintenance of tool configurations

## Common Use Cases

### Cross-Account Tool Sharing

**Scenario:** Sharing proven tools between different client accounts

1. Identify successful tool from source account
2. Copy Tool ID from source
3. Import to destination account using Tool ID
4. Re-configure authentication credentials
5. Test functionality in new environment

### Tool Template Creation

**Scenario:** Creating standardized tools for consistent deployment

1. Develop and test tool in development environment
2. Document configuration requirements
3. Share Tool ID with deployment teams
4. Implement across multiple accounts with consistent settings

### Backup and Recovery

**Scenario:** Maintaining tool backups across accounts

1. Regularly copy important tools to backup accounts
2. Document Tool IDs for critical tools
3. Test copied tools to ensure functionality
4. Maintain current authentication credentials

## Troubleshooting

### Tool Copying Issues

**Tool ID not found:**

* Verify Tool ID is correct and complete
* Check if source account has sharing permissions enabled
* Ensure Tool ID is from a compatible version

**Authentication errors after copying:**

* Re-enter all required API keys and tokens
* Verify endpoint URLs are accessible from new account
* Test authentication credentials independently

**Functionality differences:**

* Review parameter mappings for account-specific differences
* Check endpoint configurations for environment variations
* Verify all required integrations are available in new account

### Search and Filter Problems

**Search not returning results:**

* Check spelling and search term accuracy
* Try broader search terms or partial matches
* Clear filters that might be limiting results

**Filter options not working:**

* Refresh the tool interface
* Check if tools meet the filter criteria
* Reset filters and apply them individually

## Advanced Tool Management

### Tool Versioning

* Maintain multiple versions of successful tools
* Use descriptive version numbering systems
* Document changes between tool versions

### Integration Management

* Track tool dependencies across different systems
* Monitor integration health and performance
* Plan for integration updates and changes

### Collaboration Features

* Share Tool IDs through secure channels
* Maintain team documentation of shared tools
* Coordinate tool updates across team members

## Monitoring and Analytics

### Usage Tracking

* Monitor which tools are used most frequently
* Track tool performance across different accounts
* Identify opportunities for tool optimization

### Success Metrics

* Measure tool adoption rates across sub-accounts
* Track time saved through tool standardization
* Monitor error rates and performance improvements

### Continuous Improvement

* Gather feedback on tool effectiveness
* Regular review and optimization of tool configurations
* Update tools based on changing business requirements