Choose how to build your agent

Glean provides several ways to create an agent. Start by choosing a mode, then choose the entry point and starting asset that fit your experience. Independent Agents use a distinct execution model when work must continue with an agent-owned identity.

tip

For most use cases, start with Auto mode. Describe the outcome, review the generated draft, and switch to Workflow mode when you need more predictable execution or manual control.

The build hierarchy

Modes

• Auto mode: Describe an outcome in natural language. Glean plans the work, selects available capabilities, and creates a draft that you can refine and test. See Create agents with Auto mode.
• Workflow mode: Define a fixed sequence of steps, tools, branches, and hand-offs. See Create your first Workflow agent.

Entry points

• Agent Builder: Use the visual builder to configure, inspect, test, and publish agents. It supports Auto mode and Workflow mode.
• Natural-language Workflow creation: Describe a structured workflow and let Agent Builder generate initial Workflow mode steps. You can then edit the steps manually or with natural language. See Create a Workflow agent using natural language.

Starting assets

• Templates: Start with a pre-built agent for a common workflow, then review its instructions, tools, knowledge sources, and requirements. See Agent templates.

Code-based path

• Headless builder: Build, test, and publish an Auto mode agent from a coding environment. See Create an agent with the headless builder.

Distinct execution model

• Independent Agents: Use an agent-owned identity, supported presence, and approved credentials when a workflow must monitor events or continue without the user who started it. See Independent agents overview.

Decision table

Choose this path	Predictability	Required control	Complexity	Technical experience	Identity requirements	Execution model
Auto mode in Agent Builder	Adaptive	Review and refine the generated plan	Low to medium	No coding required	Runs with the user or configured agent access	User-started, scheduled, or supported triggered runs
Workflow mode in Agent Builder	High	Configure each step, branch, and hand-off	Medium to high	No coding required; workflow design experience helps	Runs with the user or configured agent access	Explicit step sequence
Natural-language Workflow creation	High after refinement	Start with generated steps, then edit the workflow	Medium	No coding required	Same as Workflow mode	Explicit step sequence
Template	Depends on the template	Customize an existing configuration	Low to medium	No coding required	Depends on the template	Depends on the template
Headless builder	Adaptive	Manage the agent files and tests in code	Medium to high	Coding environment and Glean plugin	Depends on the agent configuration	Auto mode execution
Independent Agent	Depends on the workflow	Govern identity, credentials, triggers, and write tools	Medium to high	Agent-building and administrative experience	Agent-owned identity or approved service credentials may be required	Continues without an active user session

The table describes the usual design trade-offs. Features, triggers, tools, identity options, and publishing controls depend on your Glean deployment.

A practical starting sequence

1. Describe the outcome and try Auto mode.
2. Start from a template if a close match exists.
3. Review the draft with representative inputs and edge cases.
4. Move to Workflow mode when you need explicit branches, fixed hand-offs, or repeatable step execution.
5. Choose an Independent Agent only when the workflow needs its own identity or must continue without an active user session.
6. Use the headless builder when you need a code-based development workflow.

For the feature and deployment details that affect each path, see the Feature and availability matrix.