BMAD-METHOD/src/modules/bmb/workflows/create-agent

Create Agent Workflow

Interactive agent builder creating BMad Core compliant agents as YAML source files that compile to .md during installation.

Table of Contents

• Quick Start
• Agent Types
• Workflow Phases
• Output Structure
• Installation
• Examples

Quick Start

# Direct workflow
workflow create-agent

# Via BMad Builder
*create-agent

Agent Types

Simple Agent

• Self-contained functionality
• Basic command structure
• No external resources

Expert Agent

• Sidecar resources for domain knowledge
• Extended capabilities
• Knowledge base integration

Module Agent

• Full-featured with workflows
• Module-specific commands
• Integrated with module structure

Workflow Phases

Phase 0: Optional Brainstorming

• Creative ideation session
• Explore concepts and personalities
• Generate command ideas
• Output feeds into persona development

Phase 1: Agent Setup

1. Choose agent type (Simple/Expert/Module)
2. Define identity (name, title, icon, filename)
3. Assign to module (if Module agent)

Phase 2: Persona Development

• Define role and responsibilities
• Craft unique identity/backstory
• Select communication style
• Establish guiding principles
• Add critical actions (optional)

Phase 3: Command Building

• Add required commands (*help, *exit)
• Define workflow commands
• Add task commands
• Create action commands
• Configure attributes

Phase 4: Finalization

• Generate .agent.yaml file
• Create customize file (optional)
• Setup sidecar resources (Expert agents)
• Validate and compile
• Provide usage instructions

Output Structure

Generated Files

Standalone Agents:

• Source: bmad/agents/{filename}.agent.yaml
• Compiled: bmad/agents/{filename}.md

Module Agents:

• Source: src/modules/{module}/agents/{filename}.agent.yaml
• Compiled: bmad/{module}/agents/{filename}.md

YAML Structure

agent:
  metadata:
    id: bmad/{module}/agents/{filename}.md
    name: Agent Name
    title: Agent Title
    icon: 🤖
    module: module-name
  persona:
    role: '...'
    identity: '...'
    communication_style: '...'
    principles: ['...', '...']
  menu:
    - trigger: command-name
      workflow: path/to/workflow.yaml
      description: Command description

Optional Customize File

Location: bmad/_cfg/agents/{module}-{filename}.customize.yaml

Allows persona and menu overrides that persist through updates.

Installation

Compilation Methods

Quick Rebuild:

bmad compile-agents

During Module Install: Automatic compilation when installing modules

Manual Compilation:

node tools/cli/bmad-cli.js compile-agents

Examples

Creating a Code Review Agent

User: I need a code review agent
Builder: Let's brainstorm first...

[Brainstorming generates ideas for strict vs friendly reviewer]

Builder: Now let's build your agent:
- Type: Simple
- Name: Code Reviewer
- Role: Senior developer conducting thorough reviews
- Style: Professional but approachable
- Commands:
  - *review-pr: Review pull request
  - *review-file: Review single file
  - *review-standards: Check coding standards

Creating a Domain Expert

Type: Expert
Name: Legal Advisor
Sidecar: legal-knowledge/
Commands:
  - *contract-review
  - *compliance-check
  - *risk-assessment

Workflow Files

create-agent/
├── workflow.yaml              # Configuration
├── instructions.md            # Step guide
├── checklist.md              # Validation
├── README.md                 # This file
├── agent-types.md            # Type details
├── agent-architecture.md     # Patterns
├── agent-command-patterns.md # Commands
└── communication-styles.md   # Styles

Best Practices

1. Use brainstorming for complex agents
2. Start simple - Add commands incrementally
3. Test commands before finalizing
4. Document thoroughly in descriptions
5. Follow naming conventions consistently

Related Documentation

• Agent Types
• Command Patterns
• Communication Styles
• BMB Module