> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.trymito.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.trymito.io/mito-ai/rules.md).

# Rules

Control how Mito AI behaves with reusable instructions.

Rules allow you to provide system-level guidance to Mito AI Agent and Chat. Use them to share coding preferences and project details with the AI so it can be a better collaborator. 

Rules are applied at the start of the user message. This gives Mito AI the opportunity to follow your provided rules as it is writing code, suggesting next steps, or analyzing your data. 

### How to use rules?

Using rules is a two step process: First create the rule, then reference it in your chats. 

1. To create a rule, open the Mito AI settings, click on rules, and select Add Rule. 
2. Then, to share them with your AI assistant, select them from the @ dropdown.

<figure><img src="https://2294704369-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MP_U5ZCmiamDOXEOOTC%2Fuploads%2FiWR3futt5e9ydMta8P5X%2FScreenshot%202025-06-09%20at%2010.33.52%E2%80%AFPM.png?alt=media&amp;token=68979884-98ee-431b-92ea-a33ae90d5dd7" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>


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# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://docs.trymito.io/mito-ai/rules.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.