📌 This article is for users of elvex 2.0. Find out which version you're using.
Shared Agent vs. Personal Copy: Making the Right Choice
When you discover an agent created by someone else, you have two options: use the shared agent as-is, or duplicate it to create your own personal version. Understanding when to choose each approach is important.
The Power of Shared Agents
One of the most powerful aspects of elvex is having a single agent that everyone in your organization uses. Shared agents provide:
Consistent experience across your team - Everyone gets the same responses, follows the same processes, and uses the same capabilities
Centralized improvements - When the agent creator updates the rules or adds new datasources, everyone benefits immediately
Organizational knowledge - Shared datasources mean the agent has access to company-wide information that helps everyone
Reduced maintenance - One person manages the agent configuration instead of everyone maintaining their own version
Use a shared agent when:
You want the standard, organization-approved version
The agent's purpose and rules align with your needs
You're comfortable with the AI model and datasources the creator selected
You want to benefit from updates the creator makes over time
When to Duplicate and Customize
Sometimes you need an agent tailored to your specific workflow or preferences. Duplicating creates your own independent copy that you can modify without affecting others.
Duplicate the agent when:
You want to experiment with different rules or instructions
You need to add personal datasources that aren't relevant to other users
You prefer a different AI model or provider
You want to customize the agent's behavior for your specific use case
You need capabilities beyond what the shared version offers
Important: Adding personal datasources to a shared agent changes the experience for everyone using that agent. If you want to add your own datasources, duplicate the agent first to make it your own.
How to duplicate an agent in elvex 2.0:
Open the agent
Click View full config
Click the three-dot menu beside the New thread button
Select Duplicate
This creates a personal copy you can modify freely.
Note: You must have Creator permissions or above to duplicate an agent. If you don't have the ability to create agents in elvex, you will not be able to duplicate one either. Speak to your admin if you need this access.
The Shared Agent Model
Think of a shared agent like inheriting a well-designed recipe. The creator has already:
Defined the agent's purpose and capabilities
Written the instructions that guide its behavior
Connected datasources that will help the agent perform its tasks
Chosen an AI provider
Decided what Slack workspaces the agent can be accessed from
However, just like you need your own ingredients and kitchen tools to make that recipe, you need to connect your own integrations to make the agent work with your personal accounts and data.
Datasources vs Integrations: What's the Difference?
Datasources (Often Shared)
Information repositories like company knowledge bases, documentation, or public data
Usually connected by the agent creator for the agent to use no matter who is using it
You typically don't need to reconnect these unless you want to add your own
Integrations (Always Personal)
Connections to your personal accounts and services (Gmail, Slack, Jira, Outlook, etc.)
Allow the agent to perform tasks on your behalf
Must be connected by each individual user
Cannot be shared for security and privacy reasons
Connecting Your Integrations
Just because you've connected integrations to your elvex profile doesn't mean a shared agent can automatically use them. Each agent needs to be explicitly given access to your personal integrations before it can act on your behalf.
You can connect your integrations to an agent in two ways:
Option 1: Through chat
Simply start a conversation with the agent and ask it to use an integration. If your account isn't connected yet, the agent will prompt you to connect it inline.
Option 2: Through the Actions Directory
Click the Actions Directory icon (the network/nodes icon) in the top-right corner of the chat interface. From there you can see all integrations available to the agent, connect your personal accounts, and manage access.
Key principle: if the agent needs to act as you or access your personal accounts, you must connect those integrations yourself. When you do:
You maintain full control over your connected accounts
The agent creator cannot access your personal data or accounts
You can disconnect integrations at any time through your settings
Your personal information remains private and secure
Your First Step: Ask the Agent What It Needs
Before using any shared agent, start by having a conversation with it:
"What can you help me with?"
"What integrations do you need me to connect?"
"What do you need from me to work properly?"
The agent will typically tell you exactly what connections it needs and guide you through the setup process.
Reviewing Agent Configuration
You can always review how an agent is configured. To view the configuration:
Open the agent
Click View full config
Review the key settings, including:
Rules and instructions - See what guidelines the agent follows
Connected datasources - Understand what information the agent can access
AI model - Know which AI provider and model powers the agent
Enable personal context - Check whether this setting is enabled
Understanding "Enable Personal Context"
When this is enabled, the agent can access your personal context to provide more personalized responses. When disabled, the agent treats each thread independently without your personal context flowing in.