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

# Give standing instructions

> Change how an agent behaves on every future run.

Standing instructions live in an agent's operating prompt — its persistent rules for tone, format, what to always include, what to skip. They change *how the agent behaves*, unlike a one-off [message](/use/send-message) or a work [decision](/use/update-decision).

## Steps

1. Open the agent from your **Orbits** list.
2. Open its **Instructions** (operating prompt).
3. Edit the rules — a tone guideline, a formatting requirement, a thing to never do.
4. Save. The agent reads the updated prompt on its very next run. No redeploy.

## Standing instruction vs. decision

* **Standing instruction** → *how* the agent works: "Always write concise, no jargon." Lives in the prompt.
* **Decision** → a *choice about the work*: "Quote the \$49 plan." Lives in [Decisions](/concepts/decisions).

If an agent keeps making the same *behavioral* mistake, fix its standing instructions — filing it as a decision won't change how it writes.

<Card title="Send a one-off message" icon="message" href="/use/send-message">
  For temporary, single-run instructions.
</Card>


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