# How agents select tools

An agent can request only capabilities it can discover from its configuration and the active Runtime. Relevance does not override authority.

![How agents select tools](https://www.foxora.ai/docs/images/v5.0.8/reference/tools.webp)

*Studio interface in English. Sample data.*

## Control selection

1. In the custom agent’s `Permissions` section, assign the smallest useful tool set.
2. Add skills that explain when and how those tools should be used.
3. Configure plugins separately and keep channel allow-lists narrower than general task access.
4. Choose a task permission mode that matches the risk.
5. In a test, verify the agent uses the expected tool and avoids unrelated ones.

## Expected result

The transcript shows a relevant tool call with visible input and output. File scope, network or browser switches, approvals, connected-account permissions, and hard policy can still block execution even when the tool is assigned.