> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.spara.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.spara.com/agents/channels/configuring/abilities.md).

# Abilities

**Abilities** are tools a channel can invoke during a live conversation. While [AI Instructions](/agents/channels/configuring/ai-instructions.md) define what a channel says, abilities define what it can *do*: show a calendar, transfer a call, surface a video, send an email, or call an external API.

Not every channel supports abilities. [Chat](/agents/channels/chat.md) and [Phone](/agents/channels/phone.md) have the richest toolsets, while [Email](/agents/channels/email.md) and [SMS](/agents/channels/sms.md) operate on static content and do not have real-time tool access.

Abilities are configured on the **Abilities** tab of a channel's editor.

<figure><img src="/files/oYE5ats1eGj8167s6xCU" alt=""><figcaption><p>The Abilities tab, where you configure what a channel can do during a conversation.</p></figcaption></figure>

## Abilities by channel

| Ability                        | Chat | Phone | Email | SMS |
| ------------------------------ | :--: | :---: | :---: | :-: |
| Show calendar                  |   ✅  |   ✅   |   No  |  No |
| Show media (video, PDF, image) |   ✅  |   No  |   No  |  No |
| Send email                     |   ✅  |   No  |   No  |  No |
| Transfer (cold or warm)        |  No  |   ✅   |   No  |  No |
| API request                    |  No  |   ✅   |   No  |  No |

***

## Chat abilities

The Chat channel can show calendars, surface media (video, PDF, image), and send emails during a live conversation. Calendar booking is enabled by default; media display and email sending are opt-in.

See [Chat](/agents/channels/chat.md) for setup instructions.

***

## Phone abilities

The Phone channel supports calendar booking, call transfers (cold and warm), and external API requests, all without leaving the phone call.

Phone abilities are configured on the **Abilities** tab.

See [Phone](/agents/channels/phone.md) for setup instructions.

***

## FAQ

### How does a channel decide when to use an ability?

Channels use their [AI Instructions](/agents/channels/configuring/ai-instructions.md) as the primary guide. You specify the conditions under which each tool should be used, such as "show the calendar when the lead is ready to book" or "transfer to sales when the lead is qualified and asking to speak with someone." The model reasons about whether those conditions are met at each point in the conversation.

### Can I give one Chat channel multiple calendars?

Yes. Upload each calendar as a separate asset, give them distinct names, and write instructions that specify which calendar to use for which scenario (e.g., "use the Sales calendar for prospects, the Support calendar for existing customers").

### Can a Phone channel transfer to a specific rep by name?

Yes. Configure multiple named transfer destinations in the Abilities tab and instruct it on which destination to use in which context.


---

# Agent Instructions
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