Editing search instructions in ZSearch
What are search instructions?
Search instructions define how the AI operates within a project in ZSearch. They provide guidance on how to interpret queries and generate responses, using the project’s files as context.
Instructions in ZSearch are project-specific and apply only within the project in which they are defined. They are used for all AI interactions in that project and do not affect searches or projects outside it.
Search instructions can be used to specify:
The role or behavior the AI should follow
How responses should be structured or presented
Whether answers must be strictly grounded in project files
Any constraints on tone, style, or scope
By configuring search instructions, teams ensure that AI-generated responses remain consistent, relevant, and aligned with the purpose of the project.
Accessing the instructions panel
To view or edit search instructions:
Open an existing project in ZSearch
Locate the Instructions section in the project workspace
Click the Instructions icon or link
This opens the Instructions dialog, which displays the project’s current instructions.
Editing instructions
Within the Instructions dialog:
The instruction text is shown in an editable text area
You can modify the content to adjust AI behavior
Instructions can include guidance on tone, response format, and context usage
Example instruction patterns include:
Defining a specific role for the AI
Requiring answers to be based strictly on project files
Preventing the use of external or assumed information
After making changes:
Click Save to apply the updated instructions
Click Cancel to discard changes
Updates take effect immediately for all future interactions within the project.
Instruction scope and behavior
Key points to understand about instructions:
Instructions are project-specific
Changes affect all collaborators within the project
Instructions apply to all AI interactions in that project
The AI uses only the files added to the project as its knowledge base
Instructions do not affect search behavior outside the project or in other projects.
Relationship between instructions and project files
Instructions work together with project files to define the project’s AI context:
Project files define what information the AI can use
Instructions define how the AI should use that information
If files are added or removed from a project, the AI continues to follow the same instructions but uses the updated file set as context.
Best practices for writing instructions
Be clear and specific about expected behavior
Explicitly state if answers must be grounded only in project files
Avoid ambiguous or conflicting guidance
Update instructions as the project’s purpose evolves
Well-defined instructions help ensure accurate, consistent, and trustworthy responses.
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