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

# Provider Tools

> Tools connected providers give the assistant, including write actions, gated by your approval.

## Overview

Provider tools are callable actions the assistant gains from a connected provider. Unlike [MCP Connections](/ai/mcp-connections) (which expose **read-only** tools from external servers) provider tools are built into Custral and can take **actions** (for example, create a GitHub issue) using your workspace's existing connection. Any tool that writes or deletes asks for your approval before it runs.

They appear under **Settings → AI → Rules & Skills → Provider Tools**, and light up automatically while the matching provider is connected.

## How it works

* A provider tool is available only while that provider is **connected** for your workspace. Disconnect the provider and its tools disappear instantly.
* Each tool has a **risk**: `read` tools run on their own; `write` and `destructive` tools pause and ask you to approve the action first (the same permission card the assistant uses for any change).
* Tools are named plainly (e.g. `github_create_issue`) so the assistant (and your skills) can reference them.
* Provider tools count toward the assistant's tool budget alongside base tools and MCP tools.

### Turning a tool off

Each tool has an **Enabled** toggle. Turn it off to stop the assistant from using that specific tool while keeping the provider connected. Useful when you want, say, GitHub *reads* but not the ability to create issues. A disabled tool is never offered to the assistant (and won't run even if a skill lists it) until you turn it back on. The toggle is workspace-wide and only admins can change it.

### Scoping a skill to specific tools

When you author a Skill (**Settings → AI → Rules & Skills → Skills**), the **Allowed tools** picker lets you restrict that skill to a chosen set of tools, base or provider. Leave it empty for full access. A `/create-issue` skill, for instance, can be limited to just `github_create_issue` so it stays focused.

## Using it

1. Connect the provider (e.g. GitHub) under **Settings → Connections**.
2. Open **Settings → AI → Rules & Skills → Provider Tools** to see the tools it contributes, with their provider and risk.
3. Ask the assistant to use one, e.g. *"file a GitHub issue in custral/app titled 'Fix login redirect'"*.
4. For a write tool, approve the action when the assistant asks. Read tools return results directly.

## Troubleshooting

* **The assistant says a provider is "not connected."** The provider isn't connected (or was disconnected). Reconnect it under Settings → Connections, then retry.
* **A write tool didn't run.** Write and destructive tools require your approval, look for the approval prompt and confirm it. In **Ask** permission mode every gated tool asks first.
* **A provider tool isn't listed.** It only appears while the provider is connected. Confirm the connection is active.
* **The assistant won't use a tool that's connected.** Check its **Enabled** toggle on this tab. A tool turned off here is withheld from the assistant even when the provider is connected and even if a skill lists it. Toggle it back on.
* **A skill can't use a tool.** If the skill has **Allowed tools** set, only those tools are available while it runs. Add the tool to the skill's allowed list, or clear the list for full access.
* **The tool reports an error (e.g. `github_repo_invalid`).** Check the arguments. Repositories are `owner/repo`. The assistant surfaces the provider's error so you can correct and retry.

## Related

* [MCP Connections](/ai/mcp-connections): read-only tools from external servers.
* [Rules & Skills](/ai/rules-and-skills): author skills and scope them to tools.
* [AI Settings](/ai/overview)


## Related topics

- [AI](/ai/overview.md)
- [Modules](/ai/modules.md)
- [Permissions](/ai/permissions.md)
- [Models & Providers](/ai/models/overview.md)
- [Tools](/ai/tools/overview.md)