Prompts, agents, and workflows all make work reusable, but they solve different problems. Start with the smallest option that gives the work the consistency, context, tools, and control it needs.

Use a saved prompt for reusable instructions

A saved prompt is a repeatable set of instructions that a person applies in a conversation. Use it for recurring requests such as summarizing meeting notes, drafting a status update, or checking a document against a checklist. The user still chooses the context, reviews the result, and directs follow-ups.

Use an agent for a focused AI worker

An agent combines a purpose, durable instructions, an approved model, knowledge, and tools. Use an agent when the same role must make bounded decisions across different requests—for example, a support triage agent that searches approved documentation or an operations analyst that can read a connected system.

Use a workflow for a repeatable process

A workflow defines ordered steps, inputs, outputs, and optional human review. Use one when a process should run the same way, pass data between steps, pause for approval, or produce a trackable run record. A workflow may call agents, but it also controls when and how each step occurs.

Quick decision guide

  • The wording should be reusable, but the user will direct the work: saved prompt.
  • The work needs a consistent role, approved knowledge, or tools: agent.
  • The work needs multiple ordered steps, structured inputs, handoffs, or approvals: workflow.
  • The need is still unclear or exploratory: start in Chat, then promote the proven pattern later.

A practical progression

  1. Complete the task manually in Chat and note the instructions and checks that matter.
  2. Save the instruction as a prompt when repetition is the main problem.
  3. Create an agent when durable context, a role, or approved tools improve the result.
  4. Build a workflow when the sequence, inputs, outputs, approvals, or audit trail must be repeatable.
  5. Test with non-sensitive examples and confirm access before sharing or publishing the reusable asset.

Access still applies

A prompt, agent, or workflow does not grant access by itself. Users can act only through the models, knowledge, integrations, connections, and operations allowed by their organization and the resource's sharing rules.