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A free-form procedure stores written instructions for a repeatable task. Use it when the task needs judgment or clarification, such as collecting the information for a support request.
Procedure creation, draft updates, and compilation are authoring operations. Compilation places the content in a workflow preview; it does not enforce each sentence as an execution step, publish the agent, or run a conversation.

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Write the procedure

Keep the entry condition, requested information, completion condition, and unavailable-action response explicit. For example:
Use trigger for the condition that makes the procedure relevant. Use content for the instructions after entry. A procedure name is a label, so avoid relying on it to explain the task.

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Save and inspect

You need an existing agent, an editable branch_id, and permission to change the agent.
1

Create the branch resource

Use Create procedure with type: "free_form", a useful name, your written content, and an explicit trigger. The name accepts up to 200 characters. Set folder_parent_id only when placing it in an existing procedure folder.
2

Read the draft back

Keep the returned procedure_id and read Get procedure draft on the same agent and branch. Compare the stored name, content, type, and trigger with the intended task.
3

Make a complete draft update

Update procedure draft requires name, content, and type. Draft content accepts up to 50,000 characters. Keep type: "free_form"; this operation cannot change a procedure’s type.
4

Compile for review

Use Compile procedures. Inspect the returned node’s additional prompt and trigger condition. Save a reviewed workflow separately through versions and drafts if you intend to use it in an agent snapshot.
An explicitly empty trigger produces no automatic trigger edge in the preview. Do not use an empty trigger for a procedure you expect the preview’s router to select directly.

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Frequently asked questions

The draft update rejects type changes. Create a separate structured procedure, review its content, and update any references deliberately.
No. Text alone does not establish a tool attachment, authorization, or execution. Review the referenced resource and its availability separately.