# How to Create and Configure Tasks for a Workflow

### Summary

asks are the specific actions your workflow performs. You create them in Step 3 of the **workflow builder** by clicking **+ Add Task** and configuring the details in the "New Task" window. This guide walks you through that process step-by-step.

### Why This is Important

Tasks are the heart of your automation. While the workflow sets the overall goal, the tasks do the actual work, analyzing documents, extracting data, and drafting content. Mastering task configuration is the most critical skill for building powerful and flexible **custom legal workflows** that deliver precise, reliable results.

### Immediate vs. Suggested Tasks: A Strategic Choice

Before you create a task, you must decide where to place it.

* **Immediate Tasks:** These run automatically as soon as the user provides their input (like uploading a file). Use this for the most critical, high-value action you want to deliver instantly.
* **Suggested Tasks:** These appear as clickable buttons *after* all immediate tasks are complete. Use these to offer logical next steps and guide the user through a multi-stage process.

<figure><img src="https://1556743161-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MS8Dq_iqEIflAmbaOkI-887967055%2Fuploads%2FynoQvG4d7TGd7qM7EEpc%2Fimage%20(5).png?alt=media&#x26;token=4435e2c3-a8f6-4750-8096-3111f313b545" alt=""><figcaption><p>Decide whether your task should run immediately or be presented as a suggested follow-up action.</p></figcaption></figure>

{% hint style="info" %}
**The 'Instant Value' Rule:** When deciding, ask yourself: "What is the single most important piece of information the user needs to see right away?" Make that your Immediate Task. Use Suggested Tasks for everything else to avoid overwhelming the user.&#x20;
{% endhint %}

### Creating a New Task: A Step-by-Step Guide

In either the `Immediate` or `Suggested` section, click **+ Add Task** and choose **Create New Task**. This will open the configuration window.

<figure><img src="https://1556743161-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F-MS8Dq_iqEIflAmbaOkI-887967055%2Fuploads%2FbWFJZRvqq2J9whK5ttVU%2Fimage%20(6).png?alt=media&#x26;token=7c5d1e10-e9bb-409a-b4d3-b1255bd8b401" alt=""><figcaption><p>Start building your workflow: go to Immediate or Suggested, click + Add Task, then choose Create New Task.</p></figcaption></figure>

#### 1. Task Details

This is the basic information for your task.

* **Name:** Give the task a clear, action-oriented title (e.g., `Identify Hostile Clauses`).
* **Description:** Briefly explain what the task does. This helps you and your colleagues reuse it later from the Task Library.

#### 2. Optional Conditions

This section sets rules for when a task can run.

* **Task Dependency:** Makes this task available only after another selected task is complete. This is perfect for creating a logical, step-by-step process.
* **Required Document(s):** Tells the AI what kind of document to expect (e.g., `Contract`, `Pleading`). This helps Vincent better understand the context of the file.
* **Required Context:** Use this when a task needs a specific **point of view**. For example, you can require the user to state the represented party (e.g., "Plaintiff" or "Defendant"). The AI will then perform its analysis from that specific perspective.

#### 3. Task Instruction(s)

This is the "engine" of the task where you provide the specific instructions for the AI.

* **Action Type:** This is the most important choice you will make. It defines the *method* Studio will use to perform its work (e.g., analyzing a whole document, comparing two files, etc.).
* **Prompt:** This is where you write the detailed, step-by-step instructions for Studio to follow. Be as specific as possible.

{% hint style="success" %}
**Choosing the Right Action Type is Key:** The **Action Type** you select fundamentally changes how your prompt is applied. For a detailed guide on each available option and when to use it, please see our dedicated reference article: [**Understanding Action Types in Vincent Studio**](https://support.vlex.com/vincent-by-vlex-1/vincent-studio/creating-and-managing-ai-workflows-in-vincent-studio/understanding-action-types-in-vincent-studio).&#x20;
{% endhint %}

### Best Practices & Pro Tips

* **One Task, One Job:** A single task should be responsible for one clear, distinct activity. If your prompt is becoming very long and complex, consider breaking the process down into two or more separate tasks.
* **Write Prompts Like a Manager:** Be clear, specific, and direct in your task prompts. Provide examples of the output format you expect. The more precise your instructions, the more reliable your results will be.

### Related Articles

* [How to Publish and Share Your Vincent Studio Workflow](https://support.vlex.com/vincent-by-vlex-1/vincent-studio/creating-and-managing-ai-workflows-in-vincent-studio/how-to-publish-and-share-your-vincent-studio-workflow)
* [Understanding Data Security and Compliance in Vincent Studio](https://support.vlex.com/vincent-by-vlex-1/vincent-studio/security-privacy-and-compliance/understanding-data-security-and-compliance-in-vincent-studio)

### Ready to Publish?

Once your tasks are configured, you're ready for the final step: publishing your workflow.

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