---
title: "Configure information sources and writing style"
slug: "configure-information-sources-and-writing-style"
abstract: "Customize the Brand Assistant's responses by selecting a writing style that matches your brand voice and its information sources."
---
# Configure information sources and writing style

You can personalize how the Brand Assistant generates responses by configuring two key aspects of how the Assistant behaves:

- **Information sources** - controls whether the Brand Assistant uses brand knowledge, web search, or both when generating responses.
- **Writing styles** - determines the style used in responses. You can choose from five predefined styles (*Formal, Casual, Bold, Informative, Friendly*) or create custom styles tailored to your brand.

These settings ensure the generated content aligns with your information needs and your brand's unique voice and communication style.

![Use the General tab on the Assistant Configuration dialog to select the information sources.](https://doc.sitecore.com/api/markdown-image/ch/en/users/content-hub/images/AssitantConfigGeneral.png)

## Configure the information sources

The Brand Assistant uses *information sources* to generate responses. You can configure which sources the Brand Assistant accesses for [general queries](https://doc.sitecore.com/xmc/en/users/xm-cloud/en/use-the-brand-assistant-for-brand-aware-chats.html), [brainstorming](https://doc.sitecore.com/xmc/en/users/xm-cloud/en/generate-long-form-content-using-brainstorming.html), and [brief generation](https://doc.sitecore.com/xmc/en/users/xm-cloud/en/generate-a-campaign-brief.html).

By default, both *web search* and *knowledge search* are selected, allowing the Brand Assistant to draw from both your [brand knowledge](https://doc.sitecore.com/xmc/en/users/xm-cloud/en/brand-knowledge.html) and web sources to produce comprehensive and relevant responses.

> [!important]
> The information sources you configure here are applied globally across all chats and brand kits.

To configure the information sources:

1. In Content Hub, on the page where you want brand assistance, in the upper-right corner of the application window, click **Brand Assistant** :mdiChatOutline:.
2. On the **Brand Assistant** menu bar, click **Tool configuration** :mdiTune:.
3. In the **Assistant configuration** dialog, on the **General** tab, select the check box next to a source if you want the Brand Assistant to use it:
    - **Web search** - the Brand Assistant searches the web for current information and trends. Clear this check box if you want responses based *only* on your brand knowledge.
    - **Knowledge search** - the Brand Assistant accesses your brand knowledge. Clear this check box to use only web-based information.

    By default, both web search and knowledge search are selected for all features: **General queries**, **Brainstorming**, and **Brief**. You must select **at least one information source** in each section.

    Your changes are saved automatically.

4. Click **Close** to exit the **Assistant configuration** dialog.

## Configure the writing style

The Brand Assistant can adapt its writing style to match your brand personality. You can choose a predefined style or create custom styles to guide how the Brand Assistant generates responses. This ensures all AI-generated content reflects your brand’s unique voice and tone.

> [!important]
> -   The writing style you configure here is applied globally across all chats and brand kits.
>
> -   When generating responses, the Brand Assistant considers both the writing style and the brand kit's tone of voice, but prioritizes the writing style if they differ.

To configure the writing style:

1. In Content Hub, on the page where you want brand assistance, in the upper-right corner of the application window, click **Brand Assistant** :mdiChatOutline:.
2. On the **Brand Assistant** menu bar, click **Tool configuration** :mdiTune:.
3. In the **Assistant configuration** dialog, on the **Personalization** tab, click the **Saved styles** tab to use a predefined writing style.
4. Click one of the following options:
    - **Formal** - professional, structured, and authoritative communication.
    - **Casual** - relaxed and conversational language that builds rapport.
    - **Bold** - confident, assertive, and action-oriented messaging.
    - **Informative** - clear and detailed explanations focused on knowledge sharing.
    - **Friendly** - warm and approachable communication that emphasizes connection.
5. To create a custom writing style, click the **Add a style** tab, and complete the following fields:
    - **Label** - enter a descriptive name for the new writing style (for example, *Tech-Forward*, *Storytelling*, or *Minimalist*).
    - **Description** - describe the writing characteristics you want the Brand Assistant to follow, such as:
        - Tone and personality (for example, *witty*, *serious*, *enthusiastic*)
        - Vocabulary preferences (for example, *simple language*, *technical terms*)
        - Structure and format (for example, *bullet points*, *narrative*, *conversational*)
        - Specific phrases or expressions to use or avoid if any.
6. Click **Add style** to save your custom style. Your new writing style appears in the **Made by you** section on the **Saved styles** tab.
7. Select the new style to enable Brand Assistant to use it.
8. Click **Close** to exit the **Assistant Configuration** dialog.