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

# Knowledge Scope

> Configure the boundaries of information your Assistant can access and understand.

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/nectir/XcxxEj6IZoS32gfJ/images/knowledge-scope.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=XcxxEj6IZoS32gfJ&q=85&s=00df397f2b8ea9682c6bd80b0583bfc1" alt="Knowledge scope configuration interface" width="442" height="279" data-path="images/knowledge-scope.png" />
</Frame>

Knowledge scope controls how much information your Assistant can access beyond your uploaded files. Think of it as setting the **knowledge boundaries** - from using only your specific documents to accessing the full breadth of AI knowledge. This powerful setting allows you to **balance specificity with comprehensiveness** based on your teaching goals.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Access Assistant Settings">
    Hover over your Assistant, click the **three dots**, and select **Settings**
  </Step>

  <Step title="Navigate to Prompt Tab">
    Click on the **Prompt** tab in the sidebar
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Knowledge Scope">
    Choose either **General knowledge**, **Topic knowledge**, or **Document only**:

    <AccordionGroup>
      <Accordion title="General Knowledge" icon="globe">
        **What it includes:** Your documents plus the full breadth of knowledge available through Nectir's supported AI models.

        **Best for:** Assistants that need comprehensive, up-to-date information beyond your specific course materials.

        **Choose this when you want your Assistant to:**

        * Provide comprehensive, up-to-date information beyond your course materials
        * Access current events, recent research, or latest developments in the field
        * Offer broad context and background information
        * Act as a research assistant with wide-ranging knowledge

        **Example:** A research methods assistant that needs to reference current academic standards and recent publications.
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Topic Knowledge" icon="crosshairs">
        **What it includes:** Your documents and only the relevant topics from the AI models based on your documents, the prompt, and user input.

        **Best for:** Assistants that should stay focused on your course content while having access to relevant background information.

        **Choose this when you want your Assistant to:**

        * Stay focused on your course content while providing relevant context
        * Offer background information that's directly related to your materials
        * Provide explanations without going too far off-topic
        * Balance course-specific guidance with helpful context

        **Example:** A biology tutor that can explain related concepts but stays focused on your course curriculum.
      </Accordion>

      <Accordion title="Document Only" icon="file">
        **What it includes:** Only the information in the documents you upload. No access to AI models.

        **Best for:** Assistants that should only reference your specific course materials and nothing else.

        **Choose this when you want your Assistant to:**

        * Reference only your specific course materials
        * Avoid any external information or interpretations
        * Stick strictly to your syllabus, assignments, and uploaded documents
        * Provide answers based solely on your provided content

        **Example:** A syllabus assistant that only references your specific course policies and requirements.
      </Accordion>
    </AccordionGroup>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save Your Selection">
    Click **Save changes** to apply your knowledge scope setting
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Best Practices

<Warning>
  **Important:** Your knowledge scope setting works in combination with your Assistant's prompt. Make sure both are aligned with your teaching goals.
</Warning>

<CardGroup cols="2">
  <Card title="Start Conservative" icon="shield">
    Begin with **Document Only** or **Topic Knowledge** to ensure your Assistant stays focused on your course content.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Test and Adjust" icon="gear">
    Monitor your Assistant's responses and adjust the knowledge scope if needed based on student feedback.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Review Regularly" icon="clock">
    Periodically review your knowledge scope setting as your course content and goals evolve.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Enable Source Citations" icon="link" href="/creating/sources">
    Turn on source citations to gain visibility into which knowledge files your Assistant uses. This helps identify gaps in your content and ensures responses are grounded in your materials.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols="2">
  <Card title="Assistant Prompt" icon="message" href="/creating/assistant-prompt">
    Set the directions that shape your Assistant's behavior
  </Card>

  <Card title="Advanced Features" icon="gear" href="/creating/advanced">
    Configure AI models and advanced options
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

***

### Video Tutorial

<Card title="See Knowledge Configuration in Action" icon="play" href="/tutorials/creating-your-first-assistant-series">
  Watch how to set knowledge scope and configure AI models
</Card>
