# AI workflow step and connector controls

Choose an AI model, tools, output format, and payer, or configure a service connector’s operation and credentials.

Source: https://docs.rumata.dev/guides/controls-workflow-agents
Reviewed: 2026-09-06

## Before you start

- Open the named screen in Rumata. Available controls may depend on your account, permissions, and resource state.

<a id="agent"></a>

## AI Agent instructions and tools

An AI step runs inside your automation. The assistant you chat with to build your app works separately.

| Control | What it does |
| --- | --- |
| System prompt | Describe what this step should accomplish, which rules it must follow, and when it should finish. |
| Model | Enter the model identifier to use. Use a model available through the configured provider. |
| Max turns | Limit how many reasoning/tool rounds this step can take. The default is 6. |
| Tools search / activity checkbox | Find and enable the activities the AI is allowed to call. Uncheck one to remove it from the tool set. |
| Selected tool configuration | Complete the selected activity’s settings. The AI receives the configured tool when the workflow runs. |

<a id="output"></a>

## Final answer format

Choose a consistent format for the data passed to the next step so it can use the result reliably.

| Control | What it does |
| --- | --- |
| Text | Return a text answer. |
| JSON object | Return a structured object; this is the default mode. |
| JSON Schema | Require a structured answer that satisfies the schema you provide. |
| Schema editor | Enter a JSON object defining the expected fields and rules. Leave the field to validate and apply it to the graph draft; fix any error before saving. |

<a id="billing"></a>

## Who pays and advanced settings

Review the payer before publishing a workflow other people can call.

| Control | What it does |
| --- | --- |
| Caller funded / Owner funded | Choose whether the caller or workflow owner pays for this AI step. [Caller funded](https://docs.rumata.dev/guides/controls-workflow-agents#billing) is the default. |
| Keep caller funded / Enable owner funded | Cancel or accept the owner-funding choice in its confirmation dialog. The setting is still part of the graph draft until [Save](https://docs.rumata.dev/guides/controls-workflows#toolbar). |
| Advanced → Maximum run cost (USD) | Set a cost ceiling for this agent run. Leaving it blank removes this explicit ceiling. |
| Tool local URL override | For development, route tool calls to a specified service address. |
| OpenRouter API key / project secret toggle | Provide your own key directly or through a project secret, or leave it blank to use the platform configuration. |

<a id="connectors"></a>

## Service connectors

[Connectors](https://docs.rumata.dev/guides/controls-connectors#catalog) provide named operations for external services. Add one from [Add step](https://docs.rumata.dev/guides/controls-workflow-palette#catalog), then choose an operation and complete the fields shown for it.

| Control | What it does |
| --- | --- |
| Connector / operation | Choose the service and task to perform. Changing the operation changes the available fields and the request it sends. |
| Required operation fields | Complete fields marked with an asterisk. Their descriptions identify the required service IDs, content, or other values. |
| Body field → ƒx | Calculate a request-body value from the current run with JSONata. |
| Path or query field → key icon | Use a project secret for a value placed in the address or query parameters. |
| Credential / API key → key icon | Choose a saved secret rather than embedding the credential in the graph. The helper text says which header or query parameter receives it. |
| Secret selector / Use a fixed value | Pick a secret by name, or return to a fixed value. Switching secret mode clears the prior field value. |

## Related guides

- [Workflow step settings and data controls](https://docs.rumata.dev/guides/controls-workflow-nodes)
- [Workflow run and performance controls](https://docs.rumata.dev/guides/controls-workflow-runs)
- [Keys & secrets](https://docs.rumata.dev/guides/system-explorer-secrets)