File Tools

What is the File Tools tool?

The File Tools tool is a built-in capability in the Agno framework that allows AI agents to read and write files to local filesystem. When added to an agent in Agno Builder, the agent can autonomously decide when to invoke this tool based on the user's request.

This is a free tool — no API key or external account is needed. It works out of the box when you add it to any agent.

How to use File Tools in Agno Builder

1. 1

   Create an agent

   Drag an Agent node onto the canvas in Agno Builder, or use one of the built-in templates.

2. 2

   Enable File Tools

   Click the agent, go to the Tools tab, and toggle on "File Tools" from the core category.

3. 3

   Test in chat

   Open the chat panel and send a message. The agent will automatically use File Tools when relevant.

4. 4

   Export Python code

   Click File > Export Python to get clean, runnable code with the correct imports for File Tools.

Python code example

This is the code Agno Builder exports when you use File Tools:

from agno.agent import Agent
from agno.models.openai import OpenAIChat
from agno.tools.file import FileTools

agent = Agent(
    name="File Tools Agent",
    model=OpenAIChat(id="gpt-4o"),
    tools=[FileTools()],
    instructions=["Use the file tools tool to help the user."],
    markdown=True,
)

agent.print_response("Read the contents of config.json")

Install with: pip install agno