---
title: "Docs · Finch Agent"
description: "Learn how Finch works and how to extend it with Skills and mini tools."
source: https://finchwork.app/en/docs
---

# Start here

How Finch works

Last updated: July 13, 2026

## Docs Navigation

### Getting started

1.  [Start here](/en/docs)

### Basics

1.  [Models](/en/docs/models)
2.  [Spaces](/en/docs/spaces)
3.  [Memory & compaction](/en/docs/memory)
4.  [Auto-loaded files](/en/docs/context-and-files)
5.  [Automation](/en/docs/automation)
6.  [Tools & tool suites](/en/docs/tools)
7.  [Themes](/en/docs/themes)
8.  [Shortcuts](/en/docs/shortcuts)
9.  [Deep links](/en/docs/deeplinks)

### Mini tool development

1.  [Mini tools](/en/docs/minitools)
2.  [Quickstart](/en/docs/minitools-quickstart)
3.  [Composition](/en/docs/minitools-composition)
4.  [Lifecycle & capability registration](/en/docs/minitools-lifecycle)
5.  [MCP integration](/en/docs/minitools-mcp)
6.  [Standardized UI](/en/docs/minitools-ui)
7.  [Accounts, settings & OAuth login](/en/docs/minitools-oauth)
8.  [Session containers](/en/docs/minitools-containers)
9.  [Session Loop](/en/docs/minitools-sessions)
10.  [Skills](/en/docs/skills)
11.  [Debugging, installing & publishing](/en/docs/minitools-debugging)
12.  [Icon guidelines](/en/docs/minitools-icons)
13.  [Publishing to the community](/en/docs/minitools-publishing)
14.  [Appendix: ctx & manifest reference](/en/docs/minitools-reference)

Finch is a lightweight local AI agent app, built on the excellent open-source project [Pi](https://pi.dev/). You don't need to understand complex AI concepts or change how you work — just describe what you want in plain language, and Finch combines the current conversation, spaces, files, and available tools to help you get it done.

## Get started in 5 minutes

1.  On the [Models](/en/docs/models) page, sign in with an existing account or add an API key, then pick a model.
2.  Start a new conversation and tell Finch what you want, e.g. "help me organize this project's to-dos."
3.  For long-running work, create a [Space](/en/docs/spaces) to keep conversations, rules, and files together.
4.  For anything recurring, set up an [automation task](/en/docs/automation) so Finch runs it on schedule.

Starting with a plain conversation is enough — Spaces and automation are there when you need them.

## Where to begin

Finch keeps its power behind a simple interface. Day to day, you just start a conversation, pick a working directory, attach files, and let Finch help you write, research, organize, or code.

If you're a developer and want to connect Finch to APIs, MCP servers, agent tools, or Composer actions, start with [Mini tools](/en/docs/minitools). Skill discovery and directory scanning rules are covered in the [developer notes](/en/docs/skills).

## Finch keeps evolving

Recent releases have improved automation tasks, MCP app bridging, web search, PDF reading, multi-window recovery, and memory. See the [changelog](/en/changelog) for what's new in each release.

## Documentation map

### Basics

Read in order, from first use to deeper understanding.

-   [Models](/en/docs/models): connect and choose the right AI model.
-   [Spaces](/en/docs/spaces): dedicated workspaces for projects and long-running work.
-   [Automation](/en/docs/automation): let Finch run fixed tasks on a schedule.
-   [Themes](/en/docs/themes): switch built-in themes or design your own.
-   [Shortcuts](/en/docs/shortcuts): get common actions done fast.
-   [Deep links](/en/docs/deeplinks): jump straight into Finch with `finch://` links.
-   [Memory & compaction](/en/docs/memory): how Finch retains what matters.
-   [Auto-loaded files](/en/docs/context-and-files): the rules and memory attached to every conversation.

### Mini tools

For developers extending Finch with code. We recommend letting the `finch-mini-tool-creator` skill help you build or debug a mini tool.

-   [Mini tools](/en/docs/minitools): what they can do, before you start building.
-   [Tools & tool suites](/en/docs/tools): how tools are wired up, named, and authorized.
-   [Icon guidelines](/en/docs/minitools-icons): entry and UI icons.
-   [Publishing to the community](/en/docs/minitools-publishing): ship to npm and the Finch community.
-   [Skills](/en/docs/skills): directory layout and discovery rules for developers.

## Get help

If the docs don't cover your question, follow the project on [GitHub](https://github.com/finchtoys/) or email [finchwork@agent.qq.com](mailto:finchwork@agent.qq.com).