Kiro's Agent Steering feature revolutionizes how developers work with AI-powered tools.
By embedding project-specific context into structured files, it enables consistent, efficient, and scalable assistance within your Integrated Development Environment (IDE).
This guide explains what Agent Steering is, how to set it up, and how to maximize its potential.
What Is Agent Steering in Kiro?
Agent Steering delivers a project-tailored experience for users working in Kiro IDE. By setting up steering files in standard Markdown format, you provide Kiro with persistent guidelines about your project, such as its goals, structure, and technology stack.
These files ensure the AI understands and adheres to your project's requirements across different tasks and interactions.
The driving purpose of Agent Steering is to minimize repetitive explanations, enforce consistent standards across the project, and align team contributors on the same guidelines.
Getting Started with Kiro Agent Steering
By enabling Agent Steering, you provide Kiro with robust project-specific context that optimizes its functionality.
This straightforward setup ensures adherence to standards, improves team productivity, and scales smoothly with your project’s growth.
To make the most of Kiro, integrate other features like Agent Hooks and real-time file referencing into your development process. With its powerful mix of automation and control, Kiro transforms development into a streamlined and collaborative experience.
How to Enable Agent Steering
Method #1 - With Existing Project
To activate Agent Steering in Kiro with existing project, follow these straightforward steps:
Step #1: Launch Kiro IDE
Open the Kiro application on your device. Ensure that the project folder you want to work on is loaded.
Step #2a: Run the Setup Command (option 1)
Use the Command Palette (accessible via a shortcut or menu) and execute this command:
```
This instantly generates three foundational files, stored in the `.kiro/steering/` directory:
- `product.md`: Outlines the product’s vision, features, and target audience.
- `tech.md`: Lists the technology stack, frameworks, and tools used in the project.
- `structure.md`: Defines the project’s directory layout, file-naming conventions, and architectural standards.
3. **Review the Files**
Open these files in the editor and verify that they align with your project's requirements. You can customize their content to reflect specific goals or preferences.
## Customizing Steering Files
To fine-tune Kiro's behavior, add custom `.md` files in the Steering section. Here’s how:
1. **Access the Steering Section**
Navigate to the Steering tab in the Kiro panel. This area allows you to manage steering files easily.
2. **Add a New File**
Click the **+** button. Use a descriptive file name, such as `api-standards.md` or `testing-approach.md`.
3. **Write Your Content**
Provide detailed instructions or standards using Markdown. For example:
```text
## Testing Standards
- Use Jest for all unit tests.
- Mock service calls to reduce test dependency.
- Include a minimum of 80% code coverage in all modules.
Step #2b: Use Built in Button (option 2)
Alternatively, After you open your project in KIRO, use "generate steering docs" button to generate one for you automatically as below;
Step #3: Refine with Kiro
Use the Refine button in Kiro. It converts your text into a structured format while preserving the original meaning.
Method #2 - With Blank Project
Step #1: Start with a Blank Project in Kiro
If you're starting fresh, open a new blank project in Kiro's dashboard. This provides a clean slate to work on your documentation or project ideas.
Step #2: Use Kiro AI Chat for Assistance
Kiro AI's chat feature is a powerful tool to help you structure your project from the ground up. Select the "Specs-Based Chat" option, which is tailored for generating project-specific content.
Step #3: Craft Your Prompt
To get started, provide Kiro with clear and concise instructions. For example, input the following prompt:
Step #4: Generate and Review
Once you press Enter, Kiro will begin crafting comprehensive and structured agent steering documentation. Review the output carefully to ensure it aligns with your vision and refine as needed.
Step #5: Iterate and Save
Take advantage of Kiro's refining tools to polish the generated content and save the documentation in your desired format for future use.
Configuring Inclusion Modes
You can control how and when Kiro applies the information within steering files. These configurations ensure that relevant content is loaded only when needed.
- Add YAML Front Matter
At the beginning of the file, insert front matter using this syntax:
---
inclusion_mode: "always"
---
```
Kiro supports three inclusion modes:
- **Always Included**
These files apply universally across all interactions. Use this mode for coding conventions, architectural principles, or baseline project rules.
- **Conditional Inclusion**
Here, files load only during relevant tasks. Specify the patterns to match:
```yaml
---
inclusion_mode: "conditional"
file_patterns:
- "*.jsx"
- "src/api/**/*"
---
This is ideal for specific domains like React components or backend APIs.
- Manual Inclusion
Include these files on-demand by referencing them in Kiro's chat. For instance, type #component-guidelines to bring a specific .md file into the current session.
Leveraging File References
Kiro enables seamless integration with live project files. Use file references to provide dynamic guidance:
- Reference APIs:
#[[file:api/openapi.yaml]]
- Reference Component Templates:
#[[file:components/button.tsx]]
This ensures that Kiro always uses the latest project details when generating suggestions or guidance.
Benefits of Using Agent Steering
1. Consistency
Steering files ensure that all generated solutions adhere to the project’s established patterns, providing uniformity in the codebase.
2. Efficiency
By embedding project standards into Markdown files, you eliminate the need to repeatedly explain requirements in different interactions.
3. Scalability
Steering files grow along with the project, capturing evolving standards, technical decisions, and documentation seamlessly.
4. Team Alignment
With accessible and well-documented standards, all team members—from new contributors to seasoned developers—stay aligned.
Final Thoughts
Kiro’s Agent Steering feature doesn’t just simplify coding—it revolutionizes how developers interact with their tools. Whether you’re working alone or with a team, Agent Steering ensures consistent quality, significantly enhances productivity, and keeps your project on track. Try it with your next project and experience a smarter way to build software!
