Enabling and Disabling Tools

Every tool Atlas has access to is listed in a file in your vault: atlas/rules/allowed-tools.md. You can open this file and comment out any tool you don’t want Atlas to use. That’s all it takes — no settings panel, no configuration wizard, just a plain text file.

The Opt-Out Model

Atlas uses an opt-out model for tools: every tool is enabled by default. You don’t have to do anything to unlock tools — they’re all available from the moment you set up your vault.

If you want to prevent Atlas from using a specific tool, you disable it by commenting it out in allowed-tools.md.

How to Disable a Tool

Open atlas/rules/allowed-tools.md in your vault. The file lists all available tools, one per line:

search_notes
create_note
read_note
remember_fact
memory_search
update_note
add_task
toggle_task
get_upcoming_meetings
get_weather
...

To disable a tool, add a # at the start of its line:

search_notes
create_note
# update_note
remember_fact
memory_search
# add_task
toggle_task
get_upcoming_meetings
# get_weather
...

In this example, update_note, add_task, and get_weather are disabled. Atlas won’t use them, even if your question would normally trigger one of them. It will let you know that the tool isn’t available and suggest you enable it if you need it.

To re-enable a tool, delete the # and save the file.

Reasons You Might Disable a Tool

Prevent unintended writes. If you want Atlas to be read-only during a session — maybe while you’re exploring or experimenting — you can disable tools like create_note, update_note, delete_file, and remember_fact. Atlas will still answer questions and read your vault, but won’t make any changes.

Remove tools you don’t use. If you don’t have Google Calendar connected, disabling get_upcoming_meetings reduces noise. Atlas won’t attempt to use a tool that will always fail.

Limit automation. If you prefer to manage your own tasks without Atlas adding them automatically, disable add_task. Atlas will still tell you what to add, but you’ll do it yourself.

Simplify for a specific workflow. If you’re using Atlas primarily as a research assistant and don’t want it to touch your CRM or schedule, disable those tool groups.

Privacy or safety reasons. Disabling create_scheduled_task prevents Atlas from setting up any automated tasks without your explicit involvement in the automation settings.

Disabling Tool Groups at Once

You can disable related tools together. Here are some common groupings:

Read-only mode (disable all write tools):

# create_note
# update_note
# append_section
# delete_file
# move_file
# add_task
# toggle_task
# remember_fact
# update_memory
# add_semantic_links
# set_reminder
# create_scheduled_task
# create_voice_note
# use_template

No CRM access:

# list_people
# list_organizations
# get_person
# get_organization

No automation:

# set_reminder
# create_scheduled_task

Changes Take Effect Immediately

Atlas reads allowed-tools.md at the start of each conversation. If you edit the file and start a new chat, the updated tool list is in effect. You don’t need to restart Atlas.

Checking Which Tools Are Active

Ask Atlas directly:

“What tools do you have access to?”
“Show me my allowed tools”
“Which tools are disabled?”

Atlas will read the allowed-tools.md file and tell you exactly what’s enabled and what isn’t.

Next: Tool Reference