Tool Access
Tool Access determines which complete groups of actions the LLM can see and propose at all.
What a tool switch actually does
Open Assistela → Settings → Advanced → Tool Access. Each switch represents a capability group. Disabling a group removes its actions from the list sent to the LLM, so the model cannot select them.
This is another layer alongside service configuration, macOS permissions, and approval of a particular action. Disabling a tool does not revoke an existing macOS permission; it prevents Assistela from using that capability through the LLM.
Groups you may see
Browser
Opening websites, clicking, and filling forms.
Apple and personal services
Calendar, Reminders, Contacts, Notes, Messages, Maps, and macOS apps.
Documents and files
Reading and creating documents, and finding or changing local files.
Connected services
Email, Home Assistant, and saved Passwords and Cards.
Memory and history
Long-term memory, Temporary Information, and searching older conversations.
Advanced operation
Local commands, terminal, reusable workflows, app status, and work helpers.
The exact list depends on the installation and active features. The App checks or meta group remains enabled so Assistela can determine which capabilities are available.
Recommended access by use case
- If you use Assistela only for chat, leave browser, files, macOS control, shell, and terminal disabled.
- For an Apple-focused Personal Assistant, enable only email, calendar, Reminders, memory, and optionally Contacts.
- Enable Home Assistant only together with a small entity allowlist.
- Enable Passwords and Cards only when you want local protected web-form filling.
- Shell and terminal are for technical users. If you do not know why you need them, leave them disabled.
Enable only capabilities required by how you actually use Assistela. A smaller tool list is easier to review, saves context, and reduces the chance of the model choosing an unsuitable approach.
When Assistela says a tool is unavailable
- Check that its group is enabled in Tool Access.
- Verify the service configuration, such as the email account.
- Verify the required macOS permission.
- For your own LLM, confirm that the model supports tool calling.
- After a change, open a new Chat or send a new clear request and try a safe read-only action.