Summary

Completed

In this module, you explored the two primary API-based action integration mechanisms in Copilot Studio and explored how to configure both through the Woodgrove Bank IT service desk agent scenario.

What you learned

• Connector tools and REST API tools are the two main paths for connecting a Copilot Studio agent to external systems. Connectors use the Power Platform ecosystem; REST API tools offer a lighter-weight path for direct API integrations within Copilot Studio.
• Adding connector tools follows a consistent workflow through the agent's Tools tab. Tool descriptions are the most critical configuration field — the orchestrator uses them to decide when to invoke each tool.
• Authentication for connector tools is either user-provided (each user signs in) or maker-provided (a shared identity for all users). Each mode has channel and deployment constraints.
• Creating REST API tools starts with uploading an OpenAPI specification and rewriting the auto-generated description. Select only the endpoints the agent needs to keep the tool focused.
• Authentication for REST API tools supports no authentication, API key, or OAuth 2.0, depending on what the target API requires.

Learn more

To continue building on what you learned in this module, explore the following resources:

• Use Power Platform connectors as tools
• Add tools to custom agents
• Extend your agent with tools from a REST API (preview)
• Configure user authentication for tools
• Configure and manage connections
• Use shared tools from the Tools page
• Plan and design integration strategies