Customizing the GitHub Copilot app

Customize the GitHub Copilot app so it works the way you and your team do.

Who can use this feature?

GitHub Copilot app is in technical preview. GitHub Copilot Business, GitHub Copilot Enterprise, GitHub Copilot Pro, and GitHub Copilot Pro+ users can download and use the app. GitHub Copilot Free users and users without a Copilot plan can join the waitlist to request access.

In this article

Note

The GitHub Copilot app is in technical preview and subject to change.

  • Copilot Business, Copilot Enterprise, Copilot Pro, and Copilot Pro+ users — Download and install from the GitHub Copilot app repository. For Copilot Business and Copilot Enterprise, your organization or enterprise must enable preview features and Copilot CLI.
  • Copilot Free users and users without a Copilot plan — To request access, join the waitlist.

Tailor the GitHub Copilot app to your workflows so your agents follow your conventions, use your preferred tools, and apply the right expertise to every task.

Setting global instructions

You can set instructions that apply to every session across all projects in the app settings under General.

Adding agent skills

Agent skills are folders of instructions, scripts, and resources that Copilot can load when relevant to improve its performance in specialized tasks. Any skills configured for your repositories or Copilot CLI are automatically available in the GitHub Copilot app. You can also add and manage skills in the app settings under Skills.

For more information about agent skills, see About agent skills.

Configuring MCP servers

MCP servers connect the agent to external tools and data sources. Any MCP servers configured for your repositories or Copilot CLI are automatically available in the GitHub Copilot app. You can also add and manage additional MCP servers in the app settings under MCP Servers. The app includes a catalog of popular servers, or you can add a custom server.

For more information about MCP, see Adding MCP servers for GitHub Copilot CLI.

Working with canvas extensions

Use canvas extensions to build shared, agent-driven artifacts and interfaces for team or personal workflows. In a session, use /create-canvas to scaffold a canvas extension, then iterate on the canvas with the agent. For more information, see Working with canvas extensions in the GitHub Copilot app.