> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.zaia.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.zaia.app/squads/what-are-squads.md).

# What Are Squads

Squads are a way to **group multiple Agents** under a shared goal. Instead of having isolated Agents, you can organize them to collaborate, specialize, and delegate interactions.

#### 🔹 Key Concepts

* **Container of Agents** → A Squad groups Agents into a single unit.
* **Collaboration Modes** → Decide how Agents coordinate:
  * **Hierarchical** → one Manager orchestrates and delegates.
  * **Horizontal** → all Agents can pass conversations among themselves, with a Principal as fallback.
* **Shared Resources** → Squads can access **Tables, Knowledge Bases, and Workflows** directly.
* **Native Routing** → Handovers between Agents are seamless to the user, based on Roles and Prompts.

#### 🔹 Management Modes

* **Hierarchical Mode**:
  * One **Manager Agent** acts as the orchestrator.
  * Delegates user requests to the right specialist Agent.
  * Recommended for **structured triage** (e.g., first-line support routing to Sales, Billing, or Technical).
* **Horizontal Mode**:
  * All Agents collaborate equally.
  * A **Principal Agent** is chosen as the safety fallback.
  * Recommended for **peer-based expertise** (e.g., product, pricing, logistics).

#### 🔹 Why Use Squads?

* Organize Agents by **domain** (Support, Sales, R\&D).
* Handle **complex conversations** where multiple specialties may be needed.
* Scale gradually — start with a Manager + 2 Specialists, then expand.