> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.pnbr.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Add a Shape to a project

> Search the catalog, compare suitable Shapes, add one to the active project, and inspect its record types.

Use this before capture or extraction when the project does not already have a
Shape for the job. Search the catalog before creating a new one.

## Before you start

* [Check the active project](/runtime/orient).
* Describe the records and relationships the job needs.
* Decide who will approve adding the Shape.

## Ask your agent

> Find the best available Shape for customer discovery research. Compare the
> strongest matches by the records and relationships they support. Wait for my
> approval before adding one. After adding it, inspect the Shape and show me the
> fields the next workflow can use.

## Steps

<Steps>
  <Step title="Search the catalog">
    The agent lists available Shapes, then searches using the language of your job.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Compare the best matches">
    It shows how each candidate would represent the records you need. Reject a Shape that only matches by name.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Approve one Shape">
    Confirm the active project and the selected Shape before it is added.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Add and inspect it">
    The agent adds the Shape, refreshes project status, and reads its actual types, fields, and relationships.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Verify

The active project should list the new Shape, and the agent should be able to
name the exact record types and fields it will use next.

## Troubleshooting

* **No close match:** list the missing concepts and [create a Shape](/shapes/create-shape).
* **Added to the wrong project:** stop. Changing the active project does not move the Shape.
* **Two candidates look similar:** inspect both before choosing; do not create a duplicate to avoid the comparison.

<Accordion title="Tool trace">
  ```text theme={null}
  penumbra_status
  → penumbra_shapes_list
  → penumbra_shapes_search
  → approval
  → penumbra_shapes_add
  → penumbra_status
  → penumbra_introspect
  ```
</Accordion>