Default providers
When more than one integration can handle the same kind of work (for example Todoist and Apple Reminders for tasks), Toby needs a preference. Default Providers is where you set that.
Open Toby.app → Settings → Default Providers.
Categories
| Category | Configure label | Example integrations |
|---|---|---|
| Email Provider | ||
| Calendar | Calendar Provider | Apple Calendar |
| Tasks | Task List Provider | Todoist, Apple Reminders |
| Contacts | Contact List Provider | Apple Contacts |
| Chat | Chat Provider | Slack |
| Documents | Documents Provider | Notion |
| Work tracker | Work Tracker | Jira |
Each row is a dropdown of connected integrations in that category, plus (none).
macOS system controls are not a provider category; they are scoped as their own integration when relevant.
When defaults matter
- Scheduled runs — Toby inspects the schedule prompt for category keywords (inbox, calendar, todo, Slack, wiki, …). If a category matches, it prefers your default provider for that category.
- Multi-integration chat — When several integrations are active, the system prompt lists your defaults so the model reaches for the right tools.
- Ambiguous requests — “What’s on my task list?” can mean Todoist or Reminders; the default resolves the preference.
If you only connect one integration per category, defaults are optional—Toby can infer that integration.
How to set them
- Connect the integrations you use (Configure and connect).
- Open Settings → Default Providers.
- For each category you care about, pick an integration or (none).
Defaults are stored in ~/.toby/config.json (not credentials).
Explicit scoping still wins
Defaults do not replace:
- Starting a message with an integration name (
email summarize unread…) - Using the integration picker in the chat window
Those still force exact scope for that turn.
Related
- Configuration overview
- Integrations overview — provider categories in more detail
- Set up AI — first-time mention alongside personas