# Customizing sandboxes




Docker Sandboxes offers two ways to customize a sandbox beyond the built-in
defaults:

- [Templates](/ai/sandboxes/customize/templates/) — reusable sandbox images with tools, packages,
  and configuration baked in. Extend a base image with a Dockerfile, or
  save a running sandbox as a template.
- [Kits](/ai/sandboxes/customize/kits/) — declarative YAML artifacts that extend an agent with
  tools, credentials, network rules, and files at runtime, or define a new
  agent from scratch.

## When to use which

| Goal                                                      | Option                                                        |
| --------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Pre-install tools and packages into a reusable base image | [Template](/ai/sandboxes/customize/templates/)                                      |
| Capture a configured running sandbox for reuse            | [Saved template](/ai/sandboxes/customize/templates/#saving-a-sandbox-as-a-template) |
| Add a tool, credential, or config to agent runs via YAML  | [Kit (mixin)](/ai/sandboxes/customize/kits/)                                        |
| Define a new agent from scratch                           | [Kit (agent)](/ai/sandboxes/customize/kits/#defining-an-agent)                      |

Templates and kits can be used together. A template bakes heavy tools into
the image for fast sandbox startup; a kit layered on top adds per-run
credentials, config, or extra capabilities.

## Tutorials

- [Build your own agent kit](/ai/sandboxes/customize/build-an-agent/) — step-by-step walkthrough
  for packaging [Amp](https://ampcode.com/) as an agent kit.