> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xsiam/detect-investigate-and-respond-to-threats/investigation-and-response/build-xql-queries/query-builder-templates/get-started-with-query-builder-templates.md). # Get started with Query Builder templates Get started with Cortex XSIAM Query Builder templates for guided data queries. Before you start running queries with Query Builder templates in Cortex XSIAM, consider the following information: * **Learn about the templates:** Although the templates don’t require XQL knowledge, they do require knowledge of operators and other factors. Understanding how the templates work will help you to build effective queries. For more information, see [Considerations for using Query Builder templates](/cortex-xsiam/detect-investigate-and-respond-to-threats/investigation-and-response/build-xql-queries/query-builder-templates/considerations-for-using-query-builder-templates.md). * **Look up field and alias descriptions:** The templates are based on the fields and aliases in the Cortex Data Model (XDM). If you want more information about a field or alias, see the [Cortex XSIAM Data Model Schema Guide](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/xsiam-data-model-schema/). * **Try out our examples:** To help you feel confident with Query Builder templates, start by following our step-by-step examples and tailor them for your environment. For more information, see [Query Builder template examples](/cortex-xsiam/detect-investigate-and-respond-to-threats/investigation-and-response/build-xql-queries/query-builder-templates/query-builder-template-examples.md). --- # Agent Instructions This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com. ## Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters: ``` GET https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-xsiam/detect-investigate-and-respond-to-threats/investigation-and-response/build-xql-queries/query-builder-templates/get-started-with-query-builder-templates.md?ask=&goal= ``` `ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. `goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case. The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation. Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.