Epicweb.Optimizely.AIAssistant 4.1.0

Thanks for installing the AI Assistant for Optimizely CMS 12 and 13

Videos: https://aiassistant.optimizely.blog/en/videos/

Epicweb AI Assistant plugin for Optimizely Content Cloud (CMS) and Commerce

Version 4.1 - 2026-08-12 ⇒ https://optimizely.blog/2026/08/assistants-instructions-and-statistics/

• Added a new administration experience for managing AI assistants and instructions
• Added persistent assistant and instruction stores for chat configuration
• Added embedded instruction store support and instruction resolution for chat and property editor scenarios
• Improved CMS 13 compatibility for Language Manager gadget settings deserialization

Version 4.0 Targeting CMS 13 .net10 AND CMS 12 .net8 ⇒ https://optimizely.blog/2026/04/introducing-ai-assistant-v4-for-optimizely-cms-12-and-13/

Version 3.0 Featuring AI Assistant Chat ⇒ https://optimizely.blog/2026/02/ai-assistant-chat-for-optimizely-cms-12-and-13/

Version 2.0 now supports Tools for AI (Function Calling and MCP) ⇒ https://optimizely.blog/2025/10/optimizely-solutions-with-ai-tools-mcp-and-function-calling

Version 1.17 now supports Google Gemini out of the box ⇒ https://optimizely.blog/2025/06/how-to-get-started-with-google-gemini-and-imagen-in-optimizely-cms/

Version 1.14 now supports Image Analyzing ⇒ https://optimizely.blog/2025/01/smart-image-analyzer-with-ai-assistant-for-optimizely/

Version 1.14 now supports Image AltText ⇒ https://optimizely.blog/2025/01/automatic-alt-text-for-images-with-ai-assistant-for-optimizely/

Version 1.13 now supports Recraft AI Image Generation ⇒ https://optimizely.blog/2024/12/video-guides-image-generation-features-within-optimizely/

Version 1.10 now supports any custom AI ⇒ https://optimizely.blog/2024/08/bring-your-own-ai-now-available-in-optimizely-cms-commerce/

Installation

1. Add to startup.cs: services.AddAIAssistant();

2. Decorate your string properties with [UIHint(AIHint.Image)], [UIHint(AIHint.Textarea)] or [UIHint(AIHint.Input)] for single line strings

3. Decorate properties with [AIUseToAnalyzeContent] - used to analyze a page or block for important content if referred - add this only on properties that give meaning for the context

4. Add "ai_assistant_execute ai_assistant_choices ai_assistant_image" to Toolbar in TinyMceConfiguration

5. Use [AIAssistant]-attribute to configure properties and give assistant instruction ⇒ https://github.com/Epicweb-Optimizely/Epicweb.Optimizely.AIAssistant/blob/master/configuration.md#aiassistant

6. For image generations to work, you need to register an account and create a api-key https://platform.openai.com/account/api-keys ⇒ then add it to appsettings.json "Epicweb": { "AIAssistant": { "ApiKeyImage": "sk-4ks...." }} AND have credits on your account, Or use Recraft AI API, register here: https://www.recraft.ai/profile/api

7. For global instructions to AI Assistant ⇒ implement IAssistantInstructionsResolver ⇒ https://github.com/Epicweb-Optimizely/Epicweb.Optimizely.AIAssistant/blob/master/configuration.md#iassistantinstructionsresolver

8. For Analyzing Images use [AnalyzeImageAltText], [AnalyzeImage] on imagedata models properties and add app.AddImageAnalyzer(); in startup.

9. [RECOMMENDED] Install the built in tools, download package ⇒ https://nuget.optimizely.com/package/?id=Epicweb.Optimizely.AIAssistant.Tools

Register the tools in Startup.cs:

using Epicweb.Optimizely.AIAssistant.Tools;

services
   .AddAIAssistant()
   // Register MCP tool types for AI Assistant   
   //.AddEmbeddedInstructionStore()//only if added your own instructions, otherwise not needed read more "chat-instructions.md"
   .RegisterMcpToolType(typeof(BuiltinTools))
   .RegisterMcpToolType(typeof(BuiltinChatTools)) 
   .RegisterMcpToolType(typeof(BuiltinPublishChatTools))
   .RegisterMcpToolType(typeof(BuiltinUpdateChatTools))   
   .RegisterMcpToolType(typeof(CategoryTools))  // Category discovery for AI context
   .RegisterMcpToolType(typeof(VisitorGroupTools))  // Visitor group discovery for AI context
   .RegisterMcpToolType(typeof(DisplayOptionTools)) // Use this to understand what display options are available for ContentArea items.
   .RegisterMcpToolType(typeof(BuiltinChatImageTools)) //only together with image analysation module (licensed)
   .RegisterMcpToolType(typeof(BuiltinChatCreateImageTools));//only Image Creation Instructions, only together with image generation module (licensed)

Note: Built-in tools are essential for AI Chat functionality and enable features like content reading, updates, publishing, and image operations.

10. [NEW in 3.0] Enable AI Chat Window - Add to appsettings.json:

{
  "Epicweb": {
    "AIAssistant": {
      "ApiKey": "sk-...",
      "EnableChat": true,
      "ChatRoles": ["AIEditors", "WebEditors", "WebAdmins", "CmsAdmins", "CmsEditors"], // (optional) Roles that can access the chat
      "MaxToolIterations": 8 // (optional) Prevent infinite loops in tool calling
    }
  }
}

IMPORTANT: When EnableChat is true, you must also register the endpoints.MapAIAssistantHub hub in your Startup.cs: IMPORTANT: With the chat it is important to use the right model, do not use GPT-4 legacy models nor Gemini flash 1.5

using Epicweb.Optimizely.AIAssistant.Hub;

public void ConfigureServices(IServiceCollection services)
{    
    services
        .AddAIAssistant()
        .RegisterMcpToolType(typeof(BuiltinChatTools))
        // ... other registrations
}

public void Configure(IApplicationBuilder app, IWebHostEnvironment env)
{
    // ... other middleware
    
    app.UseEndpoints(endpoints =>
    {
        endpoints.MapControllers();
        endpoints.MapContent();
        endpoints.MapAIAssistantHub(); // Required when Chat is enabled
    });
}

Note: The SignalR hub (MapAIAssistantHub()) is required for AI Chat to function properly. It enables real-time communication between the chat interface and the backend AI service.

For more information, see up to date documentation here: https://github.com/Epicweb-Optimizely/Epicweb.Optimizely.AIAssistant

Key features of the add-on:

• Provides suggestions or alternatives for your text
• Translates your text into other languages
• Image generation
• Image transformation
• Image analyzing
• Image Alttext automation
• Generates new text
• Generates FAQ questions and answers (AEO)
• Tools for AI – Connect your C# Function Calling or MCP
• RAG (Retrieval-Augmented Generation) – Connect your own knowledge base
• AI Chat Window - Conversational AI assistant for content editors ⭐ NEW
• Spell-checking
• Change tone of writing
• Extracts keywords from your text
• Run your own prompts to ChatGPT
• Summarize texts and other propertyfields on page/site (SEO, GEO)
• Add your own shortcut prompts
• Use ChatGPT as inline help
• Use any AI of your choice

Choose provider:

• Use OpenAI in USA
• Use Google Gemini
• Use Azure OpenAI Services in data centers in Europe (Sweden, UK, France) ⇒ https://github.com/Epicweb-Optimizely/Epicweb.Optimizely.AIAssistant/blob/master/configuration.md#azure-open-ai-provider
• Use our CustomAI-provider. It allows you to incorporate custom logic and utilize your preferred Large Language Models (LLMs) such as Meta Llama AI, Google Gemini AI, Anthropic Claude AI, or any other AI that offers a REST API. nce)
• RecraftAI ImageProvider
• Gemini Imagen or Nano-Banana ImageProvider

For Premium Subscription: https://aiassistant.optimizely.blog

BLOGS NEW FEATURES:

https://optimizely.blog/2025/10/optimizely-solutions-with-ai-tools-mcp-and-function-calling https://optimizely.blog/2025/10/image-generation--transformation-with-gemini-2.5-flash-aka-nano-banana https://optimizely.blog/2025/06/how-to-get-started-with-google-gemini-and-imagen-in-optimizely-cms/ https://optimizely.blog/2025/09/optimizing-for-aeo-and-geo-with-epicweb-ai-assistant-in-optimizely/ https://optimizely.blog/2025/08/epicweb-ai-assistant-now-supports-gpt-5-models--faster-smarter-and-ready-for-your-optimizely-cms/ https://optimizely.blog/2025/01/automatic-alt-text-for-images-with-ai-assistant-for-optimizely/ https://optimizely.blog/2025/01/smart-image-analyzer-with-ai-assistant-for-optimizely/ https://optimizely.blog/2025/01/introducing-ai-assistance-for-dblocalizationprovider/ https://optimizely.blog/2024/12/video-guides-image-generation-features-within-optimizely/ https://optimizely.blog/2024/11/recrafts-image-generation-with-ai-assistant-for-optimizely/ https://optimizely.blog/2024/08/bring-your-own-ai-now-available-in-optimizely-cms-commerce/ https://optimizely.blog/2024/03/new-features-ai-assistant-for-optimizely/ https://optimizely.blog/2024/08/working-with-translations-in-optimizely/ https://optimizely.blog/2024/02/introducing-image-transformer---ai-assistant-for-optimizely/ https://optimizely.blog/2024/01/ask-ai-feature-within-the-ai-assistant-for-optimizely/ https://optimizely.blog/2023/09/ai-assistant-the-change-tone-shortcut/

Change log

4.1.0 - 2026-08-12

• Added a new administration experience for managing AI assistants and instructions
• Added persistent assistant and instruction stores for chat configuration
• Added embedded instruction store support and instruction resolution for chat and property editor scenarios
• Improved CMS 13 compatibility for Language Manager gadget settings deserialization

4.0.1 - 2026-05-10

• Add category capabilities
• Add statistics sources
• Add Image Generation and transformation with gpt-image-2 for Azure and OpenAI
• Bugfixes to the chat when sending code and Token manager

4.0.0 - 2026-04-20

• Refactor and new features for CMS 13 and .NET 10, but also compatible with CMS 12 and .NET 8
• Tools for Visitor Groups and Display Options in content area items

3.0.0 - 2026-02-12

• NEW MAJOR FEATURE: AI Chat Window - Standalone conversational AI assistant integrated into Optimizely CMS
  • Chat Interface - Floating, resizable chat window accessible from CMS toolbar
  • Context Management - Drag-and-drop content attachment with context overlay UI
  • Session History - Persistent conversation history with message management
  • Tool Packs - Modular tool loading system (Work Content, Update, Publish, Create, Image)
  • Lazy Loading - Efficient context and tool loading for optimal performance
  • @ Mentions - Autocomplete tool discovery in chat and property editors
  • Chat Settings - User preferences for chat behavior and display
  • Feedback System - Built-in feedback and thumbs up/down for chat responses
  • Multi-language Support - Full localization support for chat UI
  • Instruction System - Priority-based instruction hierarchy for chat behavior customization
• NEW FEATURE: Chat Instructions - Customizable AI behavior through markdown instruction files
• NEW FEATURE: Context Overlay Manager - Visual interface for managing attached content and context
• NEW FEATURE: Tool Pack System - Group related tools with instructions for better AI understanding
• NEW FEATURE: Chat Suggestions - Quick action suggestions based on conversation context
• ENHANCED: Tool System - Expanded tool capabilities specifically for chat scenarios
• BREAKING CHANGE: Removed Dalle-3 support - Use Recraft AI, Gemini, gpt-image-1.5 instead
• Improved tool discovery with @ mention functionality in property editors
• New chat storage manager for session persistence

2.0.4 - 2026-01-25

• New FEATURE: The Image Analyzing Service can now run on additional media types that inherit from MediaData, for example QBank media types.

2.0.3 - 2026-01-20

• New FEATURE: Recommended models for Azure and OpenAI following the retirement of GPT-4o, GPT-5.2 and GPT-image-1.5.
• Bug fix: Resolved an issue where generated images were not displayed.
• Bug fix: Resolved an issue when saving images with excessively long names. This also fixed a high impact issue where alt text generation could enter a loop.

2.0.0 - 2025-10-08

• NEW FEATURE: Tools for AI - use external tools with AI with Function calling or MCP
• NEW FEATURE: Add tools to your shortcuts

1.17.4 - 2025-10-09

• Bugfix, dependency issue

1.17.3 - 2025-09-09

• NEW FEATURE: Gemini Nano Banana (gemini-2.5-flash-image)
• Bugfix, bug in translation functionality when working with websites missing wildcard (*) in configuration
• Bugfix, missing button label in Ask AI dialog

1.17.2 - 2025-09-07

• Bugfix, naming of images is automatic with AI.
• Bugfix, when translations error, return errormessage + original input.

1.17.0 - 2025-06-09

• NEW FEATURE: Google Gemini AI Provider, use Google Gemini AI as a provider for AI Assistant + Google "Imagen"

1.16.0 - 2025-04-28

• NEW FEATURE: Use AI to refine and generate a detailed prompt

1.15.0 - 2025-03-06

• NEW FEATURE: New image features, replace background, remove background, generate variations.
• Implement loader in the UI image download
• Bugfix, Ask AI some times returns text instead of html.
• Bugfix, duplicate download of image in tinymce

1.14.2 - 2025-02-04

• NEW FEATURE: DisabledSites - disable functionality on specific sites in solution
• Bugfix, download image RTE

1.14.1 - 2025-01-20

• Bugfix, Ask AI not opening the dialog

1.14.0 - 2025-01-16

• NEW FEATURE: Smart Image Analyzer, advanced AI capabilities to analyze images and automatically populate media object properties. When images are uploaded into Optimizely CMS.
• NEW FEATURE: DBLocalizationProvider AI Assistance
• refactor frontend

1.13.6 - 2024-12-01

• NEW FEATURE: Recraft AI Image Generation, style and sizes in the ui added + new actions on images: remove background

1.13.0 - 2024-11-10

• NEW FEATURE: Recraft AI Image Generation

1.12.1 - 2024-10-29

• The UI is now localized in nl, da
• Bugfix, issue caused in admin user interface

1.12 - 2024-10-22

• The UI is now localized in en, sv, dk, nb, fi, fr, de, es
• Refactor Startup registrations

1.11 - 2024-09-25

• Options Pattern in startup
• New shortcut SEO Description
• Bugfixes when use EnableOnAllInputs

1.10 - 2024-08-23

• NEW FEATURE: Custom AI - connect any AI to the service
• NEW FEATURE: Customize AI instruction per translation language
• NEW FEATURE: Customize AI model per translation language
• NEW FEATURE: IPreProcessAiRequest - Represents an interface for pre-processing AI request data before sending it to AI.
• Size dialogs
• Error message in pagetype properties of block type when in "Create state"
• Translations not working in properties of block type
• Better error handling when using placeholders (::this::)
• Known Issue: Properties and Required properties in "Create state" on pages are not translatable with the AI in this state.

1.9 - 2024-04-19

• ENHANCED FEATURE: User roles can now be assigned globally or on a per-property basis to manage access to AI-Assistant

1.8 - 2024-03-26

• ENHANCED FEATURE: Ask AI window supports now history and more useful features

1.7 - 2024-03-20

• NEW FEATURE: Enable Minimal mode and disable AutoSuggest on inputfields

1.6 - 2024-02-12

• NEW FEATURE: Image Variation with GPT-4-Vision and Dalle-3
• NEW FEATURE: Post process images
• Support for custom Edit UI path
• End of support for Dalle-2

1.5 - 2024-01-24

• NEW FEATURE: Ask AI new prompt window
• Epicweb.Optimizely.AIAssistant.LanguageManager is released version 1.1 ⇒ bugfix when translating "Questions"

1.4 - 2023-11-19

• NEW FEATURE: Introducing Dalle-3
• NEW FEATURE: Add more shortcuts out of the box (SEO Title Prompt)

1.3 - 2023-10-23

• Compatibility with Episerver.Labs.LanguageManager
• Epicweb.Optimizely.AIAssistant.LanguageManager is released version 1.0

1.2 - 2023-09-27

• NEW FEATURE: Add Provider for Azure OpenAI Services
• Add more shortcuts out of the box (Change tone)

1.1 - 2023-08-29

• NEW FEATURE: Add AI to Rich Text Editor
• NEW FEATURE: Add shortcuts