> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://agenticadvertisingorg-feature-feedback.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Capability Discovery

> AdCP capability discovery — understand what creative formats a seller supports and which properties they represent before buying media.

Before you can effectively buy advertising through AdCP, you need to understand two fundamental capabilities: **what creative formats are supported** and **which properties sales agents are authorized to represent**. This section covers the tools and concepts that form the foundation of AdCP's advertising ecosystem.

## What You'll Learn

### [Implementing Standard Format Support](/docs/media-buy/capability-discovery/implementing-standard-formats) 🎨

Learn how sales agents can support standard creative formats through the reference creative agent. Learn how to:

* Reference standard IAB formats without replicating them
* Implement custom formats for unique inventory
* Use format ID namespacing to prevent conflicts
* Combine standard and custom format support
* Validate format compatibility with advertising products
* Leverage the Standard Creative Agent for standard formats
* Work with publisher-specific creative agents for custom formats

### [Understanding Authorization](/docs/governance/property/authorized-properties) 🔐

Learn how AdCP prevents unauthorized resale and ensures sales agents are legitimate. Understand:

* The problem of unauthorized resale in digital advertising
* How publishers authorize sales agents via `adagents.json`
* How to validate sales agent authorization before purchasing
* Property tags and large-scale authorization management

<Note>
  **Cross-Protocol Foundation**: The `adagents.json` authorization system applies across ALL AdCP protocols (Media Buy, Signals, and future Curation). See the [adagents.json specification](/docs/governance/property/adagents) for complete implementation details.
</Note>

## Foundation Tasks

These capability discovery tasks provide the reference data needed for effective AdCP workflows:

### [`get_adcp_capabilities`](/docs/protocol/get_adcp_capabilities)

The primary capability discovery task. Returns protocol versions, supported features, portfolio information, and governance capabilities in a single call. Use this as your first interaction with any AdCP agent.

### [`list_creative_formats`](/docs/creative/task-reference/list_creative_formats)

Discover all supported creative formats with detailed specifications including dimensions, file types, duration limits, and technical requirements.

## Integration Pattern

Capability discovery typically happens early in your AdCP workflow:

1. **Discover Capabilities**: Call [`get_adcp_capabilities`](/docs/protocol/get_adcp_capabilities) to learn what the agent supports
2. **Understand Formats**: Call [`list_creative_formats`](/docs/creative/task-reference/list_creative_formats) to learn supported creative types
3. **Validate Authorization**: Check the `media_buy.portfolio` from capabilities, then verify via publisher `adagents.json`
4. **Discover Products**: Search for advertising inventory with [`get_products`](/docs/media-buy/task-reference/get_products)
5. **Plan Creatives**: Match discovered products to available formats for production planning
6. **Execute Campaigns**: Create media buys with confidence in format compatibility and authorization

## Why This Matters

### Creative Formats

* **Production Planning**: Know requirements before creating assets
* **Creative Agents**: Leverage AI-powered agents to build and validate creatives
* **Platform Compatibility**: Ensure creatives work across advertising platforms
* **Cost Efficiency**: Avoid recreating assets due to specification mismatches
* **Quality Assurance**: Meet technical standards for optimal performance
* **Preview Capabilities**: Test creative rendering before campaign launch

### Authorized Properties

* **Fraud Prevention**: Avoid unauthorized sellers and inventory fraud
* **Brand Safety**: Ensure you're buying from legitimate property owners
* **Legal Compliance**: Maintain clear audit trails of authorized transactions
* **Trust Building**: Create confidence in the advertising supply chain

Together, these capabilities provide the foundation for safe, efficient, and effective advertising through AdCP.

## Related Documentation

* **[Task Reference](/docs/media-buy/task-reference/)** - Complete API documentation
* **[Product Discovery](/docs/media-buy/product-discovery/)** - Finding advertising inventory
* **[Creatives](/docs/media-buy/creatives/)** - Creative asset management
* **[Creative Protocol](/docs/creative/)** - Creative agents and manifests
* **[Creative Channel Guides](/docs/creative/channels/video)** - Format examples and patterns
* **[Creative Manifests](/docs/creative/creative-manifests)** - Understanding creative specifications
* **[adagents.json Specification](/docs/governance/property/adagents)** - Publisher authorization system (applies across all AdCP protocols)