> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.cassidyai.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect Cassidy to external tools

> Learn how to connect external content and systems through Knowledge Base integrations, Connectors, Workflows, and secure credentials.

Give Cassidy access to the right external information and actions while keeping permissions and credentials under control.

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## What you'll learn

* When to use a [Knowledge Base integration](/knowledge-base/setup), [Connector](/agents/connectors/overview), or [Workflow](/workflows/overview)
* How synced content gives Cassidy searchable company context with citations
* How Connectors let Agents read and update live information in business apps
* How personal and shared connections affect whose external account and permissions Cassidy uses
* How to connect unsupported systems with [Custom Connectors](/agents/connectors/mcp-servers), webhooks, or API requests
* How to protect credentials with secret storage and narrowly scoped access

## Put it into practice

<Steps>
  <Step title="Choose the right connection method">
    Use a Knowledge Base integration for searchable company content, a Connector for live reads and writes in an Agent conversation, or a Workflow for a repeatable process with defined Triggers and Actions.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Test access and approvals">
    Connect one business app and test a read action. Before enabling writes, review whether the connection is personal or shared and when Cassidy should ask for approval.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Connect a non-native system">
    Create a Custom Connector when the service provides an MCP server. For other systems, use a webhook or the **Send API Request** Workflow Action.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Protect credentials">
    Store credentials in Workflow secret keys or a Skill's **API Keys & Headers** settings. Never place credentials directly in instructions, prompts, or code.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Warning>
  Shared connections let other people act through the connected account. Grant
  only the access your team needs and review write permissions before sharing.
</Warning>

## Related learning

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Overview of integrations" icon="plug" href="/integrations/overview">
    Compare the ways Cassidy connects to external systems.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Connect and manage business apps" icon="link" href="/agents/connectors/overview">
    Configure live data access for Agents.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Connect non-native apps" icon="code" href="/integrations/connect-non-native-apps">
    Use webhooks and APIs when Cassidy has no native integration.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Understand prompt engineering" icon="arrow-right" href="/university/prompt-engineering-explained">
    Continue by writing clearer instructions for connected work.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>