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

# Get Started

> Learn how to connect and start using CriaChat.

# Your first steps with CriaChat

This section gets your workspace ready for real operations: inboxes, agents, channels, and the minimum validation to go live with confidence.

## Before you begin

Have these ready:

* Your CriaChat workspace access (admin recommended)
* Your WhatsApp provider setup details (or the channel credentials you’ll connect)
* A test contact/number for end-to-end validation

## 1) Create your workspace

Set up your **Workspace (Account)** and basic preferences:

* workspace name
* timezone
* business hours (recommended for operations and reporting)
* your user profile (for attribution and audit trails)

## 2) Create your first inbox

An **Inbox** is the operational queue where your team handles conversations.

Recommended approach:

* one inbox per operation (Sales, Support, Scheduling)
* define ownership rules (who handles what)
* agree on internal notes standards (what must be recorded)

## 3) Connect a channel

CriaChat is WhatsApp-first. You can connect additional channels depending on what is enabled for your workspace.

After connecting:

* send a test inbound message
* confirm it appears in the expected inbox
* reply from CriaChat and confirm delivery
* validate media and formatting on both sides

## 4) Invite and assign agents

Add your team members and connect them to inboxes.

Operational checklist:

* confirm each agent sees the right inbox(es)
* set roles/permissions (admin vs agent) according to your workflow
* decide how assignments work (manual, round-robin, automation-driven)

## 5) Set your “minimum viable operation”

Before going live, define:

* response time expectations (internal)
* escalation path (when to hand off, who is responsible)
* tags you will actually use (keep it small at first)
* a few standard replies for common intents

## 6) Optional: Automations and webhooks

Once the inbox is stable, expand with:

* routing rules (by tag, inbox, agent availability)
* webhook triggers to notify or sync external tools
* integrations with CRM, calendar, payments, and ops tooling

## 7) Optional: Use the APIs

If you want programmatic control, CriaChat provides APIs for:

* internal operations and automations (Application APIs)
* end-user chat experiences and custom widgets (Client APIs)

Start with **API Reference → Introduction** for authentication and quick examples.